[HEY If anyone wants to see the picture of the things that are described in this story go to the Scribble Hub version of this fanfic and search for this story. There should be picture or concept art that is embedded into the story. And if you are already here then Thank you and please enjoy this chapter.]
This work is purely fanfiction and doesn't have any relation to the property of Marvel Comics.
I don't own Marvel Comics or any mentioned media in this Fic.
All rights are reserved to those Companies.
Rated M, 18 and Above for Violent and Sexual Content.
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Marvel: Genesis Arcana.
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The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting— Sun Tzu.
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[Chapter 4: The Recruit.]
20 minutes earlier…
Boston City, in the state of Massachusetts of the Marvel version of the USA.
"Not that I'm complaining about finally encountering some fresh faces aside from you... but, how exactly do you intend to house your new... addition?" Cooper asks, skeptically raising an eyebrow while folding her arms beneath her substantial chest. The artificially intelligent woman in a bikini looks around at the makeshift space they're in and adds, "This Unit storage isn't exactly designed for extended human living, darling. And now you're considering inviting visitors from an entirely different universe too?"
"I know, I know," Vine replied with a nod as he finished putting on the Exo-skeleton which was previously stored in a case with the Atlas Corporation logo on it. The metal limbs unfolded smoothly around him, clicking into place with a series of satisfying sounds. He looked down at the completed ensemble with a critical eye, making sure everything was perfect for the operation ahead. "Sure, I might have been a bit overzealous about this. And yes, we should probably invest in a proper base of operations if we're planning to expand our group. But don't worry about it, my dear artificial friends. I've already got a terrific plan in mind."
"Oh? Care to share with the class, darling?" The UNSC Smart AI quipped, her tone dripping a bit of curiosity and a bit of sarcasm at the same time, her little Avatar was now sitting on the edge of the table with her toned digital legs dangling as she watched the Frenchman suit up.
"Well… Sorry, no spoiler, Coop." The Frenchman responded with a smirk as he turned to the weapon rack, instead of picking a more sci-fi weapon. Vine decided to go with something a bit more traditional. A P90 and A Glock 17 with a suppressor. "You have to wait and see for yourself…"
"Aww… you are no fun, Vine!" Cooper pouted, her digital hologram's cheeks puffing out slightly in a playful display of disappointment. But she quickly dismissed the thought, her gaze returning to the screens displaying the various villainesses from the DC comics, each accompanied by a list of their abilities and powers. "Anyway, you said these are villainesses, right? What exactly are you looking for? And more importantly, how do you plan on keeping them in line? These are some very dangerous women you know?"
"Yes, yes there are. And what am I looking for? Perhaps someone powerful, like a Kryptonian perhaps… or maybe an Amazon…" Vine trailed off as he opened a compartment under the advanced workshop before taking out a thin-looking palm-hand size cylindrical device and Showing it off to Cooper. "And how do I plan on keeping them in line? This… is a Neuralyzer and you can already tell where I am going with this… However, I've also got another plan in mind that I want to experiment with, called it an insurance policy, if you will..."
Cooper observes the Frenchman's action with a hint of curiosity as the Frenchman takes hold of his notebook for the second time that very day. "Hold on just a moment," The UNSC AI says, raising an eyebrow, "What do you have in mind this time? Are you going to spawn something into existence once again?"
"Yup," Vine replied, a thoughtful expression on his face as he began to write on a fresh page. The pen glided across the paper, leaving a trail of dark. "However, This time, I want to see if I could create something entirely original, unrelated to any existing media or story. I'm aiming to see if my notebook can generate a completely new and original item that no one has ever heard of or seen before. This is the plan that came to my mind: a highly advanced mind control device—a sort of magical or sci-fi collar. Sure, we have seen such a concept in the media before but almost all of them essentially function the same. I'm looking for something far more versatile, powerful, and adaptable. Think of it as an ultra-sharp, ultra-reliable Swiss Army knife that you can wear around your neck, activated and controlled solely by its owner. I've already thought of the name: The OmniCollar ™."
"The OmniCollar?" The leopard bikini-clad AI, questioned with a hint of skepticism, her digital eyebrow slightly arched as she observed the flurry of movement from Vine's writing instrument gliding across the paper. "That sounds very... interesting… but I have to ask: what exactly do you plan to do with it? Isn't mind control somewhat kind of bad, Vine?"
Vine's smile was cold and calculated as he continued to write, his pen movements bold and assured. "My targets are far from innocent, Coop. We're talking about supervillainess here and more specifically the absolute worst of them all. The Women who have proven themselves a menace to society, who refuse reason or clemency and pose a threat to everyone around them. Murderers, tyrants, monsters, you name it. Women who have taken countless lives and committed horrific acts. If all of these women can't play by the rules, we'll make them play by ours. We won't just keep them as pets; we are going to turn them into obedient servants, we'll give them a purpose, a chance to use their powers and skills for something far more than wanton destruction and Chaos. And if they refuse..." He paused, his voice dropping to a low, menacing tone. "They'll face the consequences… preferably under my boot…"
Cooper was somewhat surprised by the vindictive manner of the Frenchman as he concluded his hasty scribbling in the notebook. Just as with the previous piece of Nth metal, something materialized out of nowhere and landed on the workshop table. Vine retrieved the seemingly innocuous black briefcase, scrutinizing it. Upon finding it to be unremarkable, he unlatched it with a click. To his satisfaction, he discovered an instruction manual and, at last, the very object he had been searching for within the case's interior.
It was an unassuming collar, not particularly striking at first glance, crafted in a sleek jet black that could easily blend with the attire of any of their 'acquisitions'. Upon closer inspection, Vine noted that it was composed of what appeared to be Velcro straps, which allowed for adjustments to fit various neck sizes, and was adorned with what seemed to be a micro LCD screen, as well as a peculiar D-shaped ring situated at the base of the neck. To the uninformed observer, this might have passed off as an advanced pet collar, boasting cutting-edge technology for tracking or training purposes. However, the Frenchman knew better.
"It's a bit... minimalistic, isn't it?" Cooper remarks, her digital eyes scrutinizing the device in Vine's hands. The Omnicollar didn't look particularly threatening or powerful, it just looked normal, almost too mundane to be what Vine described. "What does the manual say?"
"Well… this thing doesn't have to look fancy or intimidating, Coop. It only needed to work and that's exactly what I'm expecting it to accomplish." Vine said, his eyes began to scan through the manual with a studious expression as he began to skim through the instructions and technicalities. "According to this, I need to give it a… blood offering? For the Collar to register me as its owner, I need to use a drop of my blood, which will bind it to me permanently. Once activated, only I can control its settings and features, either manually on the collar itself or remotely with an… app. Hmm, How very modern of it," The Frenchman mused, raising an eyebrow. "It said that there is an optional QR Code for the app once I'm done setting it up, and it will sync to any smart device which also includes… AI."
"Wait… hold on a moment, sync what now? What does that mean?" Cooper's digital eyes narrowed as she leaned closer to the collar, inspecting it with a mix of fascination and suspicion before shaking her head, and turning to face her creator. "And How many features does this thing have, exactly?"
"Over 60, apparently, and I haven't even mentioned the countless sub-features and customize options." Vine shares, his eyes darting over the manual with intrigue. "Ranging from basic location tracking and remote activation to advanced capabilities like emotional regulation, free will adjustment, and health monitoring - both physical and metaphysical, the collar can also change its physical appearance and it's adaptive, meaning it can assess the wearer's unique biological, psychological, and magical footprint to optimize its influence… and HOLY SHIT!"
"What? What's wrong?" The UNSC Smart AI inquired, her digital form leaning in closer, her eyes wide with concern as she watched Vine's reaction. "Is there something in the manual that you didn't expect?"
Vine shook his head in disbelief and nodded at Cooper as he began to read out the last line. "Yup, it said here that this baby is rated for… get this, demi-god-level control!" he says with a touch of awe, before shaking his head, a slight smile appearing on his face. "Yeah… this could definitely work nicely with what I have in mind…"
"Hmm… Well… this has certainly been… interesting, to say the least. However, let's get back to the current matter. While I am still totally excited to venture into the field for the first time in my existence, I must admit that the entire mission gives me a bit of a pause. The plan seems overly risky and thrown together with haste," Cooper stated, her digital gaze trailing Vine as he meticulously stowed the OmniCollar and Neuralyzer into a compartment of his Nth metal utility belt. An expression of anxiety flitted across her face. "But it's clear that you're fully invested in this mission. So, let me shift the focus to another concern, something more personal. What about Miss Emma? She's likely to be curious, if not worried when she wakes up and finds you missing. And what if the poor girl encounters trouble while you're away?"
"Hmm… Well, I already did leave some sort of note back at the place to let Enma know that I will be gone briefly on some business. But You made a Good point there, My artificial friends," said Vine with a nod, furrowing his brow in contemplation. "We're dealing with the sometimes bullshit nature of the Marvel universe, and I'm certainly not naive enough to leave someone as significant as Emma Frost unprotected while I'm off gallivanting in another dimension." Vine's playfulness was momentarily overshadowed by a touch of gravity. He paused, then snapped his fingers, as if an idea had just occurred to him. "Hold on," he said, reaching for his notebook before writing in it. "I think I might have the perfect solution in mind."
Vine finished scribbling in his notebook, remaining unfazed as something abruptly materialized before their eyes, similar to the initial occurrence with the Nth metal and the OmniCollar. A female form appeared in the room, completely naked, her buxom figure fully exposed as she landed on one knee. The impact echoed with a distinct, almost metallic sound, causing her ample and round breasts to sway enticingly. The Brunette then began to rise, her movements stiff and robotic, turning to fully face her creator and inadvertently giving him an eyeful of her naked body, her eyes remaining closed the entire time.
Vine found his gaze inexorably drawn to her. Her body was akin to a sculpture, flawless and smooth, with perfectly round, firm breasts tipped with pink nipples. They were perhaps a touch smaller than Emma Frost's own pair, but no less eye-catching. The brunette was fit and toned, her muscles beautifully defined, adding to her overall allure. Her ass was perfectly round and bubbly, her hips gently curved, and her thighs toned. Yet, it was her face that truly captivated the Frenchman. Her features were delicate and refined, with high cheekbones and full lips that hinted at a sultry smile. She was simply stunning, her lack of clothing only serving to accentuate her natural allure and leaving Vine unable to look away.
Cooper's digital eyes widened as her creator's newest creation stood up and faced him, revealing her entire body. She was indeed a breathtaking sight. The AI couldn't help but admire the brunette woman's curves, her perfectly sculpted figure, and her beautiful face. But something seemed off about the newly formed woman, and it took her a moment to realize what it was.
"Is she a robot of some kind?" Cooper asked, her voice tinged with curiosity as she took in the sight of the naked, lifelike woman. "She's certainly... aesthetically pleasing."
"Yeah… you hit the nail on both accounts there, Coop," Vine murmured, his eyes raking over the brunette's nude form appreciatively. "It's a Terminator or Terminatrix, depending on how you like your pronouns served up. If I remember my lore correctly, This… beauty… is a T-950 model, She is a step up from the T-900 Terminator line or anything below her. She is like Skynet's attempt at a T-X warm-up act. The T-950 boasts a mix of living tissue and hyperalloy-armored endoskeleton like the T-900, but with the added flair of those nifty, shape-shifting arms that hide an arsenal of weapons, just like a T-X would and… this one right here will be Emma's protector."
"Heh, just like John Connor…" Cooper remarks, a playful smirk playing on her lips as she takes in the sight of the naked Terminatrix. Despite her robotic nature, the mechanical woman's beauty was undeniable, with a body that looked as if it had been carved by the hands of a master sculptor. Her skin was flawless, her curves in all the right places, and an air of confidence that seemed to radiate from her very essence—even if it was all programmed. "Terminatrix, Are your systems fully operational?"
"Affirmative." The Terminatrix's voice emerged, a blend of metallic sharpness and a faint seductive undertone, a residue from her original design. The robotic brunette's eyes snapped open, revealing an intense shade of ruby that seemed to penetrate everything they fell upon. As Termovision flickered into action, she meticulously swept the room with a gaze that was as chilling as it was precise. "I am fully operational in combat mode and await additional directives."
Both Vine and Cooper acknowledged the Terminatrix's affirmation with nods of approval. The Frenchman then gave a sharp clap. "Okay, it's time to get this show on the road," The Frenchman said. "Cooper, go ahead and fill The Terminatrix in on her current assignment, and ensure she has full access to all relevant intel for her current mission. Meanwhile, I'll hook her up with some… suitable attire… The Terminatrix will have unlimited access to our arsenal to tackle her mission effectively. Does that work for you, Terminatrix?"
"Affirmative." The Terminatrix's response was swift and cold, the precision of her language a stark contrast to the warm, inviting tones of Cooper's digital voice.
"Excellent… Now where were we?"
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The Solitary confinement wing of A.R.G.U.S. High-Security Female Detention Facility in the DCU version of the United States.
Present Time.
"HEY! FREEZE! IDENTIFY YOURSELF! WHO ARE YOU—"
-*FLASH*-
"How are we looking, Cooper?" Vine questions after he neuralyzed another group of guards in front of him and the technician that was stationed behind the security glass. His voice is calm and composed as if he's inquiring about the weather rather than infiltrating one of the world's most secure prisons. His current position is at some sort of an advanced and sophisticated security station and checkpoint that would lead to the final gateway of the solitary confinement sector, where the most perilous females are isolated and under constant scrutiny. "Any unforeseen issues or obstacles?"
"Smooth sailing, darling," Cooper reassures him, her hologram materializes on one of the terminals, and her voice emanates from the Frenchman's earpiece. "All electronic barriers and surveillance systems are down. The path to your goal is unobstructed."
"Excellent," Vine replies, his gaze fixed on the solitary wing gate as it opened slowly. "Stay ready to activate the inhibitor collar if any of the women show signs of being… uncooperative…" Vine says, his gaze flickering towards the solitary confinement wing as the Neuralyzer is holstered at his side. "Anyway, Let's greet our so-called recruits, shall we? And see if they are in the mood to talk or not..."
The Solitary Wing has an eerie, almost antiseptic quality to it, evoking the unsettling ambiance of a Silent Hill game, but swapping out its usual monsters for supervillains. The stark whiteness of the walls is broken only by crimson warning stripes, contributing to the asylum-like atmosphere. A heavy scent of despair permeates the air, enveloping every inch of the space as if it were a tangible presence. The silence is profound, almost touchable, only occasionally disrupted by the distant, rhythmic drip of water escaping a faulty pipe. Throughout the corridors, cameras stand as silent, vigilant observers, their unblinking eyes monitoring the most perilous residents of the prison.
Its hallway on either side was lined with rows of reinforced cell doors, each with a small viewing window. Vine stepped through the gate, his Exo-cloak fully turned on this time, making his form completely imperceptible to the naked eyes of any cameras or anyone who might happen to pass by. His steps were silent as if he were gliding through the corridor rather than walking. He paused at the first cell on his right, peering through the small, thick glass pane into the dimly lit space beyond.
There he saw a very intimidating yet attractive-looking woman in an A.R.G.U.S prison jumpsuit sitting in a dark corner of the cell, her piercing silver eyes seemingly looking straight through the thick glass. Her hair was a cascade of silver locks that shimmered slightly even in the dim light. She was tall and slender, with an attractive figure that was hinted at by the tight fit of the orange jumpsuit she wore. Her skin was a pale white, almost ghostly, and she had a stern expression etched onto her skull-looking face, a stark reminder of the fierce warrior she was outside of these walls.
"Silver Banshee…" Cooper murmured into Vine Earpiece as he turned from the Supervillain cell and continued. Her digital eyes scanned the information that was popping up on the screen in front of her. "Her real name is Siobhan McDougal. She's got the power of sonic screams capable of leveling buildings, inducing fear, and even flight. Her vocal cords are so powerful that they can cut through steel. And she's got a nasty temper to match."
"Yeah… I know, but she is not our current target, not yet anyway," Vine said as he moved away from the cell, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead. Passing by cells with more notorious inmates, such as Livewire, what looks like a Mary Marvel look alike, and Cheetah, he noted their displeasure with their current circumstances with a twinge of amusement. "But I will definitely keep her in mind for future plans if she is still locked up here..."
"So, who do you have in mind then?" The UNSC Smart AI's curiosity peaked as she observed the cells with the same intensity as Vine, her digital eyes flicking from screen to screen as he approached each one.
"Her." The Frenchman discreetly gestured towards a cell a few doors away. There, an alluring woman was leaning against the reinforced barrier, her standard issue A.R.G.U.S. orange jumpsuit anything but standard in its fit. The garment clung to her body like a second skin, tracing every luscious curve and generous contour of her figure. It hugged her wide hips and draped over her ample breasts, which were emphasized by a zipper pulled down just enough to reveal a tantalizing hint of cleavage—a view that was far from institutional and left little to the imagination. By Vine's appreciative estimation, her figure rivaled or even surpassed Emma's own, possessing a fullness that was impossible to ignore.
Vine couldn't help but stare as he approached her cell, her beauty possibly rivaled that of her heroic counterpart, though her once pristine blond locks were now a tangled mess, dulled by a layer of grime. The clone remained seated, speaking to herself in an indistinguishable murmur, appearing to be completely unaware of his presence. Those eyes, a piercing shade of blue, were haunted by madness and the traces of recent tears, offering a stark contrast to the vacant stare she directed at the wall. "Galatea, the deranged Supergirl clone," he uttered softly.
"Clone of Power Girl, actually, "Cooper gently corrected, her digital voice soft in his ear. "According to StarLab's biological data, Galatea is more of a genetic duplicate of Power Girl rather than Supergirl. While her abilities mirror those of a Kryptonian, her mental state is... alarmingly volatile. Her psychological profile indicates extreme narcissism, leading her to view herself as superior and her genetic counterparts, Power Girl and possibly even Supergirl, as inferior—even expendable. Her strength, speed, and endurance match Kryptonian levels, but her lack of self-control and erratic behavior are what make her truly dangerous. This instability is evident in her repeated attempts to destroy the Superman family, driven by an obsessive misguided desire to prove herself as the sole, true Power Woman…"
"Right… Anything else?" Vine inquired with a raised eyebrow as he scrutinized the clone through the window.
"Well, based on the information presented, it's theorized that she was crafted using stolen and illegally obtained Kryptonian technology," Cooper elaborated, her tone a blend of wonder and wariness. "Her genetic composition is a remarkable blend of... surprisingly... Amazon genetics and Kryptonian genetics, which undeniably makes her a very formidable specimen indeed," she went on. "However, It's worth noting that despite the hybrid nature, her genetic structure is predominantly 90% Kryptonian."
"Amazon DNA?" Vine parroted, his gaze sharpening. "Now, that's a new one. How the hell did they manage to pull that off? And how did they get access to such rare genetic material?"
"The specifics are currently elusive, darling," Cooper replied, her digital intonation unflappable. "But what's evident is that Project Cadmus was dabbling in some serious genetic engineering, and they had the means to back it up."
"Hmmm… duly noted, we could use her, let's see if the neuralyzer could even work on a Kryptonian much less a deranged hybrid clone of one," Vine mused, his eyes narrowing as he studied Galatea through the small window. Her eyes remained unfocused, lost in a world of her own making. "If not, we have the OmniCollar to fall back on. However, the real question is… How am I going to go about this…"
The Frenchman stepped closer, briefly uncloaking and gesturing towards the camera where Vine knew that the UNSC Smart AI was watching through its lens. With meticulous care, he arrived at the biometric scanner of the cell entrance and pulled out an object from his belt. Initially, it had the appearance of a refined combat knife, its dark blade emitting a subtle gleam in the faint illumination. Without warning, he plunged it into the scanner's edge and exerted force, leading to the outer cover of the device popping open and exposing a chaotic web of wires and circuitry underneath.
That is when Vine activated the knife, causing the dark blade to hum with a faint, pulsing energy. The edge of the weapon shifted, revealing its true nature: the Data Knife, a state-of-the-art implement hailing from the Titanfall universe, crafted with the intent to bisect not merely tangible substances, but encrypted digital obstacles. The blade, forged from a blend of advanced alloys, was embedded with nanocircuits capable of interfacing with electronic systems.
As the Frenchman pressed the knife deeper into the exposed circuitry, its surface shimmered with an electric glow, and the knife's tip connected directly to the scanner's innermost components. A series of rapid pulses of light flickered along the blade, sending a jolt of digital interference through the cell network. The atmosphere surrounding the blade thrummed as if it contained a life force, reshaping the code it encountered.
Within moments, the biometric lock flickered and hummed, its security algorithms overwhelmed by the knife's encoded frequency. The scanner's display turned from red to green, indicating a successful breach. The Frenchman withdrew the knife, which instantly reverted to its sleek, combat-knife form, the glowing energy fading as if it had never been. The cell door slid open with a low hiss, its lock defeated.
Without warning, Galatea, who had been leaning against the door, suddenly tumbled backward as it swung open, a yelp of surprise escaping her lips. Before her head could hit the cold concrete floor, Vine swiftly grabbed her by the collar of her orange jumpsuit and hauled her back into the cell, swiftly closing the door behind them with a resounding clang. Galatea's face was a picture of shock and disbelief as she struggled against the Frenchman's iron grip. She mentally cursed the inhibitor collar that circled her neck, the device effectively robbing her of her full Kryptonian strength and leaving her vulnerable to his overpowering hold.
The Power Girl clone then began to seethe, the rage inside her boiling as she remembered the guards' jeers from the day before, their voices echoing through this cursed facility as they forced her forward. They had gloated about her inhibitor collar, proclaiming it was unique, tailor-made to suppress someone of her caliber. With mocking pride, they explained how it could simulate the effects of a red sun, effectively nullifying her Kryptonian powers. Their words stoked the flames of her rage, and her eyes burned with intense fury. She vowed silently that once free, she would reduce this place to ashes. With renewed determination, she fought against her restraints, but the Frenchman held fast, his grip unshakeable despite her frantic struggles.
"She is an ardente, ain't she? And pretty too…" Vine remarked with a smirk, his eyes glinting with mischief as he studied the enraged Galatea. "I'm going to need you to calm down, ma cherie. We're not here to tango, but if you'd like, we can chat once we're outside these delightful walls."
However, the Kryptonian clone was consumed by her rage, continuing her futile struggle against Vine's iron grip. His hold remained steadfast, reinforced by the exoskeleton that encased his body. Galatea's eyes blazed with an unyielding determination and fury, silently vowing that she would never stop fighting until everyone in the prison was dead and she was free from this hellish place. Seeing no other option, Vine shook his head in disbelief and let out a deep sigh. With an almost bored expression, he retrieved the Neuralyzer, adjusted it to its highest setting, and aimed it directly at the blond face.
-*FLASH*-
Galatea abruptly froze, her pupils dilated as she entered a trance-like state, the Neuralyzer's light bathed her in a bright glow and she went suddenly limp in Vine's grasp. He caught her effortlessly, his grin widening as he watched the rage dissipate from her features, replaced by a vacant stare as he set her down on the bench in the cell. "Ah, that's better," he murmured, the sound echoing off the concrete walls. "Now, this is where the fun began…"
-*SNAP!*-
Vine snapped his fingers sharply in front of Galatea's face, pulling her back from the blank void of her neuralyzed state. The expression on the Frenchman's face changed from one of casual amusement to a stern seriousness as he took out his helmet, rayband sunglasses, and balaclava finally revealing his face to the blonde bombshell. "Tea, are you alright? We are here to rescue you."
"Huh… What? Rescue me?" The now mindwipe clone asked dumbly, her eyes glazed over as she stared at the Frenchman with confusion. "Who are you?"
"Huh? You don't remember me? I am your… daddy…. Vine, remember?" Vine replied with a blank look, his voice firm but not unkind yet inwardly the Frenchman was smirking as he watched as Galatea's eyes searched his face, trying to piece together the fragmented memories that remained. He knew that the Neuralyzer had done its job, but he needed to make sure she was fully compliant before they could proceed.
"Daddy?" The word hung in the air, a mix of confusion and hope coloring her voice. Finally, a look of recognition flickered across her face before she suddenly charged up and tackled Vine in an almost bone-crushing hug. "Daddy! You're here to save me!"
"Yes, yes Daddy is here…" Vine said, his voice strained as he returned the hug with surprising tenderness, his arms wrapped tightly around her. While trying his best to ignore the feeling of the clone's abundant bosom pressing into his chest, as he gently stroked her back. "Now, let's not get too excited. We have to get you out of here first, alright?" He managed to extract himself from her embrace and took a step back, his eyes sweeping over the now docile Galatea.
"But I... I don't understand. What's going on?" Galatea's voice was suddenly trembling as she took in the sight of her 'daddy' face, trying to reconcile her jumbled thoughts with the reality before her. She looked around the cell, her eyes widening in horror as she took in the stark, cold reality of her surroundings.
"Hey, calm down, Tea. Deep breath, okay? Look at Daddy! is what I like to know too but it doesn't matter now." Vine's voice was soothing as he began to stroke her hair, his eyes watching as the Powergirl clone leaned into the touch, calming down slightly. "What's important is that I am here for you and I'm going to get you out of this place and into somewhere secure. You are not safe here, do you understand, Tea?"
The blond woman stiffened and nodded, her eyes wide before becoming fully trusting. Vine stepped back and gave her a nod, satisfied with the effect of the Neuralyzer. He turned to the camera in the corner of the room, knowing Cooper was watching them. "Good work, Darling…" The UNSC AI began with a teasing tone, "You're quite the silver tongue when you want to be. You manage to turn a bloodthirsty Kryptonian into a lovesick puppy with just a few words. Impressive, really."
"Thank you, Co—"
-*BOOOOMMMM!*-
"AHHHH!" Galatea screamed as the ground trembled violently, throwing her off balance. She stumbled, falling into Vine's firm grasp, her full breasts pressing firmly against the hard surface of his exoskeleton. The contact suddenly made her flush deeply, her breath hitching from more than just the sudden shock. The echo of an explosion roared through the solitary wing, lights flickering and walls cracking ominously. Vine, either oblivious to her reaction or unfazed, pulled the Kryptonian clone closer, causing Galatea to blush even more intensely as she tentatively leaned into her "Daddy". Vine's eyes narrowed as he scanned for the source of the disturbance, his grip on the blonde tightening protectively.
"Cooper! Status Report!" Vine bellowed into his earpiece as he tightened his grip on the bewildered Galatea, his eyes scanning the corridor for any sign of the explosion's source. "What the hell is that?"
"Uh-oh… Trouble, maybe?" The UNSC AI's voice was tight with concern as she analyzed the incoming data. "Unknown force breached the northwest perimeter of the facility, with multiple reports of casualty and damage to the outer walls. It seems someone else has decided to crash the party, darling. The system's in chaos, but I'm keeping an eye on the cameras for any visuals."
"Unknown Force?" the Frenchman inquires, his voice resonating with profound gravity. "Provide me with details, immediately!" Vine's command is as pointed as a tack, his eyes focusing intently as the distant echoes of numerous gunshots filter through the compound. Then, a sudden idea strikes him. "On second thought, disregard that directive. Continue to remain on standby." Vine then turned to fully face the blonde hair clone. "And Tea? Daddy is going to ask you for a favor… would you be so kind as to keep watch over me?"
Galatea pauses for a moment as she registers Vine's order before the blond clone nods obediently, her eyes maintaining a slight glazed expression but with a subtle undercurrent of fear visible in her blue mesmerizing irises. The Frenchman takes a moment to appreciate her beauty and then the irony of the situation. The stunning and once-murderous Kryptonian clone now cowered behind him, seeking his protection. A faint smile tugs at Vine's lips as he contemplates the reversal of roles. Then, with the Nth belt at his waist emanating a gentle luminescence, he extends his sensory awareness throughout the entire complex, his eye glowing slightly.
Vine's heightened senses were abruptly overwhelmed by the chaos erupting around him, causing his knees to buckle. Without his exoskeleton, he would have crumpled to the ground. Yet, the Frenchman pressed on, feeling the panic emanating from the inmates in their cells, the guards' frantic efforts to respond to the breach, and the waning life force of those injured in the explosion. The alarm finally blared, plunging the entire facility into lockdown. As Vine focused on the northwest perimeter, his eyes widened in shock at the sight before him. He had to stifle a curse as he quickly identified the mastermind behind the explosion. An army of what seemed to be… ninjas… clashed with the guards, led by none other than... Deathstroke himself, flanked by who Vine presumed to be Lady Vic and Merlyn.
"…"
"League of fucking Assassins..." Vine muttered under his breath after a brief pause, his eyes narrowing as he took in the notorious Slade Wilson and his two infamous allies. Snapping his senses back, Vine shook his head to refocus. "Cooper, you copy?"
"What's the situation, V?" Cooper's voice remained calm in his ear, a stark contrast to the pandemonium around him. "Have you found something that could cause such a ruckus?"
"I do… and I have a hunch that I know what they are here for…" Vine's voice grew tense as he once again extended his senses and watched Deathstroke and his crew cutting through the guards like a hot knife through butter before pulling back. The Frenchman then looked at his wrist pad, checking the time before turning to the Powergirl clone beside him as another plan quickly formed in his mind. "Tea, let's get you out of here, we don't have much time before they storm into this area. If that happens, I can't guarantee your safety, especially not from Deathstroke. He's not one to leave loose ends."
"W-What will you be doing then, Daddy?!" Galatea's voice was soft and laced with fear, a stark contrast to the raging women that had been bubbling in her only moments ago, the reality of her situation set in as the alarms blared. "And wh…where are we going anyway?"
"I've already set up a safe room in another universe—a world much like this one but far removed from any danger that could threaten you here," Vine explained, his voice steady as he directed his will into the Nth metal that had served as his belt throughout the mission. In an instant, a swirling gateway of shadow materialized in the center of the cell. "You'll be secure there. Meanwhile, I have another woman in here to retrieve before the League of Assassins can get here and free her. And rest assured, I fully intend to make their efforts as frustrating and difficult as humanly possible."
The blonde Kryptonian clone felt a shiver down her spine as a mischievous smile spread across her "Daddy" face. He pulled out the notebook, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Hehe… Cooper? I am going to make my way back to you after I extracted our second target. Then we are going to engage in a 'mild amount' of tomfoolery here... A bit of Trolling if you will…"
"Oh? What do you have in mind, Darling?" Cooper inquired with a hint of excitement, her digital voice crackling with anticipation.
"Oh, nothing special… just a little 'harmless' prank that's all..."
…
…
…
At the same time.
City of Metropolis in the state of New York of the DCU version of the USA.
"Thank you for the ride, Karen." Lois grinned at the blonde-haired Kryptonian as she climbed into the vehicle. As they pulled away from the Daily Planet headquarters, the familiar building grew smaller in the rearview mirror.
Night had fallen over Metropolis, the cityscape a sprawling jungle of concrete and steel. Skyscrapers stretched towards the heavens like gleaming, sharpened spires, their lights flickering like stars in a constellation dedicated to commerce and power. This was the home of Superman, one of the most powerful heroes on Earth, and one of the few capable of facing up to the worst the universe had to throw at them.
Of course, he didn't face those threats alone. There were others out there, with powers, skills, or determination just as strong, if not more. Lois was one of them and a woman Superman loved. A woman who had a reputation for uncovering the truth no matter how dangerous or powerful the opposition. Arguably one of Earth's greatest journalists, she had earned her place in the pantheon of heroes, not by donning a cape, but by wielding a pen and a camera.
The bustling streets below hummed with life, oblivious to the watchful eye of their guardian above. Neon signs cast a kaleidoscope of colors over the sidewalks, while the distant hum of traffic lulled the city into a steady rhythm of endless motion. Inside the car, Karen Star, a.k.a. Power Girl, checked the dashboard's navigation system, ensuring they were on the right path to their destination before turning to look at Lois. "It was no problem at all. Besides, it gives me a chance to check up on you, Lois. So, what's the latest on the baby front? Have you managed to break the news to Clark?"
Lois chuckled, her hand instinctively resting on her slightly rounded belly. "Well, I've dropped hints so subtle, they could be mistaken for sonnets, but he's still playing the clueless card." She rolled her eyes playfully, her smile never wavering. "But, I can't blame him. With everything going on, it's hard to focus on anything else. Plus, I've got a feeling he's going to need a superhero-sized manual to prepare for this."
"You know…" The Blonde began as she stopped at a red light, her eyes flicking to Lois briefly before returning to the road. "I could take you to the fortress for a proper check, to make sure that everything's going well with the baby. I know you're not from Krypton, but the technology there might be able to give us some insight into what we're dealing with here."
Lois considered the offer, the weight of it hanging in the air like a sudden shift in gravity. The Kryptonian fortress, a bastion of power and knowledge, is hidden away in the Arctic. It was a place she had visited a few times before, but always with Clark, and always with the understanding that she was a guest in his world. To go there now, without him knowing, it felt almost... sneaky. But she knew that Karen had her best interests at heart, and if there was even a chance that the fortress could provide some insight or reassurance, she had to take it.
"I will consider it. Thank you, Karen." The journalist's voice was a mix of excitement and trepidation. "But let's keep it low-key for now. I don't want to overwhelm him with too much at once. Plus, it's not like I'm really trying to hide it; I'm just waiting for the right moment to tell him."
"Alright, I understand. But if you need anything, you know where to find me," Karen said reassuringly, as the light turned green and the car glided through the intersection. They were approaching the outskirts of the city now, where the towering skyscrapers gave way to shorter, older buildings, their facades a patchwork of faded billboards and graffiti. "Anyway, does anyone else know about it? Maybe Jimmy? Or your mom?"
"Martha knows about it, she was pretty excited when I told her," Lois said, her voice filled with warmth as she thought about her mother-in-law. "But other than her and you, it's just me and my morning sickness keeping this secret for now. I've been attributing it to a minor stomach issue when talking to Jimmy, but I won't be able to maintain the secrecy for much longer. Oh, and I should definitely let Kara in on the news as well; it's something to include on the agenda for sure," she mused, considering the implications.
"Hmm…Have you considered taking maternity leave?" Karen asked as they drove deeper into the less affluent part of the city. The glow of the neon signs grew dimmer as the night enveloped the streets in shadows. "I'm mean, with everything that's been happening, it might be for the best, especially with you being so... 'delicate' right now."
Lois raised an eyebrow at the term 'delicate'. "I'm not a china doll, Karen," she said firmly. "But I will admit that I've been thinking about it. The baby comes first, obviously. But I can't just sit around and do nothing, especially with the kind of world we live in."
"Heh… ain't that the truth…" Karen muttered to herself as they finally reached Lois and Clark's apartment.
-*BEEP BEEP BEEP!*-
However, the conversation was abruptly cut off by the wail of the JLA communication device in Karen's utility belt. Both women tensed, their eyes locking on the glowing emblem. The quiet evening was shattered by the urgent call to action. Karen's hand flew to the device, flipping it open. "This can't be good," she murmured, her brow furrowing with concern before it turned into a grimace at the message that scrolled across the screen. "Ah… Rao… You gotta be kidding!"
"Huh? What seems to be the matter this time?" The Journalist inquired with a hint of curiosity, her eyes shifting to the glowing device.
"Is a high priority emergency… There seems to be a situation at the A.R.G.U.S. High-Security Female Detention Facility…" The blonde hero began, her eyes scanning the urgent text. "Wait… It's also said here that I have to… see it to believe it...? Followed by additional information should I answer the call... Well, that's cryptic."
"Go, we can talk about this later," Lois urged, seeing the tension in Karen's posture. The gravity of the situation was clear even without knowing the details. She knew her friend had to respond to the call. "I'll be fine, really. Just go and save the day. I can manage a quiet night for now."
"Take care, Lois." Powergirl nodded at the Journalist and reporter as she exited the car.
"Go get 'em tigress…"
(End of Chapter)
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AN: Another Chapter Done before the New Year. Yay!