At exactly 7:07 p.m., President Pete Ross was in a private eting with Justice League mber and tropolis hero, Superman, who few knew was actually a close friend of his. Clark Kent, known to most as Superman, smiled as he entered the office, his strong yet simple masculine features evident—traits many won found appealing. It was honestly a miracle how he had managed to preserve his identity for so long, considering he didn't even wear a mask or an adequate disguise.
"Call whatever you like, Pete. To be honest, I was a bit surprised you called. We haven't t up since college..." Clark said as he walked into the office, sharing a brotherly hug with Pete, who laughed off his words while shaking his head.
"Well, we're both busy trying to make the world a safer place, aren't we?" Pete responded with a grin.
The two exchanged words comfortably, both genuinely happy to see one another. However, an underlying tension lingered in the air, subtle but noticeable. Normally, no matter how busy, most close friends would stay in touch. For both sides not to, it simply ant there was an unspoken issue neither of them was willing to address—until now.
Clark was the first to make his reason known. "Actually, I've been aning to see you too. The thing about the governnt running experints on alien and Apokoliptian technology... Is it true?"
Pete released a sigh and placed his arms behind his back, pacing toward his desk. "Well, I won't deny it, but I've sworn an oath, Clark. I just can't start revealing national secrets."
Clark frowned, leaning on the desk from the front as he argued. "This isn't about national secrecy, Pete. What you're doing is dangerous—not only for you but for the entire Earth. That sort of technology could prove disastrous in the wrong hands or worse. You need to get rid of it before it's too late."
Despite the gravity of Clark's words, his tone was calm and genuine, coming from a place of concern. As soone who had known Clark for a long ti, Pete could tell, but that didn't change his stance.
"I'm sorry, Clark, but I can't do that. Even if I wanted to, it's not a decision I can make on my own. The recent invasion showed sothing, Clark: humans are far too weak. If there's any hope of us surviving what's to co, then advancent is needed. Can't you see that?"
Just as Pete could understand Clark's concerns, Clark understood his, and yet he still disagreed.
"You're going about it the wrong way, Pete. With the formation of the League, Earth will be protected from any threats."
"Then what will protect us from the League? What guarantee do we have that you lot won't overthrow governnts with the power you hold? As we are now, we'd be practically helpless to stop it! No offense, Clark, I know you, but I don't know them. And because I know you, I know you won't be able to make the hard decisions when necessary. You couldn't back then, and soone died. I can't risk that happening on a larger scale. I'm sorry."
Pete truly believed his thods were what was best for humanity, and thus he shot down Clark's words. Clark frowned at his friend, saying nothing more as he turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, Pete spoke again.
"The reason I called you is because I wanted you to join , Clark—a special position in the Cabinet, in charge of all extraterrestrial affairs. You can do good things, Clark, and you don't have to make any hard decisions. I'll do that for you. We made a great team back then; why not now? Think about it. Sure, you save a few lives flying around, but look at the statistics—nothing is changing. The League doesn't have any authority either. Will you just keep fighting endlessly?"
Clark paused, genuinely considering Pete's words. But his own beliefs made him extrely hesitant, preventing him from giving a solid answer. "I'll think about it."
That was all he said before preparing to leave. Just as he was about to step out, Pete added, "Lex Luthor is running for the next presidency, and from the way things are looking, he has a big chance of winning. With all that wealth and the authority of a superpower, what do you think will happen?"
Pete's words weren't just a bluff. Lex Luthor had been sent to jail before, but each ti, he found a way to get out as if nothing had happened. Since both Lex and Clark resided in tropolis, they had a relationship, although a very bitter one. Clark knew that LexCorp was involved in many dirty businesses, including trafficking tahuman children and alien technology.
However, even with that knowledge, he had failed to get Lex behind bars. Luthor had too many connections in high places and contingency plans laid out. If Lex truly beca president...
"I'll bring it up with the other mbers of the League and give you my personal answer along with theirs."
With that, Clark left, and Pete sighed before sinking back into his chair, his gaze cast toward the ceiling. 'Onto the next problem...'
...
While Pete was contemplating how to deal with his issues, the clever Lex Luthor had already begun executing solutions to his own. He was currently seated in a small but luxurious office within his Washington penthouse. For soone as wealthy as him, it was only natural to own property in cities he frequently visited.
He slouched back in a lone chair, a phone to his ear in one hand and a stack of papers in the other. Behind him stood a beautiful, curvy brunette with fierce blue eyes, dressed in LexCorp guard attire.
This was rcy Graves, Lex Luthor's personal bodyguard and chauffeur. Despite her pretty appearance, her strong expression and skill in both weaponry and hand-to-hand combat were undeniable.
Before long, Lex ended his call, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "Well, rcy, my dear, once again my genius amazes even . When we return to tropolis, I have a plan to make it hold the lowest cri rate in the world in just a month."
rcy imdiately frowned. "Don't call 'dear.' I'm not one of your fangirl hussies," she snapped irritably.
Lex's grin only grew larger. "Co now, don't tell you're still jealous that I didn't take you to that bore of a gala. I ntioned before, I had to maintain a certain image there, and your rough attitude would've been a hindrance. It was just a logical choice, dear—nothing more. You're still my favorite bodyguard."
His unmatched ego only infuriated rcy further. "Well, fuck you too! I wish soone could've shot through that bald head of yours! Besides, isn't your 'brilliant' plan just a copy of that other billionaire who embarrassed you in front of the whole world? Never thought I'd see the day soone actually shut you up."
Despite rcy's harsh but true words, Lex remained smiling. "A minor inconvenience at best, and I'm not copying him—I'm perfecting what he did. History has shown us that ideas are nothing without the resources or funds to accomplish them. Let him enjoy this small little victory; in the end, I'll have the last laugh."
rcy never ceased to be impressed by just how big his ego was, despite having worked for him for quite so ti. Worst of all, every ti he encountered a problem, he found ways to profit from it, so his confidence wasn't entirely unwarranted. He was just that good.
"Whatever. Are you almost done? You said we had to get dinner or sothing tonight a couple of weeks ago..." rcy's tone was casual, but sothing in her body language suggested otherwise.
Lex, however, didn't pick up on it, his focus solely on the stack of papers before him. "Oh right, I did say that. I'm amazed you rember sothing so inconvenient. Anyway, I'm busy, but you can go if you really want to. Last I recall, you didn't care for it—just send up another guard."
"Are you being serious right now, Lex?" rcy's frown deepened, anger evident in her voice. But this was how she often was around him, so he didn't even turn to face her.
Instead, he slid his black card across the desk. "I'll pay for it, of course."
rcy was left speechless. In a mont of anger, she swiped the card and stord out. "So fucking genius you are, Lex!"
Lex watched her leave, shaking his head. 'Maybe I should start therapy...'
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