36 3.8

10:00 AM, 20th April, 1989.

Location: Metropolis, Lexcorp Tower.

Is it wrong I'm glad Lex remains a backstabbing, power mad sociopath? From an outside view he is both superficially charming and talented… much like a serial killer. He has a drive to show a perfect facade to the people he controls and seeks to eliminate.

It could be the point I've intervened is before he develops his extreme reactions to Superman. Or I could be too late to stop that vicious cycle. Until Lex falls into a kill or be killed state. He's the hero doing his crimes for humanity, in his mind. By purging the xeno scum.

Really I simply wished to take advantage of his business skills and his company's capacity for production, but since he's tried to screw me over I have no issues with returning the favour. Maybe, steal a bit of the animosity he'd be aiming Kal El's way.

It was also my intention to spread out my portfolio and invest in not one but all of the major businesses of DC. But since he's crossed me so openly I'm going to make an example out of him.

I cross the floor, floating above it. Arms folded. The doors fling open as I will, the corporate lawyers and Lex looking up.

"This is simply a courtesy visit. Lex, I decline your offer. Your betrayal won't be tolerated." I coldly issued as I turned to leave.

"Wait! Twelve percent and no tricks!" He shouted after me.

"I could easily get twenty from anyone else. But I'll ask for nine, with a few caveats." I replied. "You'll play straight with me this time, right? I want the contract to be amended. Strike the 'held in a trust until the age of 21' from the conditions." Lex nodded and one of the lawyers crossed it out on each of the contracts. "First and most unpalatable, most likely: I want a neutral observer from the French government to have access to all documentation, research and completed designs related to the device or it's derivatives. So no secrets between us, Lex. No hidden spy software."

Lex looked torn. He hated that, because it was certainly his master plan. On the other hand, money and market dominance. "Fine." He winced.

"I want at least two of the new factories built and regionally staffed in French territory. I don't care where." I smiled as he nodded.

"And finally you are not to open Lexcorp facilities or conduct business in Vlatava as long as my father Count Werner Vertigo is defacto leader or should he become King. Because I hate the bastard." Lex looked at me warily, but agreed.

"That's all, Lex. Is it acceptable? I don't care if the surveillance is overt. A lengthy legal waiver required to open before first use, which can be closed without reading. I'm sure governments would like you to track location and call data. In the event of crime prosecution for example you could challenge the police, to require them to have a warrant to view it since it is personal information." Lex looked surprised and narrowed his eyes. "So that tantrum was all to have a personal spy with access to phone records and my R&D?"

"Well, you gave me no cause to trust you. So I'll use someone more trustworthy for that instead." I smiled. "Besides, wouldn't you do the same?"

Lex laughed. I'd seen his fake smile, but an actual laugh was different. It wasn't forced or brittle. We signed the completed contract.

"So, now that we are in business… who is the inventor of this marvel?" Lex asked leaning back at his desk, alone with me.

"Officially it is a French military discovery, whose civilian use and production was granted to me. Unofficially it was the handiwork of the mad inventor, Brain. He literally was a brain in a robotic box. He was so blind he was using it as a goddamn intercom." I smiled at Lex's look of horror. "I have several other pieces to release to the public. I'm going to be visiting that Biotech company owned by Queen and Wayne Enterprises with some of his more interesting pieces. This is to spread out the industrial capacity of all of you into various fields, less competition for you in the short term as well. I'll be sending Wayne larger components to develop into vehicles. Queen's corp will be getting some radical medical tech. And I'll be walking away with my share of the profits… and screwing over my father."

Lex laughed again, self deprecating. "Is that wise? I could be recording this to blackmail you."

I shrugged. "Good luck. If your device is a magnetic tape… it is already erased."

Lex raised an eyebrow, pulling out the machine to check. It burbled whitenoise.

I had a good laugh as I took the roof exit. I erased his credit card too...

I've overstayed my welcome in Metropolis. For now. Where to now? Let's check the atlas.

Both Gotham and New York are close but I'm not too interested in them for now, what I feel like is simply living up to my current identity as a foreigner and tourist.

Keystone City sounds good. I feel Flash and I will get along well… really he seems capable of putting up with almost anyone. On the other hand, Captain Marvel is a lonely, enthusiastic kid. How to choose… eh, Two Face method. Coin flip, without magnetism of course.

Flash wins. Then Billy, then Jonn and Queen's corp. Follow up with Diana in New York and finally Batman. For maximum grimdark.

In fact, I kinda want to stay away from Gotham… I've had a thought running around my head. Should I give Dick Grayson's family a fighting chance? I only remember the cheesy movie version of events… shudder. But as a result I'd be drastically throwing Batman's entire life out of whack.

No Dick means no Robins. No Robins mean no Batfamily. Which leaves Batman a solo figure, who could get killed off when a Robin would prove useful. Really it's messed up.

Flash'll know what to say. He always knows how to make things better.