36 A Better Tomorrow - 4

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Clark and Lois looked at one another and nodded. "I think that concludes our interview," he stood up from his seat. "Thank you for your time, gentlemen. We and the world are excited to see what you do next."

Cadmus alone understood the underlying intent of his words.

The necessary goodbyes were exchanged as quickly as possible, and both student and professor quickly made their exit to their waiting ride back to the hotel.

"Are you not coming?" Dr. Stein asked when Cadmus made no move to enter the limo, standing on the museum's front steps, looking out into the city. He had a strange feeling that something was coming, not dangerous, but it was a sensation he couldn't shake.

"I think I'll take a walk, need some air after that interview." Dr. Stein hesitated for a second before he nodded.

"Stay safe, who knows what kind of people may be after our invention." Somehow even when concerned, Dr. Stein still was able to convey a sense of self-importance that would be considered infuriating to the average person. Cadmus personally found it amusing and somewhat ingratiating.

After the limo with Stein within it had sped off and disappeared into the bustling streets of Metropolis, Cadmus walked in the direction of the sensation, feeling it growing stronger with each step.

He made no attempt to hide his movements, knowing that Superman could do nothing, and confident that if Kara had actually met with him at their escape, the hero was at least somewhat beholden to him or in his debt, depending on how the events on Themiscyra were relayed to him by his cousin. His search brought him through the jam-packed streets of downtown into a small area devoid of traffic or pedestrians, a sleepy area with only dim yellow streetlights to illuminate the empty street and closed buildings.

He had not lost the ability of precognition since escaping Themiscyra, so was not surprised, then from the shadows, a long limo appeared with nary a sound, before coming to a stop in front of Cadmus. The passenger door opened of its own accord, revealing a shrouded interior that gave no hint to its occupants.

That did not concern Cadmus, it wasn't as though he needed to 'see' them to see them after all. That was why he felt no source of surprise that when he entered he found himself face-to-face with the visage of Alexander Luthor, and beside him, the familiar face of Mercy Graves.

The billionaire and CEO of LexCorp reclined in his seat, hands folded across his lap and dressed in a suit that would undoubtedly beggar the GDP of a small island country.

"Hello, Mr. Othrys. You never called. I was beginning to get worried."

Lex Luthor's expression was anything but worried, rather it was placid with an air of surety about him that existed only through hard-won experience or ill-born arrogance.

Cadmus doubted he would be one of the most powerful men in the world if it were the latter.

"Got busy, revolutionizing the world as we know it, as I'm sure you're aware." He shrugged with nonchalance.

"And that is exactly why I am here. Champagne?" He gestured to his bodyguard-chauffeur.

"Louis Berchard 1992," Luthor added when faced with Cadmus's unimpressed expression.

Cadmus took the offered glass without a word, admiring the delicate bubbles wafting up to the surface. Impeccably aged, for mortal means that is.

"I know what you want Luthor, a glass of champagne, finely aged that it may be, won't get me to give up the patent."

Luthor laughed quietly at the joke only he seemed party to. Mercy smirked beneath the cap of her hat.

"I have no intention of trying to purchase the patent from you, Mr. Othrys, I know well the folly in attempting to wrest a scientist's invention away from them. In fact, I have an offer for you, instead."

There was no deception in his words, but half-truths were often more dangerous than outright lies.

"Alright, I'll play ball, but, I have one condition."

He cocked a single prominent eyebrow. "Is that so?"

Within a small diner with flickering fluorescent lights and bright-red upholstery, an odd group sat at the booth, the only occupants aside from the owner, an old bull of a man with a number of tattoos that marked him as a former member of the Sicilian mafia, not that any of the three customers made any mention of it.

Mercy Graves drummed her fingers on one arm in impatience, her gaze flickering this way and that in search of any threats that could strike out at her employer.

The employer in question, who was also the richest and one of the most powerful men in the world tried and failed to hide his distaste however so slight at the sight of the cheese-covered monstrosity on a paper plate placed in front of him.

Cadmus looked at him expectantly, wiping the remains of the slice he had just eaten from his face with a napkin.

"Is this really necessary?" Lex Luthor asked with clear exasperation.

The son of Kronos nodded with deadly seriousness and nudged the plate forward. "Yep."

Many would say it was wrong for Cadmus to feel a sense of vindictive pleasure in watching Alexander Luthor fumble with a plastic fork and knife in a vain attempt to maintain his pride and some level of decorum, trying and failing to cut the mass of greasy cheese, sauce, and bread into something that could be pierced with utensils.

Cadmus would say to them, in his humble opinion, they needed to remove the stick that lodged itself up their ass.

Frustrated after being thwarted once more, something like a growl escaped Luthor and he grabbed the slice in both hands, the action drawing a gasp of horror from his bodyguard, before proceeding to take a large bite out of it, akin to an animal savaging a captured prey.

A single stringy cheese remained connected to his chin as he placed the slice back. It was immediately swiped away meticulously with a paper-thin napkin which was then immediately folded and then laid in its rightful place beside the plastic utensils which had been rearranged as prescribed by proper dinner etiquette.

It took only a handful of seconds for the twitching in his eye to subside and for Luthor to comport himself once more. "Satisifed?" he asked.

Cadmus smiled and took a sip of the absolutely exquisite Louis Berchard 1992. "Almost. Would you care to try, Miss Graves?"

Mercy Graves crossed her arms, inadvertently emphasizing her substantial chest. Her glare made it clear she would rather throw the offending item out the window and onto the streets to be food for the rats. This, of course, would have been a terrible, no, catastrophic, mistake for the future of the deal her employer was attempting to strike, not to mention her own health as well. Cadmus was not liable for his actions for those who would desecrate pizza in his general vicinity.

Something of that promise must have shown through because Mercy quickly turned about in her opinion of pizza and took a small bite, distaste written plain across her features all the while. She made no remark about being offered a glass of wine to wash down the bite.

Cadmus clapped his hands. "There, now we've broken bread, salt, and wine." He was very aware of how Mercy's eyes widened marginally at his statement. Luthor's remained in a slight sneer that he had been wearing since he began and subsequently ended the futile attempt to remove the olive oil that stained the gaps in his fingers.

"Let's talk business."

Lex clasped his hands together in front of him. "As I said before, I have no interest in purchasing your patent, or even licensing it. My offer is not for your invention, but rather for you. Cadmus Labs. No, I do not mean as an employee as you may initially suggest. That would be an insult to both of our times. It and all of its resources will be yours to do with as you please, with of course minimal oversight and sufficient autonomy for all the pursuits you may wish to embark upon."

Cadmus had seen many ways this conversation may have gone. Even still he was faintly surprised. "A generous offer. Why if I may ask?"

Luthor's eyes gleamed under the fluorescent light, two dark chips of obsidian. "I'm in the business of changing the world, Mister Othrys. I think you would be of great help in achieving that."

Cadmus examined the man across him and found only flesh and blood beneath. And yet, there was a conviction in his words, reminiscent of fanatics and prophets, men who saw their dreams as destiny and had the will to shape the world to see the world as they saw fit.

Cadmus knew one thing, had he been anyone else, Lex Luthor was not someone he would like to have as an enemy.

"What of Dr. Stein?"

"The offer naturally extends to him as well. You are a package deal as I understand. Both of you will operate as heads of research in equal capacity, a slight change from the current teacher-student dynamic which I am intimately aware that can be grating at times."

He thought over the offer and found little reason as to why he should deny it. Cadmus Labs is one of the premier scientific institutions in the world, with funds ranging in the billions per quarter. The possibilities of what he could do with such resources, and without time as a limitation...

"Would adding Miss Graves sweeten the offer?" He asked with the same casualness of throwing in a free air freshener to the deal. There was not a hint of humor in his eyes.

The bodyguard in question looked at her employer, expression marred with betrayal and shock. Luthor did not spare her a glance, he rested his chin on steepled fingers and looked at Cadmus, awaiting his response.

Cadmus flicked his eyes to Mercy Graves, who for the first time displayed clear wariness as she met his gaze. She was indeed beautiful, and on a silver platter if he so desired.

Desire. That was exactly the point, wasn't it? She offered nothing to Cadmus outside of her body and both men knew that. A test then, if he would accept something as brazen as this simply because it would provide him an outlet for his desires.

"Tempting, but you can keep her Mr. Luthor. I have no need for a bodyguard."

"Suit yourself," Lex shrugged, nonplussed by the rejection. "And of my offer?"

"You'll excuse me if I have to confer with the professor before making a decision."

"Of course, take your time." Luthor furrowed his brow in confusion when Cadmus laughed.

Cadmus stood from the booth and walked to the back of the diner, withdrawing his phone and dialing Dr. Stine. It rang twice before he answered.

"Hello? Cadmus, it's 11 O'Clock. Is there an emergency?" Dr. Stein yawned on the other end of the line. The sounds of ruffling sheets told him that Stein had already turned in for the night.

"I just received an offer for the both of us to run Cadmus Labs."

All traces of sleep disappeared from Stein at that. "Repeat that one more time."

Cadmus repeated his previous statement and detailed the offer once more to Stein's equal shock.

"He has no interest in the patent? I can't tell whether to be pleased or offended."

"You can be both if that makes you feel better, Doc. What do you think of the offer?"

Stein sighed on the other end. "It is tempting I admit. But we made an agreement to stay at Hudson, and leaving immediately after reiterating that promise would be bad for our reputation to say the least. If it could be done in an advisory capacity or flexible to manage both, then yes...I see no reason not to accept. So long as of course, we have complete oversight of any work we do there. The last thing I want is anything either of us has worked on to end up used in ways we did not intend."

"Alright then, I'll take the counteroffer to him."

Before he could cut the line, Stein's voice rattled forth again. "Be careful, Cadmus," he said urgently. "Men like these are rarely used to taking no for an answer."

Cadmus bit back a scoff. If only he knew. "I'll take care, thanks, Doctor Stein. Have a good night."

When Cadmus returned to the booth and presented the revised terms to Luthor, he adopted for but a moment a slight downturn on the side of his lip to hint that he was less than pleased with what he heard. But after a moment, he nodded in agreement.

"That is agreeable, we have more than enough scientists to manage the lab while you and Dr. Stein are away at university. Welcome aboard, Mister Othrys." He stood from his seat and buttoned his suit.

The two men shook each other's hands, concluding the pact. Luthor and Graves exited the diner and made for the waiting limo, but they were not so far that he did not catch Lex's words right before he stepped inside.

"Mercy, when we get back, do remember to burn this suit."

"Yes, Mister Luthor." Mercy Graves replied, ever loyal.

The return to Hudson was swift and anti-climactic. Shortly after completing their interview and the new arrangement to begin working at Cadmus Labs on a flexible basis beginning next fall, the two men departed for Jump City.

Outside of some lingering congratulations from the faculty, a constant stream of accolades from this committee and that foundation, and the deluge of brown-nosers in the form of ambitious students seeking easy fortune by joining Lab 25, little changes in their university lives.

To Cadmus, the sudden attention had little value outside of forcing him to interact with people he would much rather not. For Dr. Stein, however, he was the proverbial Belle of the ball, and Cadmus was quite happy to let the old man take up as much of the limelight as he so desired. After all, Stein had perhaps had maybe a few years left in him, and Cadmus most certainly did not have the same limitation.

So, while Dr. Stein was in the lab entertaining some old friends from Star Labs that he promised to introduce Cadmus to, the son of Kronos found himself standing at the front of a classroom, looking out onto a crowd of college students in varying states of sleep deprivation.

"The average class grade on your last exam was seventy-two." He said, mentally shuddering at how many pens he had to go through correcting basic acceleration derivatives. "Which mind you, is far better than Professor Horhtrope's average of forty-eight. You should all be proud of yourselves for that."

The many pairs of red-rimmed eyes worn by slump-shouldered and prematurely greying teenagers that looked back at him gave a miluqetoast response of half-hearted claps.

Knowing that that reaction was the most he was going to get, he nodded and turned to the whiteboard, uncapping a marker and beginning to write.

"Now, a common theme of mistakes on your exams was a clear issue with understanding the application of normal forces in an elastic environment, as well as the calculation of angular momentum of objects in a three-dimensional space..."

No one could see how Cadmus smiled in response to his students' muffled groans of despair.

After a long-grueling session of teaching his idiot students how basic calculus and arithmetic worked, testing the bounds of his generous patience on more than one occasion, he finally placed the marker down just as the clock struck the top of the hour, signaling the end of the lab.

None too few students rushed out of the classroom with relief, fleeing from the sight of the strange Greek letters written across the board like it were some sort of black magic that would bring great misfortune upon them and their descendants had they dared to linger for a moment longer.

All except for one student in particular, who instead of running for the stairs approached the proverbial dragon's maw, crimson tresses waving behind her with each step.

"Miss Gordon," Cadmus did not turn his attention away from his computer screen as he was very engrossed in the game of Solitare he had just begun. "What can I do for you?"

He did not need to look up to know that his old classmate was less than pleased with the lack of respect she was being shown. "I wanted to discuss my performance in the class."

Cadmus's eyes flicked up from the screen. Barbara Gordon regarded him inquisitively with large green eyes and pursed lips, studying him with a gaze that had he been but just a bit more egoistic may have seemed interested, but in fact, was one of keen observance.

"What is there to discuss? As far as I recall you got a perfect score on the exam. Unless you're here to discuss mentoring opportunities for the other students?"

"I'd like to join Lab 25."

Cadmus sighed and turned off the monitor, turning to begin packing up his things. "As reiterated before, Lab 25 is not taking any new members for the foreseeable future. In addition, members require security clearances due to the nature of our work."

"I have a perfect score in the class," Barbara persisted. "I already have experience in working in working in labs and I can get recommendations from a number of professors if that's what's needed."

He couldn't deny that she was determined at least.

"Fine, I'll take it up with Dr. Stein. In the meantime, if you'd really like to show interest, you can submit a paper on the topic you'd wish to explore. Including the hypotheses. Say in about two weeks? That should be more than enough time. Both Dr. Stein and I will evaluate it, and if it's satisfactory, he may accept you into the lab."

"Two weeks?" she repeated disbelievingly. "That's not enough time- I need to prepare resources and citations, look over previous research...that'll take a month alone!"

Cadmus nodded in agreement, throwing his book bag over a shoulder. "I'm sure you will be able to make it work if you're committed to joining our lab."

He exited the room, leaving a fuming Barbara Gordon behind him.

The sun had already begun to set by the time he arrived at the lab. Dr. Stein and his guests were nowhere to be seen inside. After judiciously checking to ensure there were no unwanted presences around, he moved to his work desk, where a new contraption of his making sat half-finished.

Lois Lane's concerns, while unfounded, did strike a thought in Stein, of being able to detect significant fluctuations of Tachyons on a large scale to hint at any possible volatile reaction that may be taking place. Unknown to the good doctor, Cadmus had also thought about such an invention for entirely different reasons.

He remembered the bitter cold that surrounded the stone beneath Themiscyra, the one responsible for the island's time attributes, and it was only a natural thought process that brought him to the logical conclusion that other such stones wherever they may be would also be in such a state, warping the flow of time in the locations they were held.

So yes, while the latest invention out of Lab 25 may be able to proactively detect any surges related to Tachyon fluctuations, it could also help Cadmus find the other pieces of his father's throne, at least theoretically. The very thought pressed the back of his mind, serpentine and bitterly cold. He did not dream at night, nor was he visited with visions or portents, but the everpresent reminder that the Throne was out there, loomed ever large even if he paid no attention to it.

Perhaps that had been influencing his actions ever since he escaped Themiscyra now months ago, even as he created a new life for himself. All these things, this laboratory, the relationships he had made, even this deal with Lex Luthor, maybe it all served towards a goal that awaited him no matter if he liked it or not.

Connecting the last few wires and screwing the last plates into place, Cadmus examined the tube-like device, which should ideally emit a great humming glow varying in intensity in response to abnormal Tachyon fluctuations. This prototype version would only work in a small area, maybe a few meters at best. He just hoped it didn't explode in his face. The lack of blaring warning signs at the forefront of his mind calmed such fears.

Flicking the device's switch, Cadmus expected it to immediately settle a simple pale blue to signal normal conditions, instead, it emitted a fluorescent azure that lit up the lab. Cadmus blinked and took a step back, pushing away his chair. Immediately the intensity of the color softened. He took a step closer, and it returned to its original intensity. Cadmus turned around the laboratory searching for any possible source of the strange reaction, maybe one of the old prototypes of the CRS was active. But, further search found nothing.

He walked back to the other side of the lab and the device turned a pale shade of blue. He walked back to it cautiously, each step leading to progressively brighter light being emitted until he stood right in front of it.

"Oh," he said. "I'm the aberration."

A first paranoid instinct was to smash the device and sweeps its broken remains into a trash compactor where it would never be able to be found again. A device that could possibly track his every movement, well, there would be a lot of people interested in such technology. In the same vein, the alien and absurd idea that others may be after the Throne just as he was snuck its way into his mind, and took festering root there. He had found the proverbial road to El Dorado, and now he was realizing there may be others hunting for the very prize he was searching for as well.

But, he staved off the urge to do away with the invention, in small part because it would break the old scientist's heart. Instead, Cadmus had to wrestle instead with the morose conclusion that Stein would discover that he had a walking Tachyon producer in his lab, or Cadmus could tell him. At least it wouldn't be too shocking seeing as the professor moonlighted as one half of a flying nuclear reactor.

So it was then when Dr. Stein returned to the lab the following morning, he found his research assistant sitting at his desk, beside a fully working prototype of their Tachyon Fluctuation Tracker, which was illuminated in a bright luminous blue.

"I can manipulate time," Cadmus said to him.

Dr. Stein nodded slowly. "So can I. Isn't that what our invention does is it not? Oh...you mean not in the metaphorical sense." He took a seat across from Cadmus. "So, this is not an Oppenehiemer-esque moment where the gravity of discovery falls heavily on your shoulders? No, judging by your reaction, it is not."

Cadmus tossed a pen into the air. Had Stein followed its course until it returned to the ground, he would have been waiting for a long time.

"Oh," he said succinctly. He inclined his head to look at the pen frozen but a few centimeters from the ceiling. "That is fascinating." Stein continued to stare gobsmacked at the frozen pen, blinking to make sure he was truly seeing what he was seeing.

"Did you discover this power before or after you joined my lab?"

"Before, unfortunately, there wasn't a metahuman abilities section for me to fill out."

"I will make sure to correct that oversight posthaste. Did you decide to tell me about this because of the invention or a change of heart?"

"Can't it be both? But no, I decided to because I'd rather you hear it from me than have this glowing machine tell you. You seem to be taking this remarkably well." Cadmus complimented.

"Well, I have seen quite a few strange things in my life, but even this is extraordinary in its own way. If my student, Jefferson, were here I could give you a demonstration of just what I mean. But, it seems I'll have to settle for this. Since you shared something so secret about yourself, it's only right that I do the same." Dr. Stein rose from his seat and stood as imposing as he could in his tweed suit and slacks.

"I am Firestorm." he declared with all the seriousness required in revealing one's secret identity to a trusted friend.

Cadmus adopted an expression of surprise as was expected of him. "No way!" he exclaimed.