Chapter 162
"I agree with Mr. Herbert. Dangerous weapons should be in our hands. With the combined scientific research capabilities of our three companies, I believe the Cosmic Cube can be used effectively," Lex Luthor stated firmly. His innate fear and suspicion of superhumans made him see the Cube as a potential equalizer.
Tony, still somewhat begrudgingly, nodded in agreement. "As much as I dislike Jude, he has a point. If there's a real threat from space, this could be our chance to push Earth's technology forward rapidly."
All eyes turned to Bruce, the old Bat. He was silent, clearly conflicted. Diana and Professor X, however, were outspoken in their opposition.
"This is just your excuse to hoard power," Diana argued. "If you truly wanted to make Earth stronger, why not share your technology with everyone? That would be the fastest way to progress."
Jude chuckled. "Diana, your idea, while noble, is too naive. Sharing technology globally would only lead to the strong getting stronger while the weak are left behind. Countries with vast developmental gaps wouldn't be able to keep up. The resulting imbalance would likely lead to domination, expansion, and inevitable conflict."
He continued, "Think about it. If technology was shared indiscriminately, only a few superpowers would remain. Other civilizations, cultures, and possibly even races would be wiped out. That's not what anyone wants."
He then pointedly added, "And tell me, why don't your gods share their divine status? The reason is the same."
Diana, though visibly annoyed, couldn't find a suitable counterargument. The others turned to Superman.
Clark hesitated but eventually spoke. "Maybe Earth needs this opportunity. It might be worth trying."
"But if we're going to face this threat together," he suggested, "we should form an alliance. How about calling it the Justice League?"
"Justice League? What a dumb name," Tony snorted. "Why form an alliance anyway?"
"I don't like being restrained," grumbled Lex. "And that name is way worse than the X-Men."
Everyone voiced their objections, preferring to work independently rather than be part of an official group.
Clark sighed, stepping back. "Alright, alright, it was just a suggestion."
Once the issue of the Star Ring Project was agreed upon, Jude left the Stark Building. His mind wandered to grander ambitions, like turning the moon into a war fortress and embarking on interstellar adventures with Spider-Man and Ivy. But for now, his focus remained on immediate threats.
The next day, Wayne Enterprises, LexCorp, and Stark Industries issued a joint statement announcing their plan to adjust the speeds of 246 satellites to form the Star Ring. The statement, authoritative and uncompromising, demanded that other countries also adjust their satellites or bear the consequences.
This bold move caused the stock prices of the three companies to surge, as capital flowed towards what was perceived as a profitable venture. Complaints? Take it up with their army of elite lawyers.
Three days later, in space, Cowboy 1 floated above Earth. "From up here, Earth looks beautiful," Jude remarked.
Superman, standing beside him, focused on the task. "It's not about aesthetics. Let's get to work."
Jude briefed the team. "We have 112 satellites in low orbit, 55 in medium, and 79 in high orbit. To form the Star Ring, we need to move the low-orbit satellites to high orbit. Let's go."
"Yes, master!" Veronica's colorful body flew to a Wayne Enterprises satellite, her mechanical arms securing it before pushing it higher.
Cowboy 1 engaged its thrusters, wrapping metal wires around a smaller satellite and dragging it upwards. Superman offered help, but Jude activated the field of super weightlessness, lightening the load and making it easier to transport the satellite.
The team worked tirelessly, and by the end of the day, all satellites were in high orbit. Veronica, however, voiced her complaints about the harsh conditions, only to be silenced by Jude.
Superman scanned the area with his super vision. "There are still other countries' and companies' satellites up here. What now?"
"Simple," Jude responded. "Veronica!"
Two red laser beams shot out, hitting a distant satellite and causing it to explode in a massive fireball.
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