DC: Becoming Supreme With Technology ( I Beat Superman)

Location: White House

Time: Unknown

In a dimly lit, high-tech facility beneath the White House, Amanda Waller stood at the head of a polished conference table. Around her sat high-ranking military officials, generals, and key policymakers. The room buzzed with the undercurrent of tension and the weight of her words. Dressed sharply in a tailored black suit, Waller exuded authority and determination.

She began her presentation with an air of respect.

"Let me start by acknowledging the bravery and capability of the Justice League," Waller said, her voice steady but commanding. "Without their intervention, this planet would have fallen to the Khurds, just as it would have fallen to Steppenwolf before them. They saved us, no doubt about it."

She paused, letting the room absorb the praise before shifting her tone to something more pointed.

"But what happens when they stop saving us? What happens if, God forbid, Superman decides we're the problem? Or if Wonder Woman leads an uprising? What if, for reasons we can't predict, the Justice League goes rogue?"

The room murmured uneasily. A grizzled general leaned forward, his voice gravelly. "Superman's a hero. He wouldn't turn against us."

Waller's expression hardened. She tapped a button on the table, projecting an image of Superman lifting an entire building with ease. "With all due respect, General, that's wishful thinking. Superman's allegiance is a choice—one he could change tomorrow. And if he does, who's going to stop him? You? Your tanks? Your jets? They wouldn't even slow him down."

Another image appeared: the Justice League standing tall in their full glory. "This is not just about Superman. It's about the entire League. Batman's intellect, Wonder Woman's strength, Flash's speed—these are powers beyond our comprehension. If they turn against us, we'll be defenseless."

The room fell silent, the weight of her words settling on the officials.

"Then what's your solution, Waller?" asked another general, his tone skeptical.

Waller straightened, her voice firm. "We need control. We need countermeasures. That's where Project Argus comes in."

She clicked the remote again, displaying a series of classified blueprints and research data. "Project Argus is a comprehensive initiative designed to protect humanity from potential superhuman threats. It involves developing weapons, technologies, and strategies specifically tailored to neutralize any member of the Justice League—or others like them."

The skeptical general raised an eyebrow. "Neutralize them? You're talking about killing heroes?"

"Not unless it's absolutely necessary," Waller replied, her gaze unflinching. "This is about deterrence. The mere knowledge that we can neutralize them will keep them in check. And if they step out of line, we'll be ready."

Another general, younger and more open-minded, leaned forward. "What exactly does Project Argus entail?"

Waller's lips curved into a slight smile. She had anticipated this question. "First, advanced R&D on weaponry that can counter specific powers. We're talking kryptonite-based technology for Superman, specialized energy weapons for Flash, and enhanced robotics for Wonder Woman. Second, surveillance. We need to know where these heroes are and what they're doing at all times. Third, containment. Secure facilities capable of holding even the most powerful beings."

She paused, scanning the room. "And finally, recruitment. There are individuals out there—meta-humans, soldiers, specialists—who can be trained to handle these threats. A task force under our control."

The grizzled general folded his arms. "And who exactly will be in charge of this...task force?"

Waller's smile grew sharper. "That would be me, General. With your permission, of course."

The room erupted into murmurs again, some skeptical, others cautiously supportive. The younger general spoke up. "And what's the timeline for this project?"

"With full backing, we can have Phase One operational within six months," Waller replied. "This isn't just about protection. It's about survival. Humanity must learn to stand on its own two feet, without relying on gods or aliens to save us."

The skeptical general narrowed his eyes. "You're asking us to approve a project that treats the Justice League—our saviors—as potential enemies. That's a dangerous precedent, Waller."

Waller met his gaze, unyielding. "What's more dangerous is doing nothing. The Justice League doesn't answer to us. They operate on their own terms. That makes them a threat, whether we like it or not."

Silence filled the room as her words sank in. Finally, the grizzled general spoke again, his tone begrudging. "You've got guts, Waller. I'll give you that. But guts don't guarantee results. You'll have our support—for now. But if this project fails or causes more harm than good, it's on your head."

Waller nodded, a glint of triumph in her eyes. "Understood, General. I won't let you down."

As the meeting adjourned, Waller remained in the room, staring at the blueprint of Project Argus on the screen. Her resolve hardened.

"We'll see who really holds the power," she murmured to herself, already envisioning the future.

________________________________________

Location: Outside Metropolis

The abandoned airstrip lay silent under the cover of night, the hum of distant city lights barely audible in the still air. At the center of the decrepit site stood a building that once served as a control tower, now repurposed for a far more sinister gathering. Inside, the atmosphere was heavy with tension as some of the world's most notorious figures convened.

Lex Luthor, clad in a sharp black suit, stood at the head of the room. His commanding presence silenced the low murmur of voices among his esteemed guests. Around the table sat Slade Wilson, also known as Deathstroke, his masked face betraying no emotion. Next to him was Ra's al Ghul, his cold eyes reflecting centuries of cunning, accompanied by his daughter, Lady Shiva, who exuded a lethal grace. Vandal Savage leaned back in his chair, his ancient face calm but calculating, while other notable villains from the shadows of society filled the remaining seats.

Luthor began, his voice measured and resonant. "Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you for accepting my invitation. I trust the journey here was uneventful, though I suspect none of you are strangers to navigating the undercurrents of danger."

Deathstroke leaned forward, his voice gravelly but amused. "Get to the point, Luthor. We didn't come here for pleasantries."

A slight smile tugged at Luthor's lips. "Of course, Slade. I wouldn't dream of wasting your time. I'll be direct. The world as we know it has changed. The Justice League, as they call themselves, has risen. They act as gods among men, deciding what's right and wrong without oversight. Their power is unchecked, and their influence grows every day."

Ra's al Ghul spoke, his voice carrying a quiet menace. "And you propose what? War against them? That would be folly, Luthor. Even you must see that."

Luthor nodded, unflinching. "I don't propose war. I propose balance. The Justice League operates under the illusion of righteousness, but they are no different from us. They are individuals with their own ambitions and weaknesses. And while they may claim to protect humanity, they cannot comprehend what humanity truly needs. Control. Order."

Vandal Savage chuckled, the sound deep and mirthless. "Ah, Luthor. Always the idealist. But you're not wrong. The Justice League poses a threat to our plans—and to the natural order."

Luthor spread his hands, his voice rising in fervor. "Exactly. That's why I propose we form a league of our own. Not to destroy the Justice League, but to counterbalance them. To remind the world that the destiny of mankind lies not in the hands of aliens, gods, or vigilantes, but in our hands. Together, we will form the League of Light. A coalition of visionaries. Innovators. Leaders. Together, we will ensure that mankind shines brightly and shapes its own future."

Lady Shiva raised an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. "League of Light? A curious name for a group of villains."

Luthor's gaze sharpened. "We are not villains, Shiva. We are architects of humanity's true potential. The light we bring is clarity, purpose, and progress. The Justice League is a shadow, obscuring humanity's greatness. We will dispel that shadow."

Deathstroke tilted his head, his voice laced with curiosity. "And what's in it for us? What do you offer that makes this 'League of Light' worth my time?"

Luthor smirked. "Power. Resources. Influence. Whatever you desire to pursue your goals, the League will provide. You will have allies who match your strength and cunning. Together, we will be unstoppable."

Ra's al Ghul exchanged a glance with Lady Shiva before speaking. "And who leads this league, Luthor? You?"

Luthor's smile didn't waver. "Leadership will be shared, Ra's. Each of us brings something unique to the table. But make no mistake, I will ensure that our goals are met efficiently and effectively. This is not a democracy. It is an alliance."

Vandal Savage stood, his towering presence commanding attention. "You speak with conviction, Luthor. I've seen countless empires rise and fall, and I recognize ambition when I see it. I will join your league—for now. But know this: if you falter, I will not hesitate to seize control."

Luthor inclined his head, unfazed. "Noted, Savage. Your expertise will be invaluable."

One by one, the others voiced their agreements, some reluctantly, others eagerly. Deathstroke leaned back in his chair, his tone neutral. "I'll play along, Luthor. But if this turns into a circus, I'm out."

Lady Shiva said nothing, but her subtle nod conveyed her decision. Ra's al Ghul's acceptance came with a warning. "If this alliance fails to align with my goals for the Earth's balance, I will end it."

Luthor stepped forward, his voice ringing with authority. "Then it's settled. The League of Light is born. Together, we will redefine the world—and remind the Justice League that they are not untouchable."

As the meeting adjourned, Luthor allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. The seeds of his plan were sown, and the world would soon learn that the balance of power was about to shift.