Chapter Text
Prologue: For Humanity as a Whole
On the surface the meeting would seem to be quite above board.
It was late afternoon. The sky outside showed the faintest hint of gold, the sun traced its way towards the horizon. Light seeped through the glass windows, illuminating the meeting room high among the skyscrapers of New York. A plate of pastries and two emptied coffee cups occupied the centre of the table, surrounded by immaculately laid out manila folders, business contracts and blueprints. Plans were discussed, prices negotiated and deals made. Advanced access to a prototype for a discount on a large software package. A contract for the transfer of staff members between the research and development laboratories of their respective companies. A 10 percent share in a company in exchange for additional project grants. Polite small talk. A recent win by the Green Bay Packers. Coming and goings in the city of Metropolis.
All in all it was a typical meeting. Just two powerful businessmen with the potential for joint projects. All completely above board.
But anyone who kept their eyes and ears open to the whispers of the respective underworlds would know that this meeting was definitely anything but ordinary.
As they regarded each other across the conference table, both men understood that the charade was drawing to a close. Signing off the final contract, the older of the pair decided to broach the topic.
"I must admit to being surprised Mr Luthor. While I am honoured that you would deign to meet with me in person, New York seems quite aways for someone as busy as yourself to come for mere bonds and shares."
"Not that much further than a trip from Wisconsin, Mr Masters. And I always value a chance to meet my esteemed colleagues."
"But of course."
A short expectant silence gathered in the room before the other man continued.
"Now that you mention it, I do have one more… proposition, before we finish. Outside of my own personal businesses, I belong to a small, selective cohort of… influential individuals. My colleagues and I wish to benefit mankind. We envision an evolved, enlightened humanity. A species fit to stand tall, to take our rightful place in the greater cosmos."
"An admirable aim indeed. And where does a mere man such as I belong in this grand vision?"
"You see, Mr Masters, throughout history few things have puzzled humanity more than life itself. The mystery of our own mortality and… what comes after. What say you?"
"'The last enemy that shall be defeated is death'. But I'm unsure as to why you think I can help with this puzzle."
"From what I have heard you are somewhat of an expert in this… particular field."
"I dabbled a little. It intrigued me when I was younger, but after an… unfortunate accident… I decided that I would be best served turning my attentions elsewhere. A profitable choice, as you can see."
"Quite understandable. But you do have information."
"And?"
"And we'd like to propose a deal. A contract of sorts."
From the briefcase at his side, Luthor withdrew a thin black file, sliding it delicately across the table. The elder opened it curiously, raising an eyebrow at the contents. A photograph of an attractive woman with cropped auburn hair featured prominently. He carefully examined the text that accompanied the image, eyes widening slightly before he regained his composure.
"You are a lucky man Mr Masters. Blessed with opportunities that come to only a rare few. But there was always one opportunity that evaded you - the greatest of them all. We would offer you that opportunity. A second chance… with a few undesirable variables removed."
The grey-haired businessman frowned thoughtfully as he contemplated the contents of the folder. It was a hugely valuable offer. Once in a lifetime perhaps.
"And in return?"
Lex smiled thinly. "Information"
Masters nodded to himself, seemingly reaching a conclusion.
"The beings you seek are… elusive. Powerful and mysterious, but difficult to find. They reside within their own plane and the rifts that form between our worlds are few and rarely last more than a moment; hardly long enough to support an expedition. But there is another option."
From his breast pocket Masters withdrew a slim smartphone, calling an image of two humanoid figures onto the screen.
"A rare breed. These are the only two I have encountered; possibly the only two in existence. Perhaps more useful to your research as they closely resemble humans and favour life on our side of the veil. Needless to say they can be energetic, powerful, wilful and supremely uncooperative. I can provide you with some of the equipment needed to take them into captivity. The government's paranormal investigation unit may also be of service. Not the field agents – they are notoriously gung-ho – but certain members of the research division might be persuaded… for the right price of course."
"And we will have your full co-operation in this?"
"Naturally. I will provide you with whatever you desire, be it within my power."
"Then we are agreed." Luthor extended his hand, smiling as Masters clasped it with a firm cool grip. "To a successful endeavour."
The elder man smiled thinly in return before pausing. "If I could ask a favour?"
Luthor raised a brow at the request.
"It's nothing serious. Forgive an old man's sentimentality but once you have the beings in your custody… You may do whatever you wish with the female, I have no interest in her. However, the male was the first of his kind that I encountered and, though he is wild, I will admit to having developed a certain fondness for the boy. So I would ask that, once you have discovered what you need, you would allow me to take possession of him; that is, if he is still in serviceable condition."
Lex nodded. "An interesting request. We will consider it."
"That's all I can ask, old friend."
Luthor's phone chimed gently. "I'm sorry, but I have another appointment to keep." He smiled apologetically at the older man as he placed files back into his dark case. "It was a pleasure meeting you Mr. Masters. I'm sure we'll be in touch soon."
"I assure you Mr Luthor, the pleasure was mine."
Vlad turned towards the window as his enhanced hearing detected the departure of the elevator from his floor. The view was truly spectacular. Looking down at the black folder in his hands, Masters had to admit that the pieces had fallen into place perfectly. Only three things in life had escaped his grasp and within the space of a business meeting two were practically in the palm of his hand. Not that everything was guaranteed to work out. He had no illusions about Luthor's capacity to double-cross him. But while Lex may stand on par with Vladimir Masters, and occasionally be capable of outwitting a certain blue boy scout, he was a far cry from playing in the same league as Vlad Plasmius. It really was too bad that the existence of a third 'rare ghost' had slipped his mind during their talk. And as for his little badger…
He smirked. Luthor and his 'associates' were playing exactly into his hands. No doubt Daniel would eventually come to him seeking protection from his pursuers. And if not, well there was a high chance that his new colleagues would agree to relinquish the boy into his custody. After all, he could be very persuasive.
The sun dropped below the horizon, sending red and orange rays across the city. Taking in the skyline, Vlad allowed a true, cruel smile to claim his face. No trick of the evening light could disguise the scarlet glow in the businessman's usually blue eyes.
Now, if only he could get the Packers on side.