It’s nearly noon by the time the clone, now officially dubbed Connor Van Luthor, returns back to his designated CADMUS facility. There, awaiting him just beyond the entrance doors, stands none other than the director of CADMUS in its entirety, Amanda Waller. Dr. Kent and two other unfamiliar individuals are there with her, as well.
"Director Waller…" Connor mindlessly breathes out, caught off guard by her sudden appearance.
"Good morning, Superman. I hope you're ready to take off the training wheels today, because we may possibly have a global disaster on our hands and we need to act quickly." Waller shares on the spot, uptight in speech.
"What is it?" Connor asks.
"We have reason to believe that something supernatural – a peculiar abnormality – is coming. Bleeding into our very universe as we speak. Some time ago, I had Dr. Kent devise a device that could detect oddities that don't belong here. That project you were tasked with guarding the other day is one of them. Without going into trivial details, I'll cut right to it. I need you to board the Justice League HQ out in space, pinpoint the source of the disturbance with this–" Waller pauses briefly, handing over a radar-like device to the clone.
"And exterminate it. It is absolutely a threat and it must NOT leave that Watchtower."
"This device is able to detect something that far away?" The clone questions as he studies the mentioned object. From observing the screen, he gathers it already found something faint, evident by the beeping dot giving off small waves of rings. Given how far away they were from the Watchtower, he imagines it indeed has to be something to behold.
"That is correct. Time is of the essence, so I'm sending you up there immediately." Waller informs.
"Do I just… fly up there, then?" He asks with an arching brow.
"If I knew what you were fully capable of, then perhaps. But no, I have a more convenient way to get you aboard that vessel. You really DON'T have time to waste. Shade, if you will." After answering the kryptonian, Waller turns her head and addresses one of her associates. An odd fellow wearing formal clothing. His skin pale as the ashen moon, his eyes hiding behind round shades, and with him he carries an onyx cane. With but a mere gesture of lifting his hand at the kryptonian, he brings forth a swallowing shadow at the young man's feet. It accumulates and begins to resemble a cloud of sheer darkness that continuously grows with every second. As if sinking into a narrow pit of quicksand, Connor finds himself sinking into that darkness. He instinctively struggles. Trying to pry his body loose and reach to get a grip of a surface, but he's inevitably taken in all of his entirety. The last thing to be heard from him is a desperate gasp for air.
Instead of suffocating or being further restrained, the kryptonian finds himself somewhere peculiar. He moves just slightly with a step, and feels his foot connect with something. The sound of a mopstick falling against the floor rings out within the confined space just seconds after.
"Where am I…?" He murmurs, soon finding his thoughts interrupted by the lively beeping from the device in his hand. Whatever he was sent here to find, it's definitely close by. The dot quadrupled in size since he was swallowed up and reappeared who knows where.
"How do I–" Before he can finish that thought, the mechanical door he can't see suddenly peels open after he takes three steps forward. He treads outside cautiously, discovering he's within a corridor somewhere. Not only that, but upon further investigation of the window that ISN'T merely a painting of a starry pitch black night as he first thought, he discovers that he's actually in space. His free hand lifts to palm against the cold glass in front of him as he takes in the breathtaking view of the vibrant, great blue sphere known as Earth far off in the distance. His eyes wide as can be.
"Unbelievable…" He breathes out, swept up within his impressionable wonder.
"New up here? Quite a sight, isn't it?" It's none other than Hal Jordan himself who verbally pulls Connor out of his idle state of staring, as he comes to stand beside the young man. Grinning as he also takes a moment to drink in the all too familiar vast body of space. The Kryptonian's focus shifts toward the Justice Leaguer.
"Hal Jordan of the Green Lantern Corp." The clone states softly, robotic-like in tone. The recognition brings a smug look to the fairly taller male's face.
"The one and only, Kid! You a fan? I've got some time on my hands to give ya an autograph if you'd like." Hal offers, oblivious to whom he’s talking to. And that clueless-ness fades the moment the young man turns to face him entirely, revealing that sorrowfully familiar 'S' shield on his chest.. Hal can't help but to stare in disbelief.
"No. I am merely aware of you and your history with the Justice League. Excuse me, but I need to go. Time is rather short." Connor answers simply before casually taking his leave to follow the guidance of the radar in his possession. However, Hal is quick to intercept him after just a few steps. Floating around and ahead to cut the clone off.
"Woah-woah-woah! Who are you? I don't recall Superman having a kid."
"And I was given no knowledge of such a thing, either. Now excuse me." Is the clones aloof reply before he attempts to tread around the Green Lantern to continue on. Yet again, he's cut-off. A green construct of a gate takes form in front of him. Something that warrants an annoyed expression as he looks over a shoulder at the Lantern.
"If you're not Superman's son, then I'd like to know something about you. Give me deets. Are you a relative? His brother? Cousin? Clone?" Hal presses out of concern.
"Yes."
"Yes…? Yes to which?" Hal quirks a brow.
"I'm his clone and replacement. Now if you don't mind–" The Kryptonian trails off before throwing an imposing punch that shatters the construct like glass. However, the process repeats an additional time and escalates even more.
"Okay, we'll do this the hard way, then." Hal lifts his ring-bearing hand and uses his opposite to brace his forearm. Straight from his finger, meters of chains discharge and coil around the Kryptonian like a snake. Embracing him from shoulders to ankles in neon emerald. This time, he's focusing.
"Tch! You're wasting my time, Green Lantern. I came here to take care of a problem, not for pointless confrontations!" Connor barks as he struggles. Hal can feel it. The clone's inhuman strength straining his grip, and thus he fortifies it. Squeezing harder as he grits his pearly white teeth.
"NNNGH! Yeah, you're definitely a knock-off that comes pretty close! But be reasonable here! You come into the Watchtower undetected, wearing Superman's S, and didn't once think someone here would stop and question you? Tell me why you're here!"
"To save the world and exterminate a threat. Now release me!" Connor demands.
"Fat chance, clone boy. Not until you settle down." Hal retorts. It's then that the kryptonian's patience comes to an end. Also when a third individual arrives.
"Hey, what's going on here?" The Flash, Barry Allen, questions as he comes skidding to a halt beside Hal.
"This guy is–" Before the lantern can finish that thought, the clone flexes with all of his might, snarling as he completely breaks the chains clinging around his body in an instant. The force sends fragments of green flying every WA and causes cracks to form in the long stretch of glass from the action, as well. While the two leaguers shield themselves, the clone takes off with a burst of speed. During, emergency shieldings lower to cover the damaged windows.
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"That guy is crazy!" Hal comments and begins flying after him.
"I got him." Barry calls out and takes off like a bullet, sprinting past Hal and searching every little pocket for their uninvited guest. Soon enough, the entire facility is on alert. Passing through particular doors, the clone triggers scanners and security measures that inevitably discover he's unidentifiable and DEFINITELY an intruder.
" Warning, warning. Unknown personnel aboard the Watchtower. Warning, warning. " The femme AI voices announces through every available speaker on the extravagant space vessel. A picture of the clone's scowling face and upper torso comes up on every monitor and screen attached to the facility. All sorts of chatter begin, filling the artificial Kryptonian's ears. Adding to his growing anxiety.
"This is ridiculous!" Connor exclaims, beyond annoyed by the turn of events. It's becoming difficult to think, but he keeps his primary task at the forefront of his mind.
"Where, where, WHERE!?" He zips through the nexus of rooms and corridors, frantically navigating through what feels like a maze. He doesn't stop for anything or anyone. Joanna Hex, Huntress, Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Vixen, Hawkgirl, The Question, or even Jay Garrick. However, it's that very last individual he doesn't slip past so easily… Within a snap, the old-timer catches up with ease and keeps pace beside him. A fact Connor overlooks.
"What's your hurry, son?" Jay makes his presence known.
"Who- what!?" A startled 'Superman' filches mid flight with wide eyes.
"Oh hey, Jay. I see you found our super friend here." Barry chimes in after zipping up from the opposite side.
"When did you–!?" Before Connor can finish that thought, Jay promptly cuts-in.
"Son, you might want to..."
SLAM!!!
The clone rams into a steel door, embedding his sprawling body into it. The speedsters, having stopped a few meters behind, stand idly. Jay rubs at the back of his head with a sympathetic stare, while Barry does his best to stop himself from bursting out in laughter.
"Well, that looked painful… You alright, son?" Jay asks with genuine concern. In turn, the clone groans gruffly.
In truth, Connor felt little pain from the impact. He pushes himself out of the Superman-shaped dent in the door. And just as he does? It slides open to reveal the ever brooding Dark Knight on the other side. Scowling at the intruder.
Connor immediately recognizes this as an issue. One he doesn't want to confront, especially when he has yet to find what he's supposed to be searching for. Before another word can be said, he retreats with a gust of wind in his wake. Moving in a blur past the two speedsters, and making a hard right further down the hall with the hopes of taking a detour to get where he needs to be. Alas, he finds himself at a dead end inside what seems to be some sort of control room. Nothing but computers and a view of Earth through a large window. The sound of myriad footsteps alerts him to the large crowd of heroes closing in on him from behind. He turns to face them with a defensive stance just as the bunch comes rushing in.
"Stay back! ALL OF YOU!" The Kryptonian shouts as his eyes gleam with deathly and smoldering red. His pupils, burning so distinctly bright, shift frantically over them. Watching as many as he could in his high alert state.
"I don't know who you think you are, punk, but you gotta' lotta' nerve coming in here and clenching your fists at us." Wildcat comments while pointing accusingly at the artificial young man.
"Huh… He actually resembles big blue a bit. Is that his kid?" Barry asks, holding his chin in thought.
"No, it's his clone. The kid said so himself." Hal informs.
"His clone? You mean, someone made a copy of Superman?" Blue Beetle asks.
"It HAS to be Luthor's doing. No one else would have the audacity to clone Superman." Vixen chimes in.
With every outspoken voice, Connor's eyes zip from one person to the next as they talk about him. That comes to an end when Batman treads forward to emerge from the crowd and stand at the center. A staredown initiates between him and Superman. The chattering from the rest dies down during.
"Who. ARE. You?" The dark knight questions solemnly. Surely enough, he receives the utmost honest answer from the intruder.
"I am the clone of Superman, and his replacement. My purpose was to keep him in check, should he stray from the path of righteousness. To eliminate him, should he abandon Law & Order. To eliminate ANY member of the Justice League who does…" Is the clone's choice of words.
Batman silently glares upon that response.
"That's crazy! Where did he come from? WHO made him!?" Someone shouts from the mass of bodies behind the Dark Knight. Before chaos of emotions flood the atmosphere, Bruce presses the clone. Formulating his own selection of phrasing to ask the questions everyone likely wants to know.
"Who sent you?"
"Amanda Waller." Connor answers.
"How did you get into the Watchtower?"
"She had someone send me here by means I don't understand at all. Shadows swallowed me completely, and I found myself inside a utility closet here."
"And why were you sent here? You're clearly not here for a fight." Batman keeps the questions flying.
"I am not. At least, not with any of you." Connor begins, pausing as he holds up the device Waller gave to him.
"I was tasked with pinpointing and exterminating an unknown force aboard this station. Waller believed it to be a grave threat to Earth. No plan beforehand. She said that time was crucial… and so much is being wasted here." Superman informs regretfully, his eyes finally simmering back to their normal state of brilliant blue.
"...Lead the way, then." Batman simply states.
"Are you serious!? Just like that?" Booster Gold knits his brows skeptically behind his gold visor.
"Yes. Let him through." And with that said, a part down the middle of the crowd comes to be to allow Batman and the self-proclaimed Superman through. Once they are out within the corridor again, the clone takes the lead. Walking instead of flying this time. Naturally, the rest of the League follows behind. The Kryptonian leads the group back to the door he crashed into earlier, which Batman grants access to by placing his hand beside the door. A light illuminates from the wall before a hidden keypad reveals itself on the opposite side. After obscuring view of it, he punches in a code that immediately makes the mechanical door slide open. Inside is the exclusive meeting room for the founding members of the J.L.
"It's close…" Connor informs as he studies the radar. He enters and makes his way over to an unsuspecting wall inside the room. By then, the device is frantically beeping.
"It seems to be behind… this wall?"
"Hn." Without saying a word, Batman steps forward to repeat the process. Upon doing so, a secret door is revealed as it rises to give entry. Inside seems to be a storage space for planetary foreign trinkets and such. However, the most eye-catching thing inside was the enormous floating orb near the far back. Appearing dark and slimy in texture. It remains unmoving within their presence.
"This… this shouldn't be here." Batman states.
"What even is it?" Superman questions as he approaches the dark sphere. Batman at his heels.
The youth reaches out to make contact, a curious frown upon his features as he does.
"Maybe you shouldn't touch–" The cowl donning Gothamite tries to warn, but the clone's middle finger just barely touches it before he retracts his hand.
That minuscule brush is all it takes to receive a reaction from the sphere. It begins figeting, gradually morphing from its rounded structure and into something. Into someone. As it does, Superman backs up a couple of steps, uncertain of what to expect.
"What's going on in there?" Hal questions from the doorway.
"I'm not sure…" The clone answers.
Before long, the liquid-like substance takes the form of a person. A woman with a negative coloring. Inhuman… and dressed similarly to Batman. Her eyes are piercing red that sit in pools of unsettling pitch black darkness - and they soon lock onto the Kryptonian.
"I feel her in you…" It speaks, bearing a feminine distorted voice. One that makes both the clone and Bruce clench their teeth in discomfort.
"What…?" Is all Connor can breathe out within a whisper.
"You're not her, though… Not… entirely." She goes on, tilting her head to a side far more than necessary. Then, she begins creeping forward with simple steps.
"But your presence tells me she is at least here somewhere. Hiding? Biding her time? Perhaps unaware?" The being goes on. Her head returns upright as she comes to stand almost evenly with the 5'11 Kryptonian.
"Who are you?" Connor asks as he stares intensely, looking as if her very presence is offensive to every single one of his senses. Especially his sense of sight.
Before answering, she lifts a hand outward. Ghosting her palm over the center of the bright crimson S adorning the young man's torso.
"An amalgamation of echoes." And within a split second, a burst of watery darkness comes rushing out from her extended limb. Easily flooding the small room and washing over every present body like a tsunami wave. Submerging. Drowning. Corrupting…
Desperate cries are swiftly silenced. However, one keeps fighting. He rears his head from the ever growing depths of the onyx water and gasps desperately for air. It's none other than Superman himself.
"What.. What happened!? Batman? Can you hear me!?" Connor calls out as he scans the room, but spots nothing beyond the body of liquid surrounding him. That is, until she rises out right in front of him. Uncomfortably close and staring right into his soul. It terrifies him into a state of petrifaction. He almost regrets his hasty choice to call out for the Dark Knight.
"How odd. There's something off about you. Deceiving and hidden. Hidden quite well. You're a bit like me, it would seem. You do share some of her essence, after all. Maybe you need something more hands-on…" And upon that notion, she snakes a hand out to grasp at the Kryptonian's throat, while her other latches onto the side of his face with a claw-like grip.
A skin chilling sensation begins building, growing more intense by the second until it feels like frostbite is growing under his very skin.
"Ah– AAAH!!??" The Kryptonian cries out from the unwelcoming touch.. Though she may not have the strength to strangle him, whatever else she’s doing is having actual effect. It’s becoming visible, too. A negative coloring begins growing under his right eye. Expanding slowly over time.
Connor attempts to shove her away, but his hand phases right through her like water. He keeps trying to shove her away. Punching, grabbing at, swatting, and even using his heat vision. The latter only results in his fiery beams going right through her and searing parallel lines into the ceiling. Just as she claims his right eye entirely, an aura of red begins taking form around his body.
"Get…. OOOOOOFF!!!" He bellows, erupting with an explosive force of telepathic energy that blows out the window within the room. The vacuum of space drags him outside with a powerful suction. Just in time before the emergency shutters drop down, too.
But now there’s another critical issue.
He can't breathe in space.
He begins choking. His hands reach for his throat as he desperately tries to breathe in what just isn't remotely available. Air is all he can think about at the moment. Varies things associated with oxygen to be exact. In his state of panic and his consuming thoughts, a protective layer of his telekinesis forms around him. One with its own self-providing source of breathable air.
He gathers himself before examining his surroundings, then his own body.
"I can… breathe? It seems like I was the only who… who..!?" It dawns on him finally. Something is off. His vision is a contrast. His right eye is disorientating to say the least. The vastness of space is a body of unimaginable white with dark twinkles in the distance, while the Earth itself is a sphere of red and pink. His aura is an ocean blue color to it, as well. It's obvious he couldn't rely on it any longer. He has to keep it shut. He does so, but it barely helps. It's blank whiteness instead of pitch black, and it perplexes him.
"I have to get back and get this sorted out. What exactly did she do to me? Who was she even referring to?" And with those questions in mind, the Kryptonian begins flying his way back to the planet with haste.