His eighth year in Cadmus was more hectic than the last. It took months before the incident with the missing adults settled. Cities, businesses and people were all doing their best to repair what was damaged and lost during the short few hours during the adult populace’s disappearance. There wasn’t much information on the perpetrator, but the Justice League seemed to know something about it, when they promised there would be no repeats.
Beyond refrained himself from making any snide remarks. He was more interested in finding the history behind his blood than retorting against empty promises. Interestingly enough, his files were restricted. Protected with ridiculous amounts of pass codes, traps and whatnots. Why such secrecy, he wasn’t sure, but from what he’s found, he was likely the oldest project still alive. The only other project that had gone on just as long was the Superman cloning projects, but it was terminated after multiple failures. Project Doomsday became its replacement.
Further study of his project files, he noted his training was overlooked by Checkmate, a group he worked with briefly the previous year. His genetics was from a human as expected, given he hadn’t had any mutations or degradation that many of the other projects suffered. However, to which human he was created from surprised him. The blood sample was taken from none other than the Justice Leaguer Batman. There was a footnote by Dr. Strange concerning Batman’s identity.
He frowned at this revelation. They already had plenty information on Batman, but for some reason they never saw fit to give him any of it. Was it due to a lack of trust on him that they kept this a secret? Or was it something more? His list of questions grew as he went through more of his files. Most consisted of character evaluations and his progression during the last few years. It wasn’t until he found the proposal for his project, that his answers were finally answered. For the past eight years, he thought his project title was just Project Beyond, but in reality, it was much more.
Project Batman Beyond
The true purpose of Project Beyond was to create a counter against the sharp-witted mind of the man behind the vigilante mask. They hadn’t planned on him becoming the Voice, but it was a beneficiary surprise. What they have managed was a perfect son to go against him when the time came. Whether or not the project was done as a psychological attack, the result would be his flesh and blood against him.
Despite his interest on Batman’s civilian identity, he hadn’t had much time to look into Dr. Strange’s archives. During his eighth year, he was loaded with work as the Voice and legal support for his fellow active projects. The Ultimen Project activated nearly a year ago during the Thanagarian Crisis and Project Galatea a few weeks ago.
For the Ultimen he created over seventeen years worth of back history for each individual and a respectable public persona. Writing their existence into the government archives was a simple task, but having Cadmus to hire proper actors to play as their loving family was another matter. Due to their premature activation, the Ultimen required close observation for the slightest change. Like Project Meta, Beyond became more familiar with them then they know of themselves. Their most intimate secrets, their dreams and their fears, he knew them all.
As for Galatea, in the first week of her activation, she was held back for physical training to control and contain her powers. She hadn’t the luxury of maturing into her powers as the original. She was artificially aged to the peak of her abilities. Their first official meeting was not pleasant. Galatea was used to being doted on by Hamilton and Beyond was used to professionalism. To him, Galatea lacked the discipline that would allow them to work well together.
“She’s doing quite well isn’t she?” Hamilton spoke with pride.
“She hasn’t mutated or degraded like the other Kryptonian projects yet, so that’s a good sign.” He muttered as he noted on Galatea’s performance. “Sloppy, it’ll be troublesome to cover up a death like this.”
“Cut her some slack, it’s her first mission.” The professor defended.
Beyond paid him no heed as he continued to write down the faults and possible improvements for the Supergirl clone. It wasn’t the first time he watched someone discarded by Cadmus. In fact, he covered up for more than half of those deaths.
“Spoiling her in this manner will only hinder her progression professor.” Beyond commented as he wrote up the forensics report.
“She’s merely a week old.” The man argued. “You can’t expect perfection from her this quickly.”
“You’re giving me more work on top of work I already have professor.”
“But you haven’t failed to live up to your responsibilities yet.” The man quipped.
Beyond glanced up with a raise of a brow. “Do you want me to fail professor?”
“No, no! By no means!” Hamilton raised his hands in defense.
“Then have Galatea execute cleaner deaths.” Beyond said bluntly as he returned to writing up the report.
“Who are you to give us orders?” A feminine voice interrupted.
Beyond glanced at her briefly before turning to leave. “I’ll leave her to you professor. I’ll have someone file the report in later.” A hand grabbed the front of his shirt and hauled him into the air. He was met with an icy glare.
“What gives you the right to boss us around brat?” She snapped.
“Galatea! Put him down!” Hamilton said in a panic.
“By having what you don’t.” Beyond growled. She wouldn’t dare kill him they can’t replace him.
“And what would that be?” She hissed. Her hand moved to grasp him by the throat instead. Beyond’s eyes widened as he dropped his notes and raised his hands to grab onto the one on his neck.
“Galatea! Let him down now! He’s your advisor! If you kill him, it’ll be against protocols!” Hamilton shouted.
“Advisor?” She said in disbelief as she dropped him.
His guards hurried in when she assaulted him, but none of them could have done anything with him in her grasp. Beyond coughed frantically in between breaths while they helped him up and stood between him and Galatea. He rubbed his sore throat while Galatea was throwing a tantrum with Hamilton over having a child as her advisor.
“But he’s just a kid!” She protested.
“Galatea, he’s a project just as you are, but he’s not developed for combat. He’s developed to assist you and others like you. After all, with your training schedule, you don’t have time to do what he’s doing for you. It’s more efficient this way. So please.” Hamilton pleaded her.
Beyond’s eyes narrowed. That wasn’t what he was developed for. He was developed to counter Batman, not play baby-sitter for a spoiled project like her. She huffed in irritation as she glared at Beyond.
“Fine.” She muttered. “I still don’t like him.”
“You don’t have to.” Beyond said hoarsely as he motioned for his guards to leave. “This is nothing more then an assignment. We don’t have to like each other to do our jobs. Professor, I trust you to explain the rest to her.”
“I will. I’m sorry about what happened. Please stop by the infirmary when you get the chance.” He apologized.
As he left, he could hear Galatea complaining about Hamilton apologizing to him. He could care less about her thoughts, but she had reminded him again of his mortality. It was so easy to forget how helpless he was while working with such stagnant missions. Cadmus could not always protect him, what happened with the Joker was proof. He knew that, but he hadn’t realized how easily he could outlive his usefulness. They kept him because he still showed signs of usefulness. There were no promises that he could ever match up to Batman much less defeat the man. If he couldn’t accomplish what he was created for, how long would he last once he resolved all the mediocre problems?
Beyond had no time to worry over his troubled thoughts. His priority was to survive the new threat, Galatea. She could easily crush him at any moment without notice and he would be able to do nothing about it. On these days he found himself really hating the Kryptonian race. They had such power and they never had to work a moment in their lives to obtain it. Something must be done to correct this.
“Is there a reason for the call Beyond?” Waller asked over the phone.
“I would like to request for the funding of a project.” He said gravely.
“You do know you are no exception to the standard procedure for funding requests.”
“This project is not only beneficiary to Cadmus, but it’s most crucial for my safety.”
“Your safety?” He could hear the frown in her voice. “From what may I ask?”
“Professor Hamilton’s Project Galatea. While she is quite capable of the duties assigned to her, I’m afraid she’s a loose cannon. She made a physical threat against my person only hours earlier. I don’t doubt she might be a threat to others if she was to go berserk.”
“What is this project you’re suggesting?” She asked after a moment.
“Kryptonite is too expensive and difficult to obtain for our purposes. On top of obtaining the rock, the radiation it omits is dangerous for those who use it. I believe a portable red sun simulation should be enough for our common guards to detain her if necessary.”
“You are aware if this project is funded, you will not be the one to overlook its progression with your current duties.” She added.
“I am aware of this and have already chosen a suitable candidate to overlook the project. It’s just the matter of having him agree on working on project.”
“And who may this be?” Waller asked calmly.
“Dr. Eli Selig. I’ll forward you his records, he’s rather young compared to our other engineers and professors, but he’s highly capable in his work.”
“I’ll see about that project after I see the man’s files.” The woman considered. She was not one to trust on word of mouth alone.
“Thank you for your time sir.” He said, not offended by her caution. She had his respect for taking such measures.
Not long after his proposal to Waller, the Ultimen went berserk and attempted to destroy the city they were supposed to guard. It took him no more than a moment to create a proper cover story to feed the masses before the group was given to him for observation and analysis. Without having to look at the current information, he knew the Ultimen’s time was limited. How could he not? He was the one that authorized their early activation. He was aware of the risks and their degradation. Their powers made their bodies unstable. The more they used them, the shorter their lifespan becomes. He was surprised that they managed a full year.
When he went for observation, he noticed one was missing among the group. “What happened to Long Shadow?” He asked.
“He’s with the Justice League.” One of the scientists answered.
Beyond paused and glanced up from his notes. “Why?”
“He hadn’t gone berserk, not like them.” The scientist motioned towards the one-way mirror. “They made a big deal to keep him from Cadmus.”
“I see…” He made note to check on why that one hadn’t gone berserk like the rest of them. “I’m going to talk to the Ultimen.”
“We’ll prepare your—”
“I’ll talk to them as I am.” Beyond brushed them off as he strolled over to the controls and the one-way mirror that separates him from the Ultimen.
“But that’s against protocols!” The man protested.
“They’ll be dead within the month, it won’t matter.” Beyond reasoned before climbing onto the seat and pulling on a headset, he adjusted the volume before turning off the one-way mirror function. “Good afternoon.” He greeted.
“What are you doing here kid?” The teen, Wind Dragon said tiredly as the group turned their attention to him. “This isn’t a playground, you shouldn’t be here messing with the equipment.”
“But I am in the right place. You are Project Ultimen are you not?”
The group became silent. “Who the heck are you supposed to be?” The twin Downpour snapped.
“I’m assigned to overlook your degradation process.” Beyond replied truthfully. “How are you feeling today?”
They snorted. “Great, we have a kid baby-sitting us.” The electricity manipulator Juice grumbled.
Ignoring their scornful remarks, he proceeded with his questioning. “What led to your berserk episode?”
“Berserk!” The other twin Shifter snarled. “We did not go berserk!”
“You nearly wiped out an entire city block.” Beyond interrupted.
“What do you know? How would you feel if everything you remember or believed in was nothing more then lies implanted into you mind?” Shifter continued in fury.
“Don’t bother wasting your breath. He’s a kid, he won’t understand what it feels like to be replaced and betrayed.” Wind Dragon grumbled.
“So this is the matter of leaving a mark in the world?”
“No! It’s not as simple as leaving a mark!” Shifter shouted. “They were going to replace us when we died! No one would have noticed! Whatever we done won’t mean a thing! It’s worse than being forgotten. It’s like we never existed to begin with.”
“You won’t be forgotten.” Beyond found himself saying.
The group turned away from him. “We’ll probably be remembered as the screw ups that nearly destroyed the city.” They muttered before burying their faces at their knees.
Beyond pulled off his headset and turned off the one-way screen. He has gotten what he wanted from the Ultimen, more than he expected. They did what he never thought to do. They defied Cadmus and showed him what the outcome would be like. No one lived long after betraying Cadmus. He felt no sadness, he wasn’t aware of what sad was. Following the Ultimen’s death, Cadmus started a purge on all traitors using Galatea as their hit-woman and Beyond as their cleaner.
By then, Beyond was long used to the sight of corpses and Galatea’s display of brutality. Her dislike towards the little advisor hasn’t changed, but she hasn’t done anything remotely close in harming him since their first meeting. The project he imposed on Dr. Selig was coming along. Soon he wouldn't have to worry about the Kryptonian clone. The good doctor managed to create the red sun simulation in a room, but have yet to make it portable for Beyond’s use.
The elections came and went. The new president would soon replace the man he aided in the past two years. For once, Beyond wasn’t disappointed; the man was not a complete waste of space as he predecessor. True, the man does not have the cleanest record, but what politician does? At least this man knew not to blindly trust the big blue boy scout. He was to greet the man as the Voice when he entered office during the new term.
“Congratulations on winning the presidency Mr. Luthor, or should I refer you as Mr. President now?” Beyond greeted.
There was a moment of silence before Luthor replied. “It would only be appropriate for you to call me president… You are?”
“They refer to me as the Voice. I’m the advisor to your predecessor.”
“An advisor?” The man chuckled. “I don’t need one.”
“You don’t have to take my advice. I merely give them. Whether or not you decide to use them is your personal choice. I offered the same to your predecessor.”
He could hear Luthor chuckling again. “I am to assume you are the same person who convinced him to pass the bill on city reconstruction.”
The man wasn’t stupid. “That is correct.” He responded as he looked through Luthor’s records.
“I have no need for your advisement. I doubt you’ll be needed again until my resignation or the inauguration of a new president.”
“Very well, if that is your decision sir. Before I leave you, I have one question.” Beyond paused on a page of the man’s records curiously.
“And that would be?”
“You spent over seventy-five million on this campaign. However, I don’t think it is power you’re after in this presidency. May I ask if this has anything to do with your grudge against Superman?”
“…” Luthor said nothing.
“Pardon my rudeness if the question is too personal. I’ll leave you to your decisions sir.” Beyond pretended to close the connection and sat through a colorful session of the new president’s range of vocabulary. None were suitable for repetition, but Beyond was quite aware that he left an impression. He touched a sore spot and irked the prideful man.
With his duties to the president as the Voice postponed, his spare time was divided between helping Galatea with her assignments and looking into Strange’s files on Batman. Though, he should’ve kept a better eye on Galatea on hindsight. Somehow, during her last mission, the man she eliminated showed up on the morning news. She was usually so meticulous to rid the body and keep it from being discovered until the forensics could make little to nothing out of it.
“There’s an information leak.” Beyond stated to Hamilton when he visited Star Labs to retrieve Galatea’s progress reports.
“How could that be? We’ve already—”
He interrupted Hamilton. “It’s not from the people we’ve already discarded, it’s someone inside.”
“And who do you think it is boy genius?” Galatea said smugly as she sauntered into the room.
“I believe it’s you.” He said bluntly.
“What?” She hissed with her fists clenched.
“How could Galatea ever— she’s been monitored the whole time!” Hamilton argued.
“Don’t frame me just because you have something against me!” She snapped.
“Have you been having trouble sleeping as of late?” Beyond commented as the screen flicked to images of her tossing and turning during her sleeping hours.
She turned to Hamilton furiously. “You let him watch me sleep?”
“Don’t blame the professor. I’m given all information of the personnel I work with.” He said simply before continuing. “What have you been dreaming? I’ve noticed each time you awaken from these dreams, you have… what should I call it? This look of guilt over your face?”
The image paused on her waking up in a cold sweat.
“This is bull shit!” She hissed.
“Your performance went down.” He continued.
“You never liked my performances!” She argued.
“True, but I do take note of what you are capable of and what you are not. And the work you’ve been doing in the last two assignments have been subpar compared to your usual flare.”
“I’m not listening to this! You’ve already done your job! Get out!” She snapped and pointed to the door.
“Professor Hamilton, you have guests on the upper labs.” A woman spoke through the intercom.
“Who is it?” He asked.
“Three Justice League members, Supergirl is among them.” The woman replied.
“I’ll be up in a moment.” He said before turning off the connection. “Beyond you’ll have to wait until they leave before you can return to headquarters.”
“Understandable.” Beyond responded before turning on the security cameras in the lab. “And I wonder why your donor is here.” He mused. “Surely, it’s not a simple social call, don’t you think?”
“Shut up.” Galatea hissed as she watched Hamilton converse with the others. It turned out Beyond was right. She was the leak, but not purposely or willingly. There was a psychic link between her and Supergirl.
“How troublesome…” Beyond sighed before picking up a phone with his voice changer on. “There’s a security breech by Supergirl. Requesting operatives with Kryptonite guns.”
Galatea raised a brow. “You’re going to kill her?”
Beyond raised a hand to silence her. “A Z8 won’t be necessary. We just need it to convince Supergirl and her fellow leaguers that someone is out to get her, not tracing it back to Cadmus.” He paused listening to the other end. “Of course, whatever is available.” He hung up.
Galatea crossed her arms. “You’re going to tell me what you’re planning?”
“Why don’t you just watch?” He said as they waited for the group to finish with Hamilton and leave the facility. A copter arrived moments later attacking. They handled the group as expected, but Beyond frowned at the Z8 android. “I thought I told them not to send a Z8! The government supplies the Justice League with that model! Idiots!”
“Hmph, so what if they link it back to the government, I say we take them head on.” Galatea glared at the screen.
“It’s called secrecy,” Beyond noted dryly. “That Justice Leaguer Question is going to be a problem. Overly paranoid, obsessive to details, I’m not surprised if he finds any connection back to us.”
“Then what are you planning?” She asked glancing in annoyance through Supergirl’s files on the screen.
“Sending a request to headquarters to silence a loose end.” He said as he sent the request report.
She raised a brow. “And who exactly is the loose end?”
“The man that lend a hand in generously donating Supergirl’s DNA for your production. General Hardcastle. It’s likely, we’re not going to be able to silence him in time, but it’s best to not have him around if they plan to use him to reveal Cadmus to the public.”
“Beyond, they’re gone you can…” Hamilton trailed off as he entered.
“There’s a security breech, everything in Nuvo-Gen will have to be relocated.” Beyond stated.
“No!” Galatea grounded out.
“It’s not your place to argue.” Beyond turned his attention back to her.
“I think it’s the perfect time to get rid of them.” Galatea said.
“On what grounds?” Beyond challenged her. “What can Cadmus benefit from the deaths of these three? Do you know what we’re risking to go with your plan?”
“I know I can take them!” She argued.
“It’s not your decision to make.” He quipped.
“Then I’ll send in a request like you do! How hard can that be?” She growled.
“It’ll take you weeks, maybe even months. It’ll be pointless by then. They would have found out.”
“But… with your help it wouldn’t take as long.” Hamilton interrupted.
“I am not indulging her with her childish schemes. If she wants Supergirl dead, she does it on her own.” Beyond retorted.
“Galatea, can you leave the room for a moment?” Hamilton asked.
“I’m not leaving!” she growled.
“Please, just a moment.” He said calmly, ushering her gently out of the room. “Beyond, you know how Galatea is. If you don’t help her, she’ll just do it on her own and who knows what mess she’ll create from that.”
“You’re spoiling her professor. She needs to know where she stands in Cadmus.” Beyond stated firmly.
“I’ll send the request to headquarters myself, you won’t be associated with any of this plan, but please just help her.” Hamilton begged.
“…” Beyond took a deep breath this man was persistent. And if he doesn’t help him now, the man would continue to pester him until he does. “We’re removing all the data on the other projects from Nuvo-Gen, leaving only Galatea’s files. If they’re looking for something it would be suspicious if they find nothing. Have Hallstrom’s death reported on the news and link him back to Nuvo-Gen. Galatea can face them in the training room.”
“Thank you Beyond.” Hamilton said gratefully.
“You probably want me to be overlooking this—” Beyond was interrupted.
“No! I don’t want you to be in any part of this! I can do this without your help!” Galatea charged in fuming. No doubt she heard the whole conversation.
“Galatea!” Hamilton tried to appease her.
“I don’t need his help!” She growled.
“As long as the other files in Nuvo-Gen are removed, I can care less what she does.” He said before leaving.
“Fine! I don’t need your help!” She shouted again.
He glanced back at her briefly, the stubbornness in her eyes he would remember it forever. Galatea went on without his help. Two days later, Nuvo-Gen was destroyed, partially from the fight between Galatea and Supergirl. The rest was blown to ashes by Task Force X. He knew Galatea’s success rate was low, not because she was incapable, but more of Cadmus’s fear of her powers. Hamilton was the only one to trust her. Beyond was not surprised that they blew up the structure with her still in it.
Though he was surprised that she survived. She was shipped off to Star Labs until she recovered completely. He was almost disappointed that he hadn’t needed to send the obituary to the papers if the locals found her body. He could still save it for a later date if it came to that. After all, the projects were considered expendable.
Cadmus was funded handsomely to reactivate the Superman cloning project, courtesy of President Luthor. This time around, the project was graced with more than just money; it also involved the technology from Lex Corp. He really hadn’t seen the point when they asked for his archives on Superman and Galatea. Those in the project were more familiar with Superman than he was and the fact Galatea succeeded, they should’ve placed Hamilton on the project.
Though, the reason for all these failures in the past was due to the damaged samples they had in cloning Superman. Unlike the samples from Supergirl, Superman’s sample was damaged from the Kryptonite’s radiation. To counter this issue, they decided to incorporate human DNA to stabilize the Kryptonian DNA.
The choice of human DNA peaked Beyond’s interest. The donor was Lex Luthor. It was questionable to how obsessed the man was with the man of steel. He would have looked further, but his interest was elsewhere. Without his duties as the Voice and with Galatea out of commission, he found something called free time. It was unthinkable that Cadmus would have nothing for him to do. He feared this might just be a sign that his usefulness was up. He hastily went in search for what he postponed in finding out all these months.
The identity of Batman.
He had little difficulty going through the security systems to access Dr. Strange’s files. The name Bruce Wayne meant nothing at first glance, at least until he looked deeper into the history of the man. Imagine his surprise when he found the man, an aloof playboy dumber than a rock. The contrast this man to Batman was unbelievable, but that must’ve been taken into consideration to keep Bruce Wayne from being associated with Batman at any point.
“No wonder Cadmus did nothing to the man. No one would believe this airhead of a playboy was the dark knight.” He muttered.
The alarms blared loudly, Beyond was startled to return the files and hurried back into the ventilation system. He hasn’t grown much since Project Meta. When no one entered looking for unauthorized personnel, he realized it wasn’t meant for him. He quickly left the archives and returned to his station for more information on the matter. It seemed like someone released Project Doomsday and the monstrosity recovered from his last encounter with the Justice Lord Superman.
The man who released him was Dr. Milo, a useless scientist and a waste of their government funds. It was not likely the man survived releasing Doomsday, but it was not a lost in his eyes. He wasn’t fond of the man. After all, the man nearly ran him over with his super powered warthog on a few occasions. Milo’s projects were useless and often more trouble than what it was worth, the lost of him would only improve the efficiency of Cadmus.
Beyond was not surprised that he wasn’t alerted. There was nothing he can do against Doomsday, in short of pressing the button to fire the kryptonite missile. Doomsday was a monstrosity developed for its resilience. With Galatea still recovering, it would be foolish to send her in an attempt to stop him. Not that her death would bother him, but the waste of useful resources irked him to no ends. After all, she and he were the last projects that retained any freewill, if one can call it that.
He watched the evacuation reports on the island, the Justice League was busy trying to save as many civilians as they could. It won’t take Doomsday long to reach them and hunt down the man of steel. The reports did not interest him. Batman won’t be there on account of his lack of superpowers. Him paying attention would be a waste of his time… At least until he heard a kryptonite missile was launched and directed towards the island.
“What are they doing?” Beyond said in disbelief. The island was still evacuating and unless that thing directly hits Doomsday, it would only kill everyone else around him. The lights on his phone flashed. “Yes?”
“This is Waller. I want you to create a cover story for the missile launched right now. Have it within the hour.” She ordered.
“Yes sir.” He replied quickly before he started his lines of lies. There would be not appeasing to the masses, they have fired at civilians. He kept the feed on, linked onto the satellites for a better image of the whole situation. Thousands would die today because of Cadmus’s carelessness and a bumbling idiot. The story was completed in record time, but that meant little.
It wouldn’t be much longer before the missile reaches the island and wipe out the small population. Just as the missile approached, a small aircraft sped dangerously towards it. The satellite image of the aircraft wasn’t clear with both objects moving in extraordinary speeds, but he did take note that the aircraft was from the Justice League’s Watch Tower, a dangerous stunt. The risk of burning up during reentry alone should have warded off any sane person, but not only the pilot risked the reentry, he was also chasing the dangerous missile that could detonate at any moment. If the first two hadn’t managed to kill the pilot, stopping at that speed will surely crush the pilot to death or leave severe wounds.
“What kind of idiot would risk his life for these people?” Beyond muttered in disbelief, but the danger was diverted.
His thoughts on the pilot lingered only briefly, such selfless individuals were impossible to understand. Yet, that was what most of these heroes were. He had thought maybe there was something wrong with these heroes. Who would do such things without reward and compensation? How stupid were they to risk their lives for people they barely know?
Beyond frowned as he thought about the dark knight. The man was Bruce Wayne. He wouldn’t need compensation with how rich he was. It wasn’t like he was doing it for the limelight. Heck, if anything the man avoided the public like the plague, preferring to keep his image as an untouchable urban legend.
There was no pleasure in the job. Staying up in the dead of night to catch criminals seemed more like abuse than fulfillment. There was no making sense of the man. If he wanted revenge or vengeance over the mugger that killed his parents, he could’ve just gone after him, but no. Instead, the dark knight declared war on all criminals that trespassed his city.
He had even gone as far as disappearing off the face of the earth to get training to do so. Beyond rested his lips against his folded hands. Cadmus had started his physical training when they realized he had little to do, but since he was still a growing boy, they couldn’t risk heavy sessions that could impede his growth. Though, what use would they need him to be able to fight? It wasn’t like there was a chance he’d fight the dark knight. By the time he’s ready, the man wouldn’t be in any condition to fight. He’d be too old and decrepit.
Even so, the man has more experience at his disposal. Unless it was a battle of the minds, he couldn’t hope to match him—No, he was making excuses. The truth was that he didn’t want to fight the dark knight. The man… scared him. His greatness, his determination and his unbreakable resolve.
Using the moment of excitement caused by Doomsday, Beyond snuck into a terminal that linked to the outer world. He had no worries that someone would find out what he was doing. It would take days to unravel what he had done, but even then he needn’t worry. Only one person can figure out what he done and even he won’t be able to trace it back to him. Beyond had hacked the systems in the Bat-computer to leave Batman a message.
He was hoping he could convince the man to back off from Cadmus operations. Then he would never have to confront the man. Sadly, his message was ignored and Batman continued his duties with the Justice League.
Crack!
“Sorry!” A voice broke him out of his thoughts. He glanced up from his breakfast and noted a black-haired young man at the counter with a broken tray and the mess of breakfast at his feet.
“Ugh, be more careful!” The serving lady scolded him before giving him another tray of food. This tray broke in his grip as well.
“Sorry.” He said again dejectedly, the lady prepared another tray for him, but this time he was hesitant to take it.
“Come on, take it already.” She said exasperatedly.
“I’m…” The young man murmured.
“I’ll take it for him.” Beyond spoke up after a moment startling him to glance back for him before the other realized he had to lower his eyes to see him.
“Thanks.” He murmured gratefully in embarrassment.
“It’s not a problem.” Beyond said carrying the tray to his table before he sat down.
“I woke up a few hours ago, I’m not really used to my strength yet.” He said sheepishly as he picked up a utensil, the fork crushed in his hand and snapped. “See...” He sulked. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Not even five minutes awake, this crazy blonde chick smacked me over the head hard enough to leave dents on the ground. Then they dragged me off for a bunch of tests.”
Beyond listened in amusement as he rambled on about his miserable day. “Let me guess, you’re Project XIII.”
The young man perked up curiously. “Yeah, how did you know?”
It wasn’t hard for Beyond to figure out who this was. Cadmus ceased many projects on super-beings after Ultimen and Galatea. This one was likely the last freewill project imposed on Cadmus by President Luthor. He was Project Superman Clone XIII. His monstrous strength and lack of control resembled the Supergirl clone very much when she was first activated. There was no doubt the crazy blonde he mentioned was Galatea. No one else in Cadmus would have the strength to smack him with a force to crack the floors. It must’ve been a procedure to test if the project was a success.
“I have my sources and it’s very likely you’ll be seeing Galatea again.” He noted as he stirred up his breakfast absently.
“You know that crazy chick?” XIII said in disbelief.
“They haven’t told you anything have they?” Beyond responded dryly.
“Tell me what?” He asked in puzzlement. The utterly confused look on his face made him look so naïve, but remembering whose genetics he’s from, it wasn’t surprising.
“Just ask those scientists that were with you earlier.” Beyond replied.
“Oh… okay…” XIII said as he attempted to take another utensil into his hand without crushing it. The amount of concentration on his face was amusing. It was hard to believe the other half of his genetics was from a man like Luthor. After ten tries, XIII finally managed to hold a fork without it crushing it into a wad of metal. He grinned brightly before turning his attention back to Beyond again. “Oh yeah, I didn’t ask who you were… So… uh… who are you?”
Beyond found the corner of his lips twitch up. “I’m Project Beyond.”
“I’d shake your hand, but uh…” The fork snapped again. “Yeah…”
“It’s fine.” Beyond noted XIII was implanted with a more timid personality compared to Galatea’s rambunctious one. Cadmus must’ve wanted to control him easier compared to the Supergirl clone.
“So that crazy blonde chick had trouble like this too?” He asked curiously.
“At first, but she’s fine now.” He answered while wondering if Batman had to deal with Superman like this. XIII distracted him from the thoughts of facing Batman and turned his thoughts to the absurdity of Batman dealing with his Kryptonian associate.
“So it won’t be long before I get the hang of it right?” He asked optimistically.
“I suppose.” Beyond commented as he took a bite of his breakfast. The other project continued to talk about anything and everything that came to mind. Beyond found himself thinking the upcoming year was going to be interesting…
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