Second Chances: Superman and Lois

Chapter 29

Lillian was currently showing Mercy and Otis around Cadmus Labs where Mercy noticed one of their projects that seemed to have an abundance of security.

"What is that?" Mercy asked, referring to that.

"Something that is off limits to anyone who has not been given my personal codes, or possessing Luthor DNA." Lillian said.

"Wow, it must be pretty important then." Otis said.

"It's one of Lex's pet projects that he started using stolen kryptonian technology. Sort of a weapon of last resort to use against Superman when all other options failed and not meant to be activated unless we had no other options." Lillian said.

"So what is it?" Mercy asked.

"It's called Project Doomsday and that's all you need to know about it and don't even think about trying to activate it. We have numerous safeguards in place that were designed by Lex himself." Lillian said, seeing the look on Mercy's face and it was not a good one. Like Otis, she was growing concerned about just how unstable Mercy was becoming since Lex had left Earth. Any other parent would be concerned about the lack of contact from Lex since he went offworld, but Lillian knew that Lex could handle himself wherever he went and hopefully, when he returned, he'd be able to tip the scales in their favor.

"If it's that dangerous, why not unleash it on Superman?" Mercy insisted.

"That is none of your business. But this project will not be activated until my son gives the order." Lillian said, making it clear that was not up for discussion and Mercy reluctantly nodded before she walked away, leaving Otis and Lillian alone.

"She's becoming more and more unstable, ever since Lex cut her off. Too much of her life revolves around Lex and now that he no longer cares about her, she seems desperate to make him care about her again." Otis said and Lillian nodded.

"Mercy was good at her job until Lex made things personal with her. She forgot the key rule of dealing with Luthors. Well, aside from Lena." Lillian said in disgust at her stepdaughter's actions of falling in love with an alien.

"Never take anything a Luthor promises you too seriously." Otis said, since while he trusted Lex, he also knew to be cautious in case Lex decided to turn on him.

"Exactly. Keep an eye on her. If she becomes a liability, do what needs to be done." Lillian said and Otis nodded, neither of them aware that Mercy had overheard them.

However, they were pulled from their conversation when they heard someone else walk into their base.

"Well, well, so this is where the mighty Cadmus has been hiding." Morgan Edge said as he strolled into the base like he owned it.

"Morgan, what are you doing here? How did you find this place?" Lillian asked.

"Who do you think Lex bought this land from?" Morgan asked and Lillian sighed.

"What do you want?" Lillian asked.

"To shut you down." Morgan said.

"What, are you going to report us?" Otis asked, since they had protocols in place for that.

"Oh no. I have a much more permanent solution in mind." Morgan said as Lillian finally noticed his outfit and saw that it was not a typical business suit, it was a suit that actually looked similar to Superman's costume, only black and with a different symbol.

"Who are you?" Lillian asked, since it was clear that this man was not who he claimed.

"Apologies, I suppose that I haven't been honest with you about who I am. My name is Tal-Rho. I am the last son of the house of Rho of Krypton and the son of Lara Lor-Van." Tal said.

"You're a kryptonian." Lillian said, honestly smirking, since this was the worst place for kryptonians to be.

"Yes and I know what you're thinking, but did you really think that I would come here unprepared?" Tal asked as suddenly, Mercy smirked and tossed her brother across the room with ease.

"Mercy?" Otis asked as he got to his feet.

"Sorry bro, but this isn't personal. Lex decided he didn't need me anymore and it turns out that the skillset he hired me for makes me very desirable. Especially to someone as powerful as Tal Rho." Mercy said as her eyes actually glowed.

"You chose an alien over us?" Lillian asked.

"I choose the side that benefits me the most and from where I'm standing, Tal Rho is a winner. He offers more than any Luthor ever did. I'm surprised you didn't realize I was playing you, since you'd think I'd have more self respect than to just to be the desperate ex." Mercy said with a smirk.

"This whole time you've been spying on us." Otis said.

"Yep. And the only reason this is happening now is because Lex is offworld, which means that the biggest opposition to our plans is gone and by the time he comes back, this world will belong to Tal Rho." Mercy said.

"And as agreed, you will be right there by my side. Now, shall we?" Tal asked and Mercy grinned.

"With pleasure." Mercy said as she quickly showed off the powers she'd somehow acquired as she and Tal began to destroy the facility.