Luthor's Assassin

Beginnings

It had been two weeks since Luthor had taken Richard in, and already the young ward had exceeded all of Lex's expectations. He was quite skilled in acrobatics, as expected, but also proved to be a quick learner. As far as he could tell, the boy was thriving under Deathstroke's training, the only bumps being his occasional breakdowns because of the deaths of his parents. And those would disappear within time.

A light began to blink on his desk, and he pressed it, sitting back in his chair as the room dimmed and the shades on the windows closed. Six screens lowered themselves from the ceiling and activated, putting Luthor in the center of a ring, each screen showing the outline of a person bathed in bright light.

A deep voice came from one screen, which had been labeled with an "L-1".

"Begin your report, L-2."

Luthor nodded and began to speak in a calculating voice.

"As far as I know, project CADMUS is thriving with their newly found funds we have been providing. Their first few experiments have proven to be successful, and within a few years, we may have a sufficient army to combat the Justice League."

There were several noises of appreciation from around the circle.

"That is excellent news, L-2," another voice, this time female, came from L-3.

"Indeed," L-4 said in a deep voice. "And what of their... proposal?"

Lex continued to speak.

"CADMUS's proposal of a project Kr is... well-received, to say the least. A clone of Superman created with the intents to destroy him would certainly work in our favor. However, they have deemed full kryptonian DNA too unstable to work with."

"What do you suggest, L-2?" L-5 said with a metallic voice, and Luthor glanced at that screen before turning back to L-1.

"I would like to offer my DNA to be combined with the Kryptonian's so that the procedure would work without casualties. According to Dr. Desmond's beliefs, the clone would maintain the majority of Superman's powers, as well as being less dangerous to work with."

Silence for a moment. The Light was thinking, weighing Lex's idea carefully.

L-6 broke the silence.

"What guarantee do we have that this will not change the clone in any way? With your connection to Superman, how does the Light know that you are doing this for them, and not your own personal gain, L-2?"

"I assure you, L-6, anything I or CADMUS does is for the Light, and the Light alone," Luthor said, carefully keeping his tone neutral. "But as one of Superman's main... competitors, as I like to put it... I believe I am obligated to have a more personal hand in his demise."

More silence. Then:

"Very well, L-2," L-1 said. "Your request will be granted. How long is it estimated to be until Project Kr can begin?"

"The scientists require more research, and multiple attempts will be made." Lex said, "But it is not expected to meet success for another three years."

"The Light is willing to wait," L-3 said, and the rest of the Light nodded in agreement.

"Well then," L-1 said, "L-2, if there isn't anything else to report, then-"

"What about the kiddy, L-2?" L-7, who had been silent until this time, interrupted in a childish voice, "Will he serve the Light, too?"

Lex resisted the urge to swear, or face palm. Of course L-7 would be the one to bring that up.