Hidden in Plain Sight [ T H E S O C I E T Y ]

[Doctor Cyber]

[style= font-family: verdana; text-align: justify; padding: 5px; width: 445px; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px] Things for the Society had been going extremely smoothly, much to Sylvia Anita Cyber’s surprise. Well, it wasn’t that surprising, she was after all the field operator, the team commander and one of its engine heads. She was notorious for ensuring that everything the Society orchestrated was intricately planned and executed appropriately. It had been the most work she had done in years but on a certain level she was beginning to enjoy it. Working in complete secrecy turn out to be a wonderful catalyst for her work, in the last month she had acquired multiple diamond and precious metals locations across the globe and enforced her own workforce to ensure she was on the receiving end. And that barely put a dent in the things she had accomplished.

Yes, things were going very well. The Society had grown to amass a handful of members now, some more important than others of course. Regardless, everyone seemed to be doing their part and so far there seemed to be no contention or inner turmoil a foot. Cyber did keep an eye out for this, for any instant that someone would turn on them or risk exposing them, but her amp awareness seemed to be unnecessary.

Since it had been a month since the official formation of the Society and since newer members had not yet met with the entire force Sylvia, Lex Luthor and Bane decided upon setting up an exclusive meeting open all to a few members of the Society. Not everyone had to know the inner workings of the organization and any information shared amongst them was all supposed to be private and on the “for your eyes only” basis. They only needed to seek out the most pivotal and important members to ensure that their team remained focused on attained their goal – whatever that might be.

The meeting was designed as a way of recapping on what had been accomplished, what still needed to be done and ultimately what the Society had to do to ensure they remained out of the reach of Earth’s greatest champions. Doctor Cyber had done what she could, in fact she was often the catalyst for a series of events. Missing heroes, animosity against the Earth’s champions, mind control serums, stealing the Amazo blue prints; that was all her. She was preparing something, what it was would be shared in the meeting and then it would be shared with the entire world.

Doctor Cyber had contact Luthor on setting up the meeting; where it would be, what time, what would they discuss, this was all important. While Cyber was accustomed to making preliminary preparations herself, it was a refreshing change of pace to have Luthor initiate those parameters.

They decided and agreed upon to a lunch meeting at a rooftop restaurant in Metropolis that Luthor said he would buy out. Told the owners it was a special party with friends and he’d appreciate nothing more than the finest wine and dining experience. It seemed like a stupid decision, why would a bunch of world class super criminals meet in a public setting. Were they signing their death wish?

Truth be told, none of them had to hide. Doctor Cyber’s identity was a complete secret, in fact unknown. Bane could cover his own tracks, Luthor was well Luthor and other members like Gemini and Psycho Pirate were either protected by Doctor Cyber or had their own means of hiding their own identities. Just as they had planned, everything about the Society was a secret – everything down to their members. They had absolutely nothing to worry about. Besides, why should they have to hide when the champions of the Earth could face the world, when they could walk into the white house in full uniform? Where was the justice in that?

So the meeting was set on a Wednesday afternoon, arrival time for everyone was an expected 1:00 p.m. at the Saatchi rooftop restaurant in Metropolis. Everyone was told to dress casually; they were friends meeting for a small gathering for goodness sake. [/style]

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This would be the first time Anita had truly stepped before the Society. Well, Bane had seen her before but she hardly counted that. Of course, they weren’t going to meet the armored network master today, instead for once in a very long time Sylvia looked as she normally would –deformities aside and armor removed. Well most of the armor. In order to conceal her oddity, she used a special prosthetic type skin that mimicked her appearance as it would be at this age. She looked human, but beneath it all was the real Sylvia Anita Cyber – a horrendous and disgusting creature, disfigured and deformed.

Standing before the building that housed the rooftop restaurant Sylvia Cyber brushed a lock of black hair behind her ear. Her glasses almost fell off as she did this; she had forgotten they were even on. It was all part of an identity – all part of this hiding in plain sight – game that Luthor wanted to play. She wore a simple deep red peplum dress whose skirt ended mid-thigh and exposing the pale flesh on her legs. In her hand Sylvia carried a small purse that held the bare essentials she needed in case anything went array: an energy blasting firearm, a teleportation device and a small tablet that was absolutely necessary in the absence of all her computers. The woman brought it closer to her body for the first time in years feeling naked and out of place.
Letting out a light sigh, she walked forward, her suede black pumps clinking upon the concrete floor as she entered through the revolving glass doors and after being directed took an elevator to the top floor.

It seemed deserted upon arrival and Sylvia could only presume that Luthor had done his part. He had literally bought out the 9,200 square foot restaurant for their little lunch gathering. She had to hand it to him, he was as impressive in getting what he wanted as she. The host was quick to greet her and one Sylvia announced that she was here for Lex Luthor the woman immediately ushered her through the double doors to the interior of the restaurant.

It was a marvelous display that set upon her eyes upon entry. A mahogany wooden floor with white cloth covered tables and tall high back seats. What really made it wonderful however was the floor to ceiling windows the encircled the restaurant. It provided a spectacular view of Metropolis and in the distance Sylvia could see the shining globe of the daily planet.

“Please follow me Miss.”

The hostess said rather softly as she ushered Sylvia to followed her. She nodded and followed after, to be lead to a long table that provided a spectacular view of the city’s harbor and community park. From behind she could see Luthor’s bald head, shining as the sun hit it and she waved the hostess off wanting a moment of privacy between the two.

“You are a man of your word Mr. Luthor.” Sylvia began, walking around Lex and taking a seat adjacent him. He sat at the head of the table and her seat was located on his right side, it seemed almost symbolic in a way. “I do hope that ideas that the you share today are as impressive as your efforts.” A thin smile on ruby red lips curled onto her face as she reached for a crystal glass and took a sip of water.


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[Lex Luthor]

Saatchi’s was one of the finest restaurants in Metropolis, ergo the world, situated atop the Randorff hotel in the heart of New Troy. It was a magnificent crown of glass and white sandstone letting the diners feel atop the world, looking down on the greatest city in the world, Lex's city. A wonder of glass, stone and steel, if America was the new Roman Empire then this was the new Rome, or perhaps giving Washington it's due, the new Constantinople. This then would be a fitting place to plan out the future of the world.

The dichotomy between fact and theory had always amused Lex, conspiracy theorists always assumed that plotting took place in darkened rooms, perhaps even in bunkers deep underground. As if the 'secret rulers of the world' would have any need to hide. Not that Lex wasn't taking any precautions at all of course, he had suggested a restaurant in which he owned a considerable stake, booked it out and had the staff sign the most terrifying of non-disclosure agreements for substantial bonuses. Then of course there was the other issue. Eavesdroppers, one in particular in this city.

For that very reason over the course of the next three hours there would be no less than 14 separate incidents taking place across the globe, particularly in Siberia, around the Indian Ocean, the Gulf and so on. In other words the other side of the planet, they ranged from falling satellites and 'accidental fires' to hostage situations and his personal favourite a mech equipped terrorist attack by Kobra in Cashmere. Booking out the restaurant had of course been the easy part.

Indeed setting all this up had been the easy part the hard part was making a handful of incredibly powerful, independent minded.... free thinkers of potentially conflicting interests to work towards common goals. In fact at this stage to even decide what those goals were. As for Lex of course this would all serve as part of the long game of chess with the Alien, the more pressing concerns of invasion by some as yet unknown faction of possibly the New Gods with their power cloning and neutralising technology and of course the simple amusement of the thing.

While Lex was always striving for something, it was often useful to simply allow events to play out or even help accelerate the chaos it opened the mind to new possibilities and opened doors that one did not know existed let alone that they were closed. In short occasionally it is worth talking to a lunatic in clown make up with a murder fetish, because predictability was stagnation.

As Lex sat musing, playing idly on a tablet, it looked like a low budget game, as he slid around wire-work objects, stretching and scaling them and moving them together without apparent aim. In fact he was altering a design for a cheaper (relatively) production version of his Power Suit, even in idle moments like this Lex was always working, at least trying to, fortunately he was rescued from his conundrum as the Doctor entered offering her greetings and taking her seat on the round table.

“Doctor, I am wounded that you ever doubted me.” He smiled but his brain remained analytical. My, my didn't she look... human, he couldn't even hear a servo, very impressive. It did not, to Lex's educated glance, even seem to be a hologram. “And here was me thinking you just approached me for my money. Well this is your show Doctor, I brought my share of toys but it will be for naught if your less... cerebral recruits can't see the bigger picture.”

[Psycho Pirate]

It had almost been a week since the incident in Washington and Roger had been going cold turkey, his face longed for the reassuring confines of the Medusa Mask and yet he abstained, his wits only sustained by a gift from his mysterious benefactor. Sanity in a bottle, clarity in pill form, the voice had been kind enough to locate an ample supply of the medication that appeared to level out Roger's less desirable personality traits, it served as a sort of nicotine to his emotional addiction. With his miracle salve imbibed, Roger made himself presentable, tightening the white collar noose that was an Armani tie and cracking a satisfied smile at the sight of himself in the mirror. He could recall the days when this finery was his goal, when wealth was his only end and his means were far more juvenile, back then Roger couldn't even bring himself to hurt a fly, let alone a man. The heroes had changed that, turned his greed to hate, a hate that metamorphosed into a brilliant and insane rage, Roger had sworn that he would avenge his unfortunate evolution and now came his chance. Adjusting his cuff links as he made for the door to his luxurious sweet, Roger was finished his preparations for the meeting of minds that was to take place under the nose of Krypton's Last Son.

Eyeing the Rollex that adorned his wrist, Roger made for the hotel's foyer, his transportation would be here shortly. Thankfully the medication aided him in containing his excitement and anxiety for had it not Roger may have caused a scene, instead he walked with composure towards the rank where he would alight in the taxi that was chartered to take him to the meeting. Smiling at the porters as he entered the sole taxi, Roger regaled himself in the lavish surroundings he had found himself within over the past week and noted how welcome a change it was to the drab cells of Belle Reve. The only thing that could compare with the opulence of the locales that Roger had found himself was the distance between each, in the past few days he'd travelled more miles then he had done in the past ten years, bouncing from Louisiana to Washington before being magicked away to Chicago and now he found himself being driven through the magnificent cityscape that was Metropolis.

Investing his full trust in the silent cabdriver, Roger allowed himself to spend the entire trip drinking in the splendour of the city, making mental calculations of population density and taking note of where certain building were located, namely those that were a vested interest of the public. One such building was an extravagant testimony to an architect's vision and skill, a grand tower wrought of an emulsion of glass and white sandstone. The skyscraper a fine jewel in Metropolis's crown, which was a greatly contested trophy, one Roger gladly passed up, he did not need that sort of stress in his life. Watching the building grow larger as the taxi closed the distance, it became apparent to Roger that the grandiose hotel would be the location of the meeting, his new colleagues had yet to cease amazing him. As the motor vehicle came to a stop before the hotel, the driver who had yet to open his mouth spoke abruptly, “Top floor,” As Roger opened his mouth to clarify the driver snapped at him once more, “The top floor.” Nodding at his rude chauffeur's instructions, Roger exited the taxi and made for the hotel's revolving doors.

Cutting across the foyer, Roger found the elevator that would take him to the tower's zenith and to the identity of the voice, he was still dubious as to it's being a robot. After a brief yet torturous moment in which he was exposed to the abhorrent excuse for music the hotel played in their elevators, Roger emerged in the restaurant that sat atop the hotel. Upon his arrival he was escorted outside to a large table where a woman and a bald man sat, Roger recognised the shiny dome as belonging to Lex Luthor but the female was completely alien to him. Though Lex calling her Doctor eluded to her identity, “Less cerebral? Well Lex if you wanted to hurt my feelings, you've succeeded, how about I hurt your's?” Roger chuckled at the notion of breaking the man's mind, “Don't fret, I'll behave. Just promise me that there are pictures on the menu.” Taking a seat to the man's left, Roger sat adjacent to the woman he suspected was the owner of the voice.

Breaking out the small plastic vial that contained his new medication, Roger placed two of the pills in his mouth, washing them down with a mouthful of water. With another dose under his belt Roger was confident that he would be able to keep his urges in check for the entire length of their luncheon, “So to what do I, a humble unintelligent man, owe the privilege of being included in a meeting such as this?” Whilst still carrying on about the insult Luthor had paid him, Roger probed his hosts for any sort of information.

[Doctor Cyber]

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Lex Luthor and his ego, it was something that would surely never disappoint. Ego seemed to be a trait that was widely shared among most criminals, the petty thieves and the world class ones alike. It was the very thing that fueled their cause and allowed them to amass the attention of those too weak minded to even think for themselves. It was quite –to say the least – amusing how different yet how alike they were. Here they were, potentially the two greatest egos in the world, hardly bearing each other’s presence. The only difference between the two was that Sylvia had not the emotional drive to entertain his commentary and instead met his rather sly smile with a highly disinterested gaze.

“You would be surprised Luthor.” Sylvia began, pushing the bridge of her glasses up as she held her unwavering gaze, “These less than cerebral individuals do provide their fair share of talents that are surprisingly valuable to our cause.” As she finished her statement Roger Hayden made his appearance, making himself known through rather whimsical commentary and taking his seat next to Cyber. She shifted slightly, distance herself between Luthor and Roger the best she could.

Ironically, it was odd to finally see the man in person and her gaze despite only lasting a second had recorded every one of his features. She had spent the last few days viewing him primarily though camera feeds and video screens and so it was strange to finally meet face to face, well as face to face as Sylvia was willing to allow.

Thus far the only individual in this room who was aware of her true appearance was Lex Luthor and she had intend – or hoped – to keep it that way. She was more powerful as the voice, as the omnipotent presence and engine head behind every operation she pulled. Sylvia was sure the knowledge her true identity would only succeed in taking away that very power she held over every individual she had ever manipulated.

Folding her hands onto the table, Sylvia sat straight her eyes on the waitress who began to lay out the menus before them. Had Luthor hired this woman for the day? Would she keep her word? She would have to retrieve her name later and keep an eye on her to ensure she did nothing to impede on their operation. Sylvia stared oddly at her menu and then looked to Luthor and Hayden who were already checking the selection. Averting her gaze, she looked to the doors awaiting the arrival of more Society members.

Tardiness was not tolerated by Doctor Cyber. In fact everything counted down to the second. As a field operator it was imperative that everyone be on time or else there was a greater risk of something going awry, a greater risk of losing a recruit, a greater risk of failure. Failure was intolerable.

While the pair looked to the menu, Cyber’s analytical was counting down to the milliseconds and she began to grow irate when no one else had appeared at the double doors. ’Incompetent… they are unable to arrive on time despite being given advanced notice and a mode of transport to this meeting… unbelievable.’ She thought as she folded one leg over the other her grey eyes falling back upon Luthor as he began to place the menu back now.

“I suggest we begin the meeting with our current attendance.” Sylvia began, pushing her menu aside not really in need for nourishment and not in the mood to pretend she needed to eat. “It’s important that we address the collective hero effort and how we impede on this massive pandemic.” She continued, creating a steeple with her fingers as she sat against the high back of her seat.

“While they are for the most part… preoccupied, I think it best we do whatever possible to inhibit their ability to successfully gather the celliobye components.” The super weapon that was seemingly a gift of the future was the single most important thing in this race for power. Cyber had discovered it through Luthor who had discovered it from his future self who warned him of its grave consequences. If the Justice League and the likes managed to gather this the necessary materials for the celliobyte and did create a viable sample there was a chance that they could ever prevent the society from every rising to power. But; if the Society could create the super weapon first then they could easily level the playing field and then shift the scales highly in their favor towards world dominance.

It was a rather alluring goal or attainment but Sylvia knew it was too early in the game to have their minds clouded by potential success. As much as she liked to think they were ahead in the race, she was sure the League was either not very far behind or a lot further ahead than she calculated.

Her attention fully focused on Roger and Luthor she spoke, “We require a more permanent solution gentlemen – in distracting our foes. Remember, the goal is to maintain our positioning at least two steps ahead from our opposition.”
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[Gemini]

Seemingly not paying much attention to the conversation that was going on, the waitress went about her work with a studied professionalism, vanishing into the staff areas to pick up some appetisers. Checking to make sure that none of the other staff were watching, she slipped into the store room and moved towards a corner which was full of trolleys and other equipment that the restaurant didn’t use every day. Bending down, she lifted a sheet underneath one of the trolleys and stared down at the woman who lay on the floor, a woman whose appearance and clothes were completely identical save for a rising lump on her forehead.

Gemini had got the message from Dr Cyber, and although she resented being summoned in such a way, she had accepted the woman’s offer to join the Secret Society and supposed she had best attend the meeting as told. But she wouldn’t go as herself; Gemini wasn’t stupid, although she had agreed to join the society trust was earned not given and she had no intention of showing her own face until she knew more. So she had arrived half an hour before schedule and knocked out the waitress who had been preparing the private table. Providing the woman remained hidden unconscious in the back room, nobody should realise that she was there.

Covering the woman back up again, Gemini walked swiftly back into the main kitchen, picking up a basket of olive bread and a jug of water. More people had arrived at the table since she left and she took a moment to observe them as she placed the bread baskets on the table. The big bald man was obviously the infamous Lex Luthor and the ‘waitress’ almost stopped in shock at the sight of him. Fortunately for her she was far too good an actress to let her surprise show, but still, clearly this Society had a more impressive membership than she had first expected and it spoke highly for the abilities of Dr Cyber that she was able to get a man like Luthor involved. Perhaps she had made the right choice after all.

The other man she didn’t know from appearance and after a few moments of hidden appraisal Gemini dismissed him. She would find out what he could do later, for the moment she needed to concentrate on what was being said and make sure they weren’t disturbed by any other staff or curious guests. She supposed though that Dr Cyber should know that she was here, even though it went against her instincts to keep herself hidden, it would be a gesture to show that the doctor had her trust, tenuous though that still was. Leaning forward to pour Cyber some water, she deliberately moved her arm close to the woman’s eye line, a bracelet on her wrist peeking out from under the sleeve of the waitress uniform, a small Gemini star sign appearing on the ‘metal’ as she poured. Moments later, the sign had vanished, and Gemini moved on to pour some water for Luthor, hopefully Dr Cyber had spotted and understood what the symbol meant.

Putting on a customer service smile, she pulled out a pen and paper pad and looked at the group expectantly "Have you decided what you'd like to order or do you need more time?"

[Lex Luthor]

Lex smiled as the Pirate entered and delivered his sarcasm, nodding and holding his hands open in tacit mea culpa, to the blond. He was a pragmatist, LexCorp wasn't one of the most successful corporations on the planet because it was full of clones of himself; as if that could be possible, quite the reverse in fact there was a tool for every job and different tasks required not just a different skillset but a different way of looking at the world. He had no doubt that his idealist geniuses at EcoLex would not get on with the highly professional and morally flexible staff at the international private military contractor LexCore. But they all had their place in the organisation, just as was the case here.

A third technologist would be redundant, a man who could make a room full of people laugh until their backs broke and their faces tore open... there was always a place for a man like that in a team like this.

Lex nodded along with Cyber, yes this was the basis of the enterprise. Seize the super weapon, scatter and destroy the self proclaimed heroes install themselves as rulers of the world. Nothing formal of course, some crude palace full of thrones and public announcements, no, no. They would do it quietly and simply, with ever expanding influence unmitigated by the endless interference of the Alien and his little club.

“Yes you are right of course, we need to decrease their numbers and increase our own. We need members capable of taking on the... League” the disdain in his voice was palpable. “On their own terms. We need to increase our power and decrease their own. The celliobyte will do us no good if we can vanquish these fools only to have nothing to put in their place. In the long term we may need to consider even bringing some 'heroes' over to our side. Or at least to the point where they are amenable to our position.” Lex leant back handed the menu to the waitress without looking and intoned “I shall be having the fois gras followed by the veal”

Lex leant back from the table and smiled, now was the time before things got any further; his guest wasn't know for his patience. This was part of a last minute deal he had secured in a grubby warehouse last night. The was a rule, a form to these things, the team had a match for the Alien in himself, for the Amazon Relic in the Doctor, there was one missing; the one who was far more trouble than he was worth.

“In the short term, as you say what we need is chaos. Something big enough, shocking enough to draw in the whole lot of them while we begin to move our pieces into place. To that end I've taken the liberty of speaking to a man who deals in such things. A friend actually though I'm sure you'll all be familiar with him...”

At that moment with a booming echo the double doors at the opposite end of the room flew open...

[The Joker]

It was about time for him to make his big entrance, for he had been waiting for this moment all day. Yes, he and Lex Luthor had made a last minute partnership deal. Joker had offered him a deal that even Lex Luthor himself couldn't refuse, but the rest of the society didn't know that yet did they? He could see through all of Lex Luthor agreed on one thing throughout all of their run ins together, and it was that one thing that got them to align themselves with one another after they made their partnership deal. Just like Luthor, Joker had brains and they both hated a certain annoying goody tissues in tights. All they needed to do is get rid of those two, and they'd be on a good start already.

He couldn't wait any longer, right when Lex Luthor had finished speaking, the double doors swung open and before he even came into the room he had something to say. "Awww, how nice of you to invite me to this little party. It's a shame that you hadn't gone all out, there's no balloons or anything. I guess that's what I'm here for, to lighten up the place? Well, not this time around....Lexi and I have other plans......" he said followed by forming a menacing smile. He glared at all of them with his evil shaded eyes showing each and every one of them that he did in fact mean business and that whatever plans that he and Lex had going on, it was more than what they would expect it to be.

With that he rolled open a huge diagram that he made of Arkham Aslyum, it's city, and of course Gotham. It's a diagram that shows every bit of detail including it's weak points, so there would be absolutely no problem taking all of it over, and that ought to get Batman's attention.

Once he had lured Batman into his trap, he will have finished him off for good. He looked at Lex and smiled for he knew what Joker would be returning the favor as well. He had a genius plan to help get Superman as well as Wonder Woman caught by surprise too, and once all three of the Justice League's main members is down, the citizens might as well say there's no longer a Justice League. After them three were finished, the rest would pretty much be a piece of cake. "Looks like we're going to be having some fun...." He let out a chuckle before marking the spots in red that he wanted to start off at. He looked directly at Lex Luthor and smiled before opening his mouth to ask him a question. "So, tell me....Did you want to fill them in or should I?"

[Psycho Pirate]

Having been part the way through making an order when Lex announced that he had invited a familiar face to the luncheon, Roger was not impressed in the slightest when the Clown burst forth and assailed them with his nonsensical banter. The disappointment Roger felt only continued when the Joker revealed the kind of chaos that he intended to wreak, it was hardly an original plan, the moment the man announced his presence, thoughts of Arkham and the Bat entered Roger's mind. Thus he was thoroughly unimpressed with their host for even entertaining the idea that a scheme hatched by the biggest joke in Gotham would be any more successful then any of the innumerable foibles that had come before. It was an even sadder affair when it was suggested that the taking of Arkham could render the entire Justice League inert and would allow the Society the distraction it required to move its piece into place, this was utter madness and Roger would have expected a man as intelligent as Luthor was supposed to be would see that. Still Roger bit his tongue, lest the Joker do it for him, for some reason he had not thought it wise to wear his mask to this function, though he now casually felt for it as he was unwilling to listen to the nefarious plans of a man madder then he and no matter the debt he owed to the Society, he would not allow them to be the cause of his return to prison.

Leaning back in his chair, Roger hardly took notice of the architectural plans that the Joker produced and spread across the table, though he did save his glass from being knocked from the table by the frantic madmen and his stationery. It truly was a sad affair, they couldn't take the man anywhere without him wrecking the place, hopefully that would end up working in their favour. Turning his attention once more to the waiter, Roger finished his order, “Ah, yes I'll have something far more mundane then our bald headed host, I think I'll settle for the Focaccia Number Three.” Eyeing the dish on the menu once more, Roger quickly added, “Oh with no pineapple, thanks.” Perhaps the Joker would take offence to the complete lack of concern that Roger vested in listening to his nonsense but he was confidant should the Clown try anything that he could easily manipulate the blathering fool into coming up with an original concept, one the Batman wouldn't be expecting.

In spite of the immense cynicism that plagued Roger in regards to the lunacy that he was being presented with, once he had made his order, he simply sat and waited, watching the other party members and gauging their reactions to the plan that would hypothetically rid them of their biggest obstacle, the Justice League. Taking a sip of water, Roger was at peace with the fact that he really had nothing of value to contribute to the current topic of discussion, the only thing that would come out of his mouth should he open it would be vicious criticisms so he thought it best to keep everybody happy and remain silent. Roger only hoped that this wasn't how the Society intended to conduct itself in the future and that this type of ridiculous escapade was only a small part of the organised chaos that they intended to exact upon the heroes of Earth. Shaking the doubts from his mind, Roger was able to find some form of happiness in this situation, largely due to the fact that he was getting a free lunch out of Lex Luthor.

[Doctor Cyber]

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Gemini’s cunning notion did not go unnoticed and to show her gratitude in sharing her attendance, Sylvia carefully pulled the glass from the table and with a quick nod and “thank you” took a quick sip and rested the glass back onto the table. Things were certainly falling into place now and with their growing and formidable membership there was without uncertainty that they had the means to take on the league.

Luthor’s preliminary speech though enticing was still lacking. As he paused to order his meal, Sylvia watched him cautiously trying to decipher just where exactly he was trying to get at. Pursing her rather lips together into a tight, thin line she waited, arms crossing over her chest now as Luthor continued suggesting toward her earlier request for more chaos and then going forward to allude that he had recruited his own would-be criminal for the Society. Her eyes narrowed wondering where exactly he was getting at when suddenly the doors burst open.

Then entire table turned giving the Joker their full blow attention as he strolled into the room. The sick, pasty faced, clown man grinned from ear to ear with that gruesome smile of his and graciously invited himself into the meeting. Her eyes widened and she turned from Luthor and back to the Joker in absolute disbelief at the stunning turn of events. Up until this very moment Doctor Cyber felt like she had everything under control.

His chatter, informality, the way he carried himself and that insufferable laughter of his crept up her spine and in an effort to contain herself, Sylvia latched her grip onto a fork and held on rather tightly. He pulled from, God knows where; a crudely drawn diagram of what she concluded was Arkham Asylum and began to point and wave at key points that were written across the board. Her eyes jumped from one end to another processing the information while listening to his detestable voice. Her mind was going haywire and as she laid her eyes on him she felt her grip tighten as the weeks of meticulous planning and work were suddenly thrown out the window in the face of this poor excuse for a villain – whose only reason for existence was due to the poor choices of law makers.

Narrowing her eyes she thought of how the Society would not just be a joke, how the secret façade that he worked so hard to build would no longer exist. She knew from the start that this was a terrible idea, but had been reeled in nonetheless. This was madness and in fact he was standing right before them that unbearable smile on his face. As her thoughts consumed her there was a sudden snap in her hands and she released her rip on the metal silverware which she had snapped in two.

Gemini stood over her awaiting her lunch order and Cyber slowly regained her composure, purposefully averting her gaze from the Joker and turning to Luthor, “Do you take this entire operation as a complete a joke?” Sylvia growled as she glared at Luthor, her eyes preparing to shoot lasers if she commanded them to, “Do you not understand the meaning of a secret organization?” Cyber continued her gaze unwavering as her tone clearly rose as she spoke. “You dare question the abilities of those that I have recruited yet when asked - that is all you offer to the table?!” Her finger pointed straight for Joker, her entire arm almost smacking Roger in the process.

“If this is some sort of contingency plan Luthor, I’ll tell you now it will result in failure; and as far as I am concerned… I had made no plans for such results.” Her glare fell on Joker, her expression crystal clear with disdain, “I requested meticulous, predetermined, planned out disorder … NOT complete chaos.” She continued, her gaze fixated on the Joker now, “I am giving you one chance to remedy this situation Luthor and to convince why this man should be allowed to sit at this table.” Sylvia began her gaze falling momentarily to both Roger and Gemini, “Otherwise, I will not hesitate to expel the both of you from this meeting and any future plans.” They returned her threat with smirks on their faces, “Don’t for a moment think I don’t have the means.” Her insinuations were clear and her eyes trembled with great discontent as she sat back in her seat, created a steeple with her fingers and awaited a response.
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[Bane]

There was a time and place for everything. And there were many things on the mind of the world's strongest human being. In purity sake anyway, that's what many considered him. Bane had spent many moments doing hard recon work and undercover movements, along with playing cat and mouse with the Batfamily to keep their eyes on him. It was working, the Batfamily's acts were going in full swing trying to shut Bane down. One however, couldn't simply defeat Bane, especially in the art of guerrilla warfare. Bludhaven still left with brazen scars that would take decades to recover from, Gotham would follow in time. Right now, there was a meeting. He took a glance to something that seemed off. A single individual that was across the street. In a baseball cap, reading a newspaper. Bane was familiar with the motions though. Keeping face hidden, occasionally pulling a pen out his pocket. Most likely a P.I. hired to watch this building. How long he was doing this he was unsure. One thing was for certain, today he would be going home early. Slight details made huge differences in finding out that something was moving. And then, the man got up and proceeded to walk away. At a tempo. He knew he was made. And thought he could get away with valuable information. Bane took a single moment to walk into the doors and looked toward the cameras, knowing a certain individual would be observing and held up a single finger, signaling to wait a minute.

Johnathan Carriss had spent some time observing LexCorp, his client was some potential competitors trying to move into the area. All the same, today would be the day that he reported nothing. A death would be too obvious no, Bane had methods all the same to make one's life miserable without having to necessarily end it. Some alleyways littered the area, his obvious exit route of choice. In the alleyway was his car. A small, dirty brown Sedan with some rust, a very good cover car. He jumped into his driver seat and put the key in when suddenly, the car raised off the ground. Bane put his hand into the undercarriage before ripping out a tube, a large volume of clear fluid coming out as he did.

"For this conversation, I don't think your brakes will be required. You can reach for a weapon or try to pocket dial or scream if you wish, try it. See what happens. Out."

Bane said as he dropped the car to the ground with a thud. The man knew this was a situation where he would clearly lose the moment the car hit the ground and he saw the mask. Any competent investigator would know who Bane was. He exited the vehicle, pulling a small .22 out of his pocket slowly and sliding it across the alleyway as a sign of good faith. Bane picked up the weapon, it was an average weapon. He pulled out the magazine and then, used it to smash the magazine chamber, rendering the weapon useless in the event he got brave. Bane cracked his neck as he held out his hand.

"Every note and observation of today. You might not be afraid of death, but I'm sure your family is most certainly. Do you have any daughters?"

Bane asked the cornered man very concisely as he nodded his head.

"Yeah, One's twelve and the other is seven."

As Bane contemplated this information carefully, he cracked his knuckles as he looked towards Carriss with a curious look.

"Twelve and Seven....I'm sure they are very beautiful children. Very joyful, happy and innocent children. How long do you think they will stay that way after they are left alone in a cell in Arkham Asylum? It will take at least a week before anyone gets to them. But, how much damage can really be done in a week, right? You are done with this job. If I see you again, I will be visiting your little angels."

Bane stated very concisely as he put his hand on the P.I.'s shoulder as he waited for him to hand him all his notes. Bane contemplated how to handle being late as he sighed to himself as he received the final piece of intel from the defeated man. He looked towards the street. He knew where this Alley was as suddenly, his knee drove itself into the man's gut, knocking him unconscious. He then tossed his limp body into the vehicle and took a moment to 'modify the seatbelt' to keep him attached. And then, Bane cleaned himself up. Bane could Dress casual, the mask remained, purely because in all honesty, Bane's face wasn't his most immediate recognizable feature. Unless they created a suit that could magically make several hundred pounds of muscle mass disappear, Bane would always be detectable and recognized. Granted, that would be if Bane just casually perused streets and crowds. Bane took some moments navigating the alleyways before scaling a restaurant wall and walking casually onto the rooftop without being seen. Well, almost unseen, he was sure that Cyber would give him a glance for his choice of entrances. As he sat down, he took the folder he stole from Carriss, along with a single note mentioning his current location. He then slid it towards Luthor.

"A person of interest for you Luthor."

Bane said calmly as he motioned towards a Waitress to come towards him. He pulled her close and began whispering something in the woman's ear. After a couple moments of giggling and laughing at what he said, she simply smiled as she wrote down his order and walked off. Bane was aware he missed some conversation but heard the component's of the last end of it regarding a solution.

"As far as distracting, I've taken the liberty of keeping The League's best mind on my actions of grandeur against the Batfamily. Batman may wish to help the League all he wishes, but he currently can't if he has to ensure that I don't burn Gotham to the ground like I did to Bludhaven."

Bane said calmly to everyone as he calmly put himself in a position that was slightly more comfortable, considering his size. He took a moment as he processed some information in his head before looking towards his associates.

"I also have news of a potential...associate to our cause....I've received a rare invite to have an audience with an old friend of mine....should things go off well, we can count of having more...consistent dependence on the League of Assassins. Speaking of Gotham...Me and you need to have a discussion regarding our next piece to move on the board. Are you more of a Bishop or a Knight, Joker?"

Bane said as he cracked his neck as he went into his pocket and pulled out a somewhat moderate sized file regarding his more blackbag operations he was going on about and intel as He took a separate, smaller folder and slid it to Lex that was simply titled 'N.O.W.H.E.R.E.'

"As far as the other puzzle pieces, that is an organization that LexCorp might find worth investing in. It took quite some work to dig under their front to find their true operations. I've made moves in several South American and African Countries, convincing them that heroes shouldn't be trusted. Nigeria and Brazil have already began to take measures against them, reinforcing their military and being armed with special weapons for the easiest to name heroes of the League. I will be doing work in the Middle East within the week, using my movements to act like 'expanding my business' to keep the Bat chasing me over great lengths."

Bane said as the waitress arrived momentarily with a large bowl of steak salad and a glass of water with an umbrella on it. Written on the umbrella was a phone number as Bane simply pocketed it with a glance towards the girl. Bane did have a curiosity on something very specific. But, he'd wait until the crowd was less scattered.