Eventually, the android spoke. "You and Starfire are in a relationship. How does it feel… to love?"
"I can't fully describe it," Joseph said, tightening a component, "but it makes me happy. And maybe you'll feel it too, if you live long enough."
"You believe I have the capacity for love?"
"You're sentient. You've shown a sense of self and desires that aren't explicitly coded. You've shown care toward the Team. And your fellow androids—before the wipe—showed human traits too. Who says love is off the table?"
Silence returned as Tornado processed his words. Joseph already had proof that sentient AI could love.
'You're the best, Nova.'
//Thank you, sir.//
Joseph planned to use what remained of Red Inferno and Red Torpedo, along with the surplus parts in this lab, to build an android that could keep an eye on Cassandra when he wasn't around.
Eventually, Red Tornado was fully restored. He rose from the table.
"Thank you, Joseph. Your words reminded me that I must seek out the real T.O. Morrow, who is bedridden. He was evil… but he is still my father. I will care for him. It is the human thing to do."
"You're a better human than me, Tornado."
**
| Mount Justice - October 10
Captain Marvel tossed a log across the yard.
"Fetch! Come on. Fetch. Please," he begged, but Wolf was far more interested in finishing Wally's cold nachos.
It had been over thirty minutes, and the Team still wasn't done their tour. He was getting bored.
Even though he was a member of the Justice League, he preferred hanging out with the Team, whom he considered very cool. He could relate to them better than to the adults. Ironically, the Team was technically older than he was, which only made him idolize them more. He always tried his best to make sure they liked him.
He was starting to get a sinking suspicion that they had ditched him or forgotten him entirely. It wouldn't be the first time one of his attempts at making friends had gone wrong.
Then he felt a presence rushing in fast, and he perked up immediately.
Match appeared, scooping Wolf up in a massive hug. The giant wolf responded with a pleased rumble.
The rest of the Team followed behind at a distance.
"I can't believe we didn't get caught. Kori's magical boyfriend really is something," Zatanna said faintly.
"And since we had Raven teleport us instead of taking the Bio-Ship—and the whole fight wrapped up in a few minutes—there wasn't much risk at all. Oh, right, you've never seen the Bio-Ship. I can give you a proper tour later," Robin said.
"Real smooth, dude," Wally added, causing Robin to sputter.
They quieted as they drew closer.
Captain Marvel didn't know why Robin was embarassed or what the Team had been talking about. But he could keep a secret.
Right now, he was just relieved they hadn't ditched him.
"Awesome," he whispered to himself.
**
| Metropolis - October 11
"Let him in," Joseph said to the nervous receptionist.
He sat in his LuthorCorp office, holographically sketching designs for skin icons—arcane symbols that would let him control Chaos magic, inspired by Kaldur's tattoos.
Skin icons were mystic cryptograms used by Atlantean magic wielders, typically applied as tattoos.
Kaldur's allowed him to generate electricity, manipulate water, form hard-water constructs, and cast translation spells. Other icons could enhance durability and strength, fire energy blasts, move objects telekinetically, or generate ice.
Joseph saw no reason the same principles couldn't apply to magic in general.
Using the vast arcane knowledge Vandal Savage had collected over millennia—plus his last visit to the Mirror World's Conservatory of Sorcery, where he'd devoured every book he could find—he set to work. The final results would amplify his abilities and deepen his mastery over magic.
'Nova, how's Cassandra doing?' Joseph asked mentally.
He'd built a new android from spare parts and the highly sophisticated synthetic skin Dr. Morrow had designed for Red Torpedo's human identity, Dr. Jim Lockhart. The android, whom Joseph had named Sebas Tian, possessed a durable body, Nova's perfected martial arts, and Red Torpedo's water manipulation abilities. Joseph hadn't put much effort into the name—maybe questionable naming skills ran in the family. Conner had named his wolf Wolf, after all.
//She is diligently reading in the library,// Nova replied.
'Good. Tell Sebas to take her to the park later. And remind her she can't fight other kids even if they start something.'
The last thing he needed was a handful of children ending up with broken bones—or worse.
//Understood.//
The office door opened, prompting Joseph to put down his pencil.
The man who entered had green scales, sharpened teeth and talons, and a massive frame. He wore dark clothing and a hoodie, but it barely hid his features. If Joseph hadn't warned security after Croc finally accepted his invitation, they likely would've shot first and asked questions later—Metropolis metas tended to be especially destructive.
"Hello, Mr. Jones."
Waylon Jones—Killer Croc—was a misunderstood man born with a congenital condition that left him with crocodilian traits. After being treated like a monster his whole life, he grew bitter and violent, eventually clashing with Batman several times. Still, he'd shown genuine kindness more than once.
"Who do you want me to kill?" Waylon asked in a gravelly voice.
"What made you think that was the purpose of my invitation?" Joseph replied.
"That's what I'm known for. That's what I do. I worked with your father doing exactly that. What else would I be here for, Luthor Jr.?"
Joseph's expression darkened. "Don't call me that."
Killer Croc tensed instinctively, fight-or-flight kicking in. Joseph realized he'd subconsciously exerted pressure and dialed it back, easing his posture.
"My apologies. My father and I aren't on the best terms," he said. "I invited you because I want you to be my bodyguard. My aunt wants a full security team, but I'd rather have one well-known deterrent."
Waylon stared at him incredulously. "Me? Your bodyguard? Do you even need one after what I just felt? I thought only the Bat had that kind of presence. Who the hell are you?"
"You'll learn more after you take the job. So—your answer?"
"Be your bodyguard?" Croc scoffed. "You think I'm some dog on a leash? Do you know what I do to kids like you? Don't call me unless it's for a real job—or I'll make you my next meal." He turned toward the door.
Joseph didn't flinch. "Did you think that was scary? That I'd fold because you growled? I know who you are, Waylon."
Waylon paused. "You don't know anything about me."
"I know you were treated like a monster your whole life, which made you cynical but still capable of sympathy. I know you've used the sewers to protect homeless kids—gave them shelter, structure, safety."
Croc froze, shock flashing before anger overtook it. He turned fully. "How do you know that? You threatening me with their safety?"
Joseph rolled his eyes. "I'm from Gotham. I grew up in East End. I've heard the rumors of what you've been doing."
He continued, "Work for me, and I'll take care of those kids. And over time, people will see past the scales and fear and realize you're actually a good man."
Waylon hesitated.
"But you're still a Luthor," he said. "And with everything going on with the Light, you're a big shiny target. Lots of people gunning for you. You're high-risk. I'll need a high salary."
Joseph stood. "Don't worry about money. I'm loaded. I'll have my lawyer, Josiah Powers, meet with you to draft a contract you'll like. And don't worry about the risk either. The number of people on Earth who can actually hurt me? You can count them on two hands."
Waylon snorted. "You may not like your old man, but you definitely got his arrogance."
"It's not arrogance if it's true. You'll see. You'll have plenty of time to change your mind." Joseph extended his hand. "So—are you in?"
Waylon stared at the hand for a moment… then took it.
"Fuck it," he muttered. "Why not."