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The Silhouette and The Forge
Chapter 50
I shook my arms and shuffled from foot to foot with Heli’s eyes half lidded in annoyance at my antics. “Sorry Heli but I swear I can still feel it. You weren’t there and didn’t see what she did. It’s like you didn’t heal me at all.”
A tentacle slapped me across the face before grabbing my shoulders and shaking some sense into me. After a moment she let me go. “Thanks Heli. Just phantom pains I guess…”
It better be after using three stimpacks and annoying the crap out of Heli with her constantly checking under the hood. She just shook her eel-like head before floating off to tend to the plants in the garden.
I let out a sigh shaking my head trying not to think about how I blew it with Raina. I let her win.
Turning my attention away from the loss that would forever haunt me and the sting of my pride to the task at hand. All things were prepared, except for the one thing I would need. An accomplice who could help me while I kept all my cards tucked up my sleeve without revealing too much to the world.
It was a step up from my normal haunts but with the League breathing down my neck and the need to find Artemis high up on my priority list making a bigger splash in the criminal underworld would help me get my foot in the door finding Jade's sister and acquiring a means to force the League to back off.
Through the Freemen and their networks of contacts with other particular groups-- The Mariners and a few other groups that deal in smuggling and weapons trafficking at sea helped me get in contact with someone willing to hear me out.
Taking a seat in a nondescript room on the outskirts of Gotham using the many sewer tunnels that were in and outside of the city which may as well be a labyrinth to anyone who ever tried to make sense of the complex series of tunnels.
Which would be a big lesson in futility since the only reason I can even navigate them is because of my perfect memory. Which wasn’t much help when several of the tunnels were in such disrepair that they collapsed or had other kinds of issues that made looking at a map useless like how a decent amount of them weren’t even on the maps.
This required constant surveillance to keep tabs on the state of the ones in disrepair and to map out the rest. The monitor flickered to life with the chat group connecting to the one I needed assistance from.
The screen showed a dark background with a black armored figure with a helmet adorned on their head that was a rather odd design choice for a form of head protection. His helmet was wider than necessary looking similar to a manta with big red eyes.
“Black Manta I presume?” I asked the armored figure.
“You presume correctly. Why have you gotten in contact with me Silhouette?” Manta said his voice sounded like it had an echo with a slight mechanical distortion to it.
Manta got straight to the point with me. I could respect that.
“Aid. I intend to interrupt a gathering that Aquaman and Wonder Woman will be attending.”
Black Manta remained silent for a moment before he broke the silence. “For what purpose? As much as I would enjoy sliding my blade through Aquaman's heart I don’t go into a job without knowing what the goal is nor wasting my men on a pointless task.”
I chuckled at what he was insinuating. I was targeting the UN gathering because of a petty grudge against the Justice League for what they did when they went to Gotham. That this attack was in retaliation for me being made to look like a fool because my ego got hurt. This was the farthest from the truth.
If anything I don’t believe Black Manta believes that either otherwise he wouldn’t have contacted me after I showed I was interested in talking with him. He doesn't waste his time on pointless petty squabbles. He was testing me.
“Something of great value.” A picture held in my hand showed Manta what my real target was. “I couldn't care less about embarrassing Wonder Woman and her coworkers. This is business nothing more.”
Despite the armor that Black Manta wore it couldn’t hide how his body froze up when the picture was shown. Lowering my hand I steepled my fingers together.
“So do I have your aid? If any of your men are injured or captured I will reimburse you accordingly. So what do you say?”
Black Manta quickly snapped out of it as he kept both hands on the table while staring me down. “I have several questions.”
“Ask away.”
“Why go for that as your target?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “A deterrent. You likely know what the League has recently done in Gotham. They have tried to return several times but my contingency plan has kept them at bay for now. I know it won’t last.”
Manta nodded at that seeing the reasoning behind it even if he was still skeptical. “Then why is that your target? Do you even know if it would work for you?”
A valid point in the question was raised. “The specific target? No I doubt it would work for me since neither of us would know if there were security measures to keep anyone from just using it. But,” A finger was held up stopping Manta from saying anything, “I have the means to study certain things that don’t mesh well with the natural order's rules and laws. And apply them to other things.”
I trailed off with Manta stilling his armored helmet making it hard to gauge just what his reaction is. He leaned forward slightly. “You aim to study it… Can you provide proof?”
I held up a small object that looked similar to some of the dream catchers I had placed around the nature park which I claimed Pamela as mine. The dream catchers were used to gather ambient magical energy in the atmosphere naturally and create a calming peaceful effect for the park.
It’s something to help people relax and enjoy themselves and leave their stress and work at the park's entrance. This one in comparison was more like a lollipop with a swirl forming it. Like a whirlpool, it drew the eyes to it like it was sucking everything down into it.
The small object that fit in my palm was pinched between two fingers before an ominous red aura took form. I held up a stapler next to it before pressing the amulet onto it as the metal of the stapler warped and twisted.
The stapler moved and squirmed like it was alive slamming its upper jaw into the table where my hand had been leaving behind a staple in the reinforced desk. Manta looked unfazed and unbothered by the sight of the living stapler squirming around in my hand that kept it pinned.
A quick application of a fire rune had it melted down, screeching with a metallic groan before it was a molten liquid stain on the desk.
“While impressive, that doesn’t exactly prove you can replicate its effects.” Manta pointed out.
“That was to prove I am knowledgeable on the more chaotic elements of the world. This,” I held up the glowing red rune on my glove, “Is a rune I had studied a long time ago from an old elemental spell. I managed to decipher its secrets and applied it in the form of a rune that anyone could use. Even someone who has no magical talent.”
“How long would it take to replicate?”
“This rune came from what I would later learn was a simple spell for an average magic user. It took me several months,” A lie but he didn’t need to know that, “The target would take many months if not a few years. If I put all of my resources I have towards understanding it I might be able to get something substantial in half a year.”
That last part I was being honest about. If everything at my disposal was put towards figuring out the enchantments I should be capable of getting something workable with the mixture of powers at my disposal it could be done. It was an estimate-- maybe a bit biased on my part but it should be possible.
Manta remained silent while he thought it over. “My services won’t come cheap.”
“I never expected them to be. For someone who likes to pick a fight with Aquaman, you would do a disservice to yourself and your skills by doing anything like this for cheap. Name your price.”
“I want a copy,” Manta said, crossing his arms over his chest.
I was at a loss for words. “The deal was money.” I pointed out to him.
“Originally. But with the revelation of what you can do if you want my help, I want a copy of the enchantment.” Manta would not budge an inch on this no matter what I said or tried to bargain with.
“You're sure this is what you want? A pittance in wealth in exchange for a weapon with the enchantment placed upon it… what if I can’t decipher it?”
“Then you pay me what is owed in money. Extra even for being incapable of delivering what was agreed.” The man was adamant about getting his new weapon and ensuring I suffered for not delivering on what was promised.
I could backstab him and go back on my word. The issue is that I would be making an enemy out of not only him but also Ocean Master. What I remembered is that before he became a member of the Light he served Ocean Master as his subordinate. Making an enemy out of those two would be a bad idea.
They would come back at me for revenge. I could handle them but at the cost of revealing more capabilities if they proved stronger than I had anticipated and ruining a reputation that I needed to be in good standing amongst the underworld if I was going to help Jade.
“Then if you are so determined for this to be your payment then we need some ground rules.”
“Very well. So long as they are within reason.” Manta said calmly.
“The first rule is you don’t tell your employer a thing about this.”
“What are you--”
“The one that goes by the alias of Ocean Master. You know who. He cannot be allowed to know a thing about this. If he found out he would use it for something incredibly stupid that would endanger all of us.”
Manta remained silent; the red lenses of his helmet felt like they were staring into my soul. “How do you know this?”
I didn’t fail to notice how he didn’t deny Ocean Master being brash enough to use the weapon for something dangerous.
“I have my ways. That’s not what the topic of discussion is. Unless you want to give your own sources away? Now is there a problem with that first rule?”
He gave his answer quicker than expected. “None. Ocean Master will be kept in the dark about this and if he asks about why I helped you should it come to light I saw it as an opportunity to dirty Aquaman's name and reputation.”
“Good. The second rule is that the weapon will be treated as a deterrent. If it even has a fraction of what the target can do then that is a weapon that should only ever be used as a means to force any would-be aggressors to back off. A big stick if you would without any intention of using it.”
“A deterrent? That’s why you want this?” He said in both surprise and questioning my original answer.
“I already told you about how the League has made several attempts to return to Gotham to finish what they started with me. This will be used as a security measure to ensure they remain right where I want them.”
“Do you realize this will increase the threat you pose in their eyes?” He pointed out.
Which was a bit odd since he if anything after showing his interest in the subject of his pay should be trying to have me go through with this.
“That’s already been factored in. I am already a greater threat in their eyes after their trip to Gotham and meeting me. Have you not seen the recordings people managed to get that have been making the rounds on the internet?”
“I have. Impressive work with what you did to both the Speedster and Amazon.”
I bowed my head. “I appreciate the praise. But after that little showing the League will view me already as a far greater threat. Doing this would just further validate their beliefs. I am already a threat but I need insurance to force them to back off.”
“Fair enough. Any other rules?”
“The last rule is the simplest. When we acquire the target we do not bring any unnecessary heat onto the other. Especially if I succeed in what I hope to accomplish, do not use the weapon as some stereotypical doomsday weapon. That will bring far greater problems to both of our doorsteps.”
Manta waved his hand at a gun he placed on the table for me to see. “What’s the point of a weapon if you don't intend to use it?”
My head slumped forward despite having explained my reasoning to the man. Well, I might as well repeat myself. “It’s a deterrent. There is a difference between it and a simple weapon. Yes, they can be the same thing but in this case, it will be treated as the weapon of potential mass destruction that it is.”
“You expect me not to use it against Aquaman and Atlantis?” He countered back.
“No. If they force your hand then do what you must but the instant you use it and prove that you intend to use it at the first chance you get then it becomes a major problem.”
Manta nodded at my reasoning. “Very well. But you need not worry as I intend to keep it as an insurance policy as well.”
“There’s a reason why I chose you over just about any other villain for this job. That should be all the rules unless you think we need more than this?”
“No and I find these rules acceptable. When do you expect to do this job?” Manta didn’t need to voice his interest in the job aloud when he asked for the planned date.
“When the UN gathering takes place in Washington where the king of Atlantis will be there to represent his nation.” He paused at my mentioning the capital of the United States. “Otherwise we would have to fight Aquaman in his element out in the ocean in his kingdom where he has an army to back him up.”
“You do realize he won’t be alone?”
I knew who he was referring to. “Wonder Woman will be kept busy with some presents I have prepared for her.”
Manta nodded at that. “Then we have a deal. I will be in contact with you when my men and I are ready.”
He ended the call before I could say a thing. I quickly left the room behind. With that matter dealt with another doorway was opened for me deep in the sewers leading to a long-abandoned maintenance room that opened up to the workshop. Stepping in and seeing the corner of the workshop set up for the newest acquisitions.
Three figures were suspended in chambers with numerous cords and tubes coming to and fro from the large steel-like coffins. One cord in particular was a long narrow one that went up to the parts of the coffins where the figures’ heads would be.
Walking up to the monitors seeing the code run past with numerous data on the simulations they had gone through so far. “Not half bad. Not too many wins but it’s to be expected when the difficulty is set to the highest level it can get.”
I noted down how many losses they had taken. While bad it wasn't terrible either since I had expected as such. Each of these androids' capabilities was taken into account and who they were fighting against both individually and together it made sense.
The big thing that I was happy to see was each loss that had recently happened compared to the beginning of the simulations when their training had begun. The fights took far longer judging by the amount of real-world time that would have gone by had the fights been real when compared to when they had begun their training.
At the beginning, the fights only lasted around five to ten minutes. Now they can last anywhere from a couple of hours to two days. A massive difference. The ones where they lasted two days or close to it were when the simulator threw them a bone and gave them some advantages.
The data being recorded from these androids would be utilized as a standard for the more advanced models that would come later on down the road. A shame.
Running my hand along the steel coffin with the massive green figure lying inside looking like he was almost asleep. I liked these in particular when it came to their designs.
Well, it’s not like they are getting sent to the scrap heap to die immediately. These I want to survive. If they do I might just give them some decent upgrades to keep them around and relevant.
“Father the Alliance is running smoothly. Several of your projects are ahead of schedule.” Smith's voice made me pause before retracting my hand from the coffin.
“Good. You and your brothers have done a phenomenal job helping clean this city up, Smith. How are things among the gang's inner ranks?” I asked him while looking over the data for the other pods seeing how they handled fighting together and on their own.
“Beyond the initial petty grudges at the beginning, they have learned to coexist and work together. They are still a gang but they prove useful for helping bring about both great and good changes for this city.” At the mention of the gang Smith's emotions became cold, his smile becoming a paper-thin line.
“We still have the occasional conflict between members but it is mild compared to the hatred they had for one another before they banded together. I look forward to when we no longer require the gang.” His arms rested by his side but his hands were clenched into fists.
I only smiled at him while shaking my head. “Well, I can at least say I was rather surprised seeing Shalice of all people take an interest in a certain John Smith,” I said to him teasingly.
It was something that caught me genuinely off guard when Shalice had flirted with him and even showed a near-constant interest in him. Smith scoffed at the mention of her.
“While it helps with my cover and keeps one of the gangs under better control she is a nuisance,” Smith said bluntly.
“Oh come on now Smith it can’t be that bad,” I said while he gave me a long hard pointed look.
“It is that bad. While I am trying to corral the gangs and ensure each leader keeps them under control she is constantly brushing up against me wanting me to make a move.”
“Maybe you should. She might seem annoying now but give it time she might grow on you.” I said to him hoping he would eventually lose that steel bar shoved up where the sun doesn’t shine.
Thankfully the majority of the engineers weren’t here so I didn’t have to worry about a possible argument or fight. Not that I believed that would happen just yet with how both sides tolerated one another. They knew better than to let that happen instead opting to tolerate each other.
Leave your problems with each other at the doorway and don’t let it get in the way of work, a kind of deal that some people are mature enough to understand.
“Oh yes, father she will grow into quite the rust-based mold that would spread herself all across my body.” His mouth curved upwards. I guess he learned a sense of humor that was unique to him in his time leading his faction among the Alliance.
“If it’s that bad for you if you want I can reassign you to another task?”
He paused, going perfectly still showing his artificial nature. Smith had learned alongside his brothers to constantly have parts of their bodies moving since anyone who paid attention would notice odd details like that. It was subtle but the uncanny valley effect is a thing that many people tend to subconsciously take notice of.
Smith had no issues showing how inhuman he was around me since I made him and his brothers after all. Why would I be unnerved by my creations' nature? That didn’t mean I wasn’t unnerved by other things he could do.
“No. As nice as it would be, I would rather deal with these people than get some unknown variable that proves to be an even worse representation of humanity.” He said calmly without emotion in his voice with a constant tone besides how he referred to people in Gotham.
When he mentioned the citizens his tone sounded more… aggravated if I had to describe it which still didn’t do it justice. It was something I didn’t like and was trying to curb. Smith was one of my favorites amongst my hunters yet I couldn’t take the chance of him going all Ultron on everyone.
It’s why I found myself thankful that both Light and I had the same idea to have some methods to deactivate them installed. The official reason we had it put into their code was to ensure that if they were ever hacked or taken over by someone else they could be shut down.
The real reason was to keep them from going rogue or trying to destroy humanity. “I know these people seem like they are not worth helping but give it time. After all, just look at Batman and a few other notable humans and you can then get a glimpse at the rest of Gotham's potential.”
“I cannot deny that Batman has earned my respect. But I think you misunderstand father. I do not necessarily hate humanity or the failures of society. I simply view our current efforts as a waste of time. Why not take direct control?”
I froze, registering what he was suggesting when looking at the massive green form in the metal sarcophagus. I slowly turned to look at Smith who simply watched me.
“I guess we are having this discussion.” I exasperatedly said aloud to both myself and Smith. “Smith tell me how well it worked out for every tyrant or dictator that tried to control every little thing. To the point that the people were nothing more than puppets tangled in strings.”
“It didn’t work out for any of them and the few who remain in power now only do so through extreme means and methods along with outside variables and factors outside of their control that have helped keep them in power. But they don’t have what you do. We have the technology and power to keep them under control.” Smith pointed out to me the rather obvious thing. But some issues came with that approach.
“At first it would succeed Smith but it would ultimately be more of a headache and potentially cost us far more than the current method I am using,” I said to him walking around the workshop checking over everything before heading towards the monastery to continue my training while talking to Smith along the way.
“Imagine how inefficient some of these people are.” This gets a derisive snort out of Smith showing he had picked up some habits from his time amongst the people of Gotham. “Now imagine how much more inefficient they would be when they know someone controls every waking moment of their life and it’s shoved into their faces every day.”
This made Smith freeze mid-step with me stopping to stare at him. “That would be foolish and stupid on their part.” Smith pointed out trying to reason more with himself than with me as he tried to understand why they would do that.
“Never underestimate the power of spite. Knowing they have no freedom and having it stripped from them will lead them to do everything they can to spite us. No matter how effective we are, a million little tiny things will add up and be the end of us. That’s just one of many issues we would run into trying to brute force it.”
We walked into the monastery without any preamble as I started training. Going through a series of chakra exercises to enhance my body physically to help condition both it and my chakra reserves working on my control of the supernatural energy.
“People don’t like it when their freedom is taken from them. They will fight tooth and nail to regain it. It’s why I am taking a roundabout method to help clean this city up.” I said while doing a single handstand using a finger to hold me up with my chakra being used to enhance it.
“So it’s the illusion of freedom for them,” Smith stated, sounding like he was starting to understand.
“No one is truly free. They are afforded… certain amenities and even then those are not truly what they sound like at face value. But to them, they believe they are free while working and sleeping in a cage. One they cannot see but a cage all the same. The government learned its lessons rather well from both ancient and more recent history.”
Yes, people in Gotham much like any US city had certain rights as citizens. But those rights get violated more often than most people realize. It showed how it was all a paper-thin facade. Keep the people happy and content like the Romans did with bread and circuses while doing the bare minimum to fix a problem and all is well.
“So with the illusion that they have freedom and they wouldn’t realize they are in a cage so they won’t cause problems? It sounds like it’s more work with the same goal in the end.”
“A rather obvious statement but it is true. But it is for the greater good Smith. It is in their nature.” I said to him lying through my teeth not believing that they had no freedoms at all or as a means to control them. I have no such desire.
Lead them in a better direction most certainly but I refuse to be that guy who tries to control everything. For starters, I have done horrible things but even that is a bridge too far even for me. That and I would rather not end up like Palpatine from Star Wars where I become a workaholic with little to no time to enjoy myself. Screw that.
Yes, the government and I wouldn’t be surprised if the rest of the world violates their people's rights as human beings all the time but not to the point it would cause open rebellion beyond a select few idiots but they would eventually have themselves removed from the gene pool because of their stupidity.
But people still had some freedom. It wasn’t all a lie.
“Then you have groups like the Justice League. As capable as you and your brothers are I doubt you would be able to handle Superman without some very specific equipment otherwise you would be nothing more than a nuisance to slow him down.”
Smith nodded at his neutral expression turning into a frown. “But fret not, I intend on upgrading you and your siblings with the new technology I have developed and been testing through the androids. You and your brothers will also be constantly using the simulation as a means to improve your methods and tactics against the heroes should they show up again.”
Smith's frown turned into a small smile. “That would be wonderful father. But are you sure we shouldn’t go for the more direct approach?” He asked me again while I was standing halfway up the wall while going through a series of stretches forcing my control to improve.
“I am certain of this Smith. Do not bring this up again with me. Brute forcing it will bring more trouble and cause more problems. Slow and steady while sticking to the shadows using proxies. And above all else, we don’t truly control things. Merely nudge them in certain directions for a better outcome. We never truly have control. Remember that.”
Smith nodded towards me. “Yes, father.” He said neutrally making it hard for me to tell if he had accepted my reasoning or not.
He soon left the room while I got busy pushing my body and chakra to their limits like I have been doing since I clashed with Wonder Woman. My forces would grow stronger but so must I.
A quick message was sent to Light for him and the other engineers to be made aware of Smith's dangerous thinking. I’d rather not lose a powerful and useful asset like him but if he starts to screw things up after all that I had gone through to help this city then I’ll do what I must to put that to an end.
Hours turned into a week before I knew it with me constantly training, doing research and tests with Pamela and Kirk for the addictol, even turning my back alley clinic into a legitimate place for medical treatment after a nice donation from the Wayne Foundation helped with medical equipment and me getting my license.
Things were going nicely. Save for far more important things but I intend on fixing those soon enough. “Keep an eye on Sportsmaster. If they bail him out I want eyes on him and where he goes. Do not let him out of your sight.” I ordered the Sigmas who squealed in confirmation of my orders like good soldiers.
“Good. Now I have a job to do and need you all to perform your best. When it’s all done we feast!” I said pumping my fist hyping myself up for this job.
It wasn’t but a few hours later I was piloting the William Hardigan body in my Silhouette alter ego I walked along the shoreline near the meet-up point. Idly enjoying the scenery with a simple henge over me making me look like a simple tourist.
Nearing a part of the waterway with a few men in fishermen's garb looking like they are relaxing while fishing. “Howdy gentleman. How goes the fishing?”
One of them looks at me his face clean-shaven with hardened eyes. “Haven’t caught anything yet but we are hoping for a big catch. What do you hope to catch?”
“Me? I was thinking of the king of the sea, the Blue Marlin.”
The men nod towards me before one of them gestures for me to come closer. “A good fish. Hardest to catch.” He said, giving me a knowing smile despite his curious gaze.
The water shifted and bubbled before it broke apart sending some water onto the shoreline. I found myself thankful we were far enough from most people in this area along with me having the common sense to set any form of surveillance on loop. For the capital of my country, its security was lacking.
Out of the water emerged a black submersible vehicle with a hatch opening up with the form of Black Manta greeting me.
Dropping the illusion the men behind me tensed but made no move to attack or pick up a weapon. Well-trained and good trigger control. Didn’t attack when something they didn’t understand happened.
A good sign if there ever was one of their professionalism and by extension Black Mantas’.
“Preparations are done on my end.” Black Manta said his voice modulated making it sound deeper for intimidation purposes along with making it hard to identify his actual voice.
“As are mine. The operation is good to go.” I said turning in the direction of the UN gala feeling another gift being given to me.
Gain Black Mantas aid +100
Manage to postpone and convince Smith +50
Perks gained: Fingers of the North Star (Cave Story) (200CP) You have a natural talent with machinery, and this extends to firearms creation. You can disassemble, analyze, and reassemble any projectile weapon you come across, and you have the ability to create unique, one of a kind guns that utilizes odd and esoteric technology. You also gain a free 'stamp' you can apply to any weapon you create, to show it's your work. Upgrading existing weapons is a breeze as well.
