The darkness was absolute, pierced only by the cold glow of holograms projecting complex data streams. Around a massive table, carved from gleaming black stone, shadowy figures sat. Their forms were indistinct, masked by shadow and technology, identified only by stark designations. The air was still, heavy with the silence of those who manipulate the world's destiny.
L-1, its voice synthetic and neutral, opened the session: "Status report. How do our primary plans proceed?"
L-3, its tone more calculating, responded: "The Kahndaq sequence proceeded within predicted parameters. The Justice Society's intervention was as modeled. Subject Teth-Adam was neutralized, then reacquired according to the optimal scenario."
A pause, then L-3 added, a hint of satisfaction in its cadence: "A god one can influence is always preferable to a demon whose mind one cannot control. His resentment towards established institutions is a valuable asset."
L-1 continued, impassive: "And the retrieval of Project M?"
L-4, a colder, almost clinical voice, took over: "Project M – Marcus – escaped during the Bialya operation. Data confirms the Compound V appears to react to extreme stress by optimizing its capabilities. An unforeseen adaptation, but highly informative."
Molecular schematics and bio-signature graphs flashed across the center of the table.
"However," L-4 continued, "we secured a substantial genetic sample during his initial capture. The DNA sequence has been delivered to our contact within Project Cadmus. Replication is underway."
L-6, a gruff voice laden with impatience, interjected: "Complications have a cost. Bruno Mannheim, head of Intergang, demands accountability for the losses incurred in Kahndaq. His mercenaries, his equipment... He wants a head."
L-1 displayed no emotion. "Give him one. Place a substantial bounty on the identifiable field operatives responsible for the failure. That will placate him and maintain his cooperation. Now, Project Kr. What is its status?"
L-3 displayed a series of images showing a humanoid being with overdeveloped musculature, footage of strength tests, followed by sequences of uncontrolled rage.
"The first prototype, Kr-0, displays bouts of psychotic instability and limited control over its abilities. The fusion of the genetic sequences remains imperfect."
The images changed, showing a more refined, stable design.
"But Kr-1 is in its finalization phase. The last parameters are being adjusted. Projections indicate a 97.4% operational success rate. It will be... perfect."
Silence fell once more, broken only by the hum of servers.
L-1 finally spoke again, its synthetic voice laden with terrible gravity.
"Let us never forget the ultimate purpose of our actions. Chaos grows. Threats, whether from the stars, occult dimensions, or from humanity's own inhumanity, are multiplying. The heroes, in their idealism, often merely treat the symptoms without curing the disease."
The light at the table's center intensified, briefly revealing a slowly rotating globe.
"We do not shape the future for a thirst for power. We do so out of necessity. To impose order upon chaos. To save humanity... from itself. The Light guides, even if the path must lead through darkness."