Chapter 9: Planting the Seeds of Control

Chapter 9: Planting the Seeds of Control

Alexander sat at his desk, gazing at the flickering city lights of Metropolis. Superman was distracted. Lex Luthor's reckless attack had ensured that. It was almost poetic—Lex, forever obsessed with proving his superiority, had unknowingly played into Alexander's hands.

Selina sat on the edge of the desk, sipping a glass of wine, her legs crossed. "So, what's next? You've rattled Superman, but he won't be enough. The Justice League will start watching soon."

Alexander smirked, leaning back in his chair. "That's the point."

A knock at the door.

Selina sighed. "He's here."

Alexander gestured for her to open it. The door creaked, revealing a tall, gaunt man in a pristine suit. His face was thin, sharp, his eyes hollow yet brimming with calculation. Senator Donovan Reed.

"A pleasure, Mr. Graves," Reed greeted, stepping inside. "I must admit, when I received your invitation, I was… skeptical."

Alexander smiled, standing up. "And now?"

Reed's lips twitched into a smirk. "Intrigued."

Selina poured another glass of wine and handed it to the senator. "Then let's make this simple."

Alexander took a step closer. "You're a seasoned politician, Senator. You've spent years clawing your way through the system. But no matter how high you climb, you'll always be beneath them."

Reed's smirk faded slightly.

Alexander continued, voice smooth. "The world is not ruled by men like you. It's ruled by gods. Superman. Wonder Woman. The League. No matter what laws you pass, they can undo it in seconds."

Reed exhaled, swirling his glass. "You're not wrong. They say they fight for the people, but in truth, they're a separate class. Untouchable."

Alexander's smile sharpened. "And that's why we need to change the game."

Reed took a sip, his eyes studying Alexander. "And how exactly do you propose we do that?"

Alexander stepped over to his desk and tapped a screen. A holographic map of Metropolis flickered to life.

"I am building something greater than any government, any nation." His voice was steady, deliberate. "A system where power is truly in our hands. Politicians, business leaders, underground networks—united, not as servants to the League, but as rulers."

Reed narrowed his eyes. "You're talking about a shadow government."

Selina chuckled. "He's talking about the government. Not a shadow of it. The real thing."

Reed leaned forward slightly. "Even if you could do this, you'd need more than just politics. You'd need power."

Alexander smiled, tapping the screen again.

A list of names appeared. Mayors. Police Chiefs. Judges. Business Magnates.

"All of them?" Reed asked, eyebrows raised.

Alexander nodded. "They just need… the right incentive."

Reed took a slow breath, setting his glass down. "And what do you need from me?"

Alexander walked around the desk, placing a firm hand on Reed's shoulder. "Your influence. Your connections. And in return?" He leaned in. "I'll give you something no other politician has ever had."

Reed swallowed. "And that is?"

Alexander's smirk deepened.

"A world without Superman."

For the first time that night, Reed's composure cracked. His breathing hitched slightly. He wanted to believe it.

Alexander could see it in his eyes.

Selina slid off the desk, stepping beside Alexander. "So, Senator… do we have a deal?"

Reed hesitated only for a second. Then, he reached out and shook Alexander's hand.

Alexander squeezed firmly.

"Welcome to the future."

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