Disclaimer
The characters used in this story are NOT owned by me. They are the property of DC comics and Warner Brothers. I have used those characters to put up this story which is ENTIRELY A PRODUCT OF MY IMAGINATION.
Chap 01
The head quarters of Project Cadmus. After a few months of apparent dormancy following the Doomsday Sanction, Cadmus is upto something big. But this time, it is to be made sure that nothing goes wrong. Absolutely Nothing!
The scientists are feverishly working on the prototype of a 'God Knows What' machine. Apparently it is being constructed to destroy Superman, but is being called 'a defense against Superman lest he should go wild' on the face of it. Waller is impatiently pacing up and down her cabin, waiting to see how well the prototype has performed under simulated conditions. The prototype has failed 12 times now, and the owner has only been kind enough not to blow up the whole place. No wonder she's perspiring heavily
A knock on her door...Finally!
Waller: (Sharply) Come in.
A middle aged man with thin rimmed glasses and wearing a white coat enters. His name is Dr. Johnson
Dr. Johnson: The tests have been successful Mrs. Waller. The prototype can now withstand heat vision and is impenetrable to X-rays. It is about a thousand times stronger than an ordinary human being.
Waller: What about the impact testing?
Dr. Johnson: I'm afraid no material in this world can withstand such a huge impact. We have tried all the combinations of metals and non metals possible, Diamond, carborundum, Iridium, platinum and alloys, everything.
Waller: (snaps) How are we supposed to face the man of steel without having the strength to face his blows.
Dr. Johnson: But we have tried everything. Everything but Kryptonite. I really don't understand why you don't want us to use Kryptonite anywhere. After all, that is the weakness of Superman.
Waller: I don't call the shots here, our beloved 'owner'does. And he says he doesn't want KRYPTONITE.
Dr. Johnson: Why do you call him our 'owner'?
Waller: He is funding us Doctor. (pause) Sometimes I just don't understand what has become of Project Cadmus. He is using it as if it is his private workshop. I don't have a say in anything. If only we had proper funding...the Justice League...
Phone Rings
WallerHello!
From the other side: How is everything going?
Waller: (sighs) Fine so far, except for resistance to impact.
From the other side: Hmmm
Waller: I'm sure you realise no material can withstand such an impact. Are you sure you don't want Kryptonite to be used?
From the other side: Kryptonite has not done anyone any good.
Waller: A voice of experience I believe. But if we are to stand any chance against Superman...
From the other side: Do what you are told to, Waller. Don't use your brain for nothing.
Waller: That's it! This is as far as it gets! We're done!
From the other side: Well I shouldn't have had any hopes on you worthless people. My mistake! I don't believe you're so uninterested even though you are to gain from it!
Waller: I have nothing to gain from this. Not now atleast!
From the other side: Of course, you have. I may or may not get my man, but you sure will get your man! Am I wrong?
No answer from Waller/b
From the other side: I'll take that as a Yes. I don't think I should trouble you people and your pitiful technology anymore. Just send the prototype to ,you know where. (hangs up the phone)
Waller: (Hangs up the receiver too and closes her eyes for a moment. She is going to get her man, ah, she's waited so long for this to happen. A wide smile covers her face, elevating her wrinkles and chubby cheeks. She'll have him soon now) Dr. Johnson!
Johnson: Yes, Mrs. Waller!
Waller: Throw this prototype into the trash can!
Johnson: What!
Waller: Just do it! We're done with our experiment and no one is going to boss us again! (smiles)
Dr. Johnson has no idea what to say! Seven months of toil going into 'trashcan'! What is with Waller? All he can do is follow her orders, hoping that she knows what she is doing.