After Lois exited, the door clicking shut behind her, Arias let out a quiet sigh and walked over to shelf lined with an impressive array of liquor.
He selected a bottle of finely aged whiskey, pouring himself a glass before taking a slow sip, savoring the smooth burn as he wandered back toward the window, looking out at the city below.
'That should set things into motion,' he thought, his eyes tracing the lines of the buildings beyond. Another sip. 'Now I just need to wait and see how she reacts.'
He knew Lois well enough; her curiosity would drive her forward, and soon enough, her investigative instincts would do the rest.
In the back of his mind, he wondered how long it would take the government to decipher his motives. They were likely already scrambling to make sense of his recent visit, probably suspecting hidden agendas and watching him from every angle.
He knew paranoia well.
Arias chuckled, watching his own reflection in the window, knowing full well he was being observed. Even now, in the privacy of his office, he could feel the eyes of surveillance on him, layered.
And it didn't end with him; he was certain that both Vicki Vale and Lois Lane would be intercepted shortly after their departure. But they were secondary matters; Metropolis wasn't his focus just yet.
'Patience,' he thought, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. He would wait for the next move—be it from the government or from the Justice League.
---
Meanwhile, at Ark Academies, Barbara had made her way onto campus.
The school grounds were quiet, with only a few students lingering around due to it being a Saturday. She walked hurriedly, making a beeline for the student council room.
Reaching the door, she placed her hand on the biometric scanner, waiting as it confirmed her identity. A second scanner, mounted above, scanned her form in a quick flash of green light.
**Ding.** The door slid open, and Barbara stepped inside, her gaze immediately catching sight of an unexpected figure.
In the center of the room, Billy was sitting in the president's chair, deeply engrossed in a handheld game console.
He looked so absorbed that he didn't notice the door opening, and when he finally did, he jerked in surprise, fumbling the console and dropping it as he tumbled out of the chair.
The student council room was cozy and modern, outfitted with a large central desk, ergonomic chairs, and walls lined with shelves and display screens showing news updates and academy announcements.
A few houseplants dotted the corners, adding a bit of color to the room's otherwise minimalist design.
Barbara sighed, folding her arms as she watched Billy scramble to his feet, chuckling awkwardly while rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey there, Miss President," he greeted sheepishly. "I didn't expect you back so soon. I was just…"
Barbara held up a hand, cutting him off with a slight shake of her head. "Never mind, I don't want to hear it," she muttered, moving toward the main desk.
She set her bag down, her fingers brushing over the smooth surface as she let out another sigh, clearly not in the mood for an explanation.
Billy, eager to change the subject, walked over to stand next to her, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "By the way, did you hear about Arias Markovich visiting yesterday? And getting a tour from yours truly?" He grinned, puffing out his chest with pride.
At the mention of Arias, Barbara's expression shifted slightly, her gaze clouding with a hint of unease.
She was still uncertain about him. On one hand, his resources and influence were undeniable, but on the other, his motives remained a mystery.
She also couldn't ignore the resentment brewing inside her over Batman's decisions. Batman rarely involved her in league matters, often leaving her on the sidelines while he confided in Robin.
Billy noticed her distracted look and tilted his head, his brows furrowing with concern. "Hey? Is everything alright?"
Barbara snapped out of her thoughts, blinking as she refocused on him. "Huh? Yeah, just fine," she replied, brushing it off. "I was just…" She paused, her gaze sharpening as a realization dawned. "Wait a minute… How did you even get access to this room? I never gave you clearance."
Billy let out an awkward laugh, scratching his head. "Well, you see…"
---
Later that evening, at Mount Justice, the Justice League's senior members had gathered around the large, oval table in the main meeting room. Each hero sat in their designated seat, their faces having varied expressions—some grave, others calm, yet each showing some anticipation.
Batman sat at the head of the table, his gaze focused as always, the dark cowl making his expression hard to see.
Next to him sat Superman, who had his arms folded across his chest and his eyes fixed on the table in front of him as he contemplated their situation.
On Batman's other side was Martian Manhunter, his posture calm.
To Superman's left sat Aquaman, who had one arm draped over the back of his chair, his expression impatient, as though he had more pressing matters elsewhere.
Flash lounged in his chair, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the armrest, his foot bouncing with restless energy.
Black Canary sat across from him, her fingers idly tracing the edge of the table.
Hawkgirl and Hawkman, positioned next to each other, were silent, their wings folded neatly behind them, occasionally exchanging glances.
Dr. Fate also sat in serene silence, his hands resting on his lap.
And, newly added to the circle, sat John Stewart, the new Green Lantern of Earth, his posture rigid and his gaze serious.
Batman spoke up after giving everyone a quick glance. "Before we begin, allow me to formally welcome John Stewart, the new Green Lantern of Earth."
John Stewart nodded, his expression cool as he acknowledged the greeting. "Thanks," he said, his voice sounding professional and distant. "But just to be clear—I'm not here as a member of the League. I'm cooperating until this issue of war is sorted and I find who's responsible for the death of Hal Jordan."
Superman leaned forward, nodding. "We understand."
Batman inclined his head slightly, accepting John's terms. "Alright. J'onn, make the connection."