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Chapter 23 - Disease and Poison
🕑 Added 2025-07-20 16:33:28 +0000 UTCMetropolis
EnviroCorps Clean Energy Research Center
After gathering the scientists and Mary-Anne, Miles stood up to give a small speech to explain the situation. “I am sure you are all surprised to see the presence of Thanagarians here. However, there is no reason to worry; they are our allies, and the fine selection of experts they sent in will be educating you in advanced science as part of an agreement I made with their government.”
Watching the reactions of the scientists, Miles continued. “Now, I am aware some of you might be uncomfortable with the idea, but just as the Justice League saves the Earth from extraterrestrial invaders and extremely volatile villains, you will save humanity from poverty, environmental collapse, and diseases.”
“You will be heroes, not the ones who fight in the light for the amusement of the masses, but the ones who toil in the labs to safeguard our future.” There was no clapping, no shouts, but silent, resolute nods, as the people gathered in this room understood the dangers Miles spoke of more than anyone else in this world.
After introducing the Thanagarian scientists and encouraging both teams to get along, Miles instructed Mary-Anne to do whatever she felt necessary to keep the Thanagarians a secret.
The scientists were convinced to sign non-disclosure agreements, as well as non-compete agreements for the next ten years in the event of termination of employment.
Naturally, their salaries and benefits reflected the importance of this matter.
—
The Federal Reserve contacted him for the first gold sale and told Miles they were ready to receive the agreed amount at a location of his choosing, and since the gold was safely stored all the way back in Massachusetts, Miles took Claire and Baraka to start loading the gold onto the truck, and with Baraka able to drive, it meant they could transport the gold twice as fast.
“How are you doing, Claire?” Miles asked as he lowered the pallet onto the truck, with Baraka pulling and securing it with straps to avoid any accidents.
“I have a feeling you’re not trying to make small talk.”
“Your observational skills must be improving.” Claire rolled her eyes at his teasing as she secured the pallet on her truck. She sat on the edge of the trailer, her feet dangling with a forlorn look in her eyes. “It still hurts to think about them, so I try not to, but every now and then I have these intrusive thoughts.”
“Violent ones?” His tone was non-judgmental, more aimed to learn her inner thoughts than to render any verdict.
Claire shrugged. “Sometimes, and sometimes, I just want to yell at them until I can’t anymore.” Miles had been straight with her so far, and she would not lie, though the nature of the matter made it hard to speak to anyone.
“You know, going to therapy might help.”
Claire crossed her arms, the dry look on her face revealing her thoughts on the offer. “See a shrink? Really?”
“Don’t be ignorant, Claire. Mental health is just as important as physical health. I mean, more than half the people inside Arkham might not have to be there if they received mental health support before.” Then again, they might just turn their psychologists to villainy, like Harleen Quinzel.
“Jeez, Miles, I just want to punch them, not roast them alive.”
“It was just an example, Claire; I wouldn’t have offered you employment if I thought you were some violent, irredeemable criminal.” There were already enough of them running around in the world, foremost being the Clown Prince of Crime himself.
“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
“Hey, are you two done?” Baraka’s head peeked out of the trailer, frowning.
Miles turned to him, driving the forklift to load another pallet. “Do be patient, Baraka; it is one of the most important virtues after all.”
Baraka pulled the pallet to secure it, hurrying up as they were almost done loading both trailers. “You know, I bet you would make a good teacher.” He commented, earning a small chuckle from Miles.
“I don’t think the Federal Government would appreciate me educating people on how to evade taxes or launder ill-earned wealth. Speaking of education, have you decided what you want to learn, besides the basic education?” A person without education would be vulnerable to being taken advantage of, leading to the person falling into a life of crime or becoming another cog in the capitalist machine.
Baraka jumped out of the trailer, dusting his hands, and closed the doors, locking them in place. “I’ve been watching Zalika work on the computer, and I am beginning to actually enjoy it too.” The two almost always did everything together, since for so long, Baraka and Zalika only had each other to depend on, and naturally, he began to watch his sister work, and she in turn had taught him some really cool things.
“Which aspect? Programming, cyber security, or just the machines themselves?” Each area would make an excellent addition to his employee roster, though if the young man chose another field in the end, it was fine as well.
“I'm not sure about that yet.”
“How about I hire you tutors on all three and we see which one interests you the most?”
“That would actually be nice, thanks, Miles.” He would have been worried about the expenses, but the literal mountain of gold meant Miles wouldn’t have to worry about money.
If ever.
—
The final shipment had been made, with twelve billion dollars in his account, and no taxes had to be paid.
It was a dream come true.
“Mary, I hope there isn't any friction between the scientists.”
“No, it’s not that; I just wanted to inform you that the machines and supplies our friends require will cost a lot in the long run.” Making fusion reactors wasn’t an easy task, not to mention some of the more discrete orders she had received.
“Proceed with them, as I said before, I have more than enough wealth to fund all these projects.”
“I already have. I’ll keep you informed of any developments.”
He next called Victor to see how he was doing.
“You have no idea how nice it is to be able to work without someone like Boyle breathing down my neck.” The new chief researcher of GothCorp's cryogenic and medical departments sounded delighted on the phone.
“I am glad to hear you are doing well. Tell me, how are your research projects proceeding?”
“You will be glad to know I finished the cure for the second stage of MacGregor’s disease, though those cryo field generators you want will take some time.” Owing to once-in-a-lifetime geniuses being a dime a dozen, this Earth had grown faster, both in population and in its wide spectrum of industrial fields.
So, its ecological collapse would come faster, and the blistering summer heaths were ample proof of that.
As usual, politicians made commitments but took no concrete steps, so Miles had to do it himself, through channeling the talents of geniuses like Victor Fries to more productive endeavors.
“I am sure you will figure it out, Victor. Keep me posted if you need anything, and say hi to Nora.”
It wasn’t even half an hour later when his work phone rang, with Batman of all people calling.
Without even offering any greetings, the Dark Knight went straight into the matter. “That alien healer you contacted, can you bring her to Earth again?”
“Hello to you too, Batman." He greeted the Dark Knight. "And yes, I’m confident I can persuade her to come for another visit." If love was involved, Yrra Cynril would be bound to come.
"Though perhaps you should explain what this is about so I can see if there is an alternative solution that does not require anyone to travel light-years?” Seeing as the man in question did not need any medical assistance, it must be someone else, someone he cared about dearly.
Which was a short list.
There was silence on the other end for a while, which meant the matter was serious if it took Batman this long to reach a decision. “Alfred is sick; the doctors discovered he has MacGregor’s disease during a routine checkup.”
Miles stopped, as this was another discrepancy in the timeline, since he did not remember the loyal butler of Batman having MacGregor's disease, except in the movie. “What stage?”
“Stage one.” Which meant it wasn't actually a problem.
“Then there is no need to bother the Star Sapphire Corps. I know a guy who just finished the cure for stage two. Why don’t we drop by your place tomorrow night?” It was already getting late, and the plane would take a couple of hours to reach Gotham, and Victor would be working.
“I’ll be waiting.” Batman almost sounded relieved.
Almost.
—
Gotham
Wayne Manor
As he was back in Gotham once more, Miles didn’t want to leave with empty hands. Since he was doing a great favor for Batman, why not do more and take out one of his more dangerous adversaries?
Telling Nora he needed Victor’s help and having the scientist bring all the relevant equipment to treat stage one MacGregor’s disease, Miles had Baraka drive to the Wayne Manor.
Alfred opened the door, and at first sight, you wouldn’t think the man was sick at all. He still had his professional face on and stood strong. “Master Miles, welcome. Master Bruce is waiting for you and your companions. This way, please.”
“Thank you, Alfred.”
“May I take your coat?”
“Certainly.” Miles let the distinguished gentleman take his coat and hat and moved to see Batman sitting on the sofa, agitated and impatient.
They shook hands. “Bruce, this is Doctor Victor Fries, the man I told you about.” Miles gestured to Victor, to whom Bruce held out his hand.
“Welcome, Dr. Fries. Miles spoke highly of your talents.”
“Thank you, Mr. Wayne. If it is alright with you all, I would like to start my diagnosis and proceed with the treatment right away.” Seeing as Miles had interrupted his date night with Nora, Victor no doubt wanted to go back as soon as possible.
“That is perfectly fine.” It was easy to see the usual poker face of Bruce Wayne was gone, as he was itching to have Alfred treated quickly.
Victor started his diagnosis, confirming Alfred’s status, and prepared a dose of the medicine, injecting two bright blue liquids into the Wayne Manor butler intravenously.
“The cure will show its effects within twenty-four hours, and by the end of the week, there will be no trace of it left. It is fortunate that your condition was caught in the first stage.” After a shower of gratitude rained on him, along with offers from Bruce to further fund his research, Baraka took Victor back to his home.
Now, he was left alone with Bruce as Claire left to give them some space. “I owe you, Miles.”
“And you don’t like owing anyone.”
“I don’t.”
“Allow me to save you the trouble. We’ll call it even if you can arrange a meeting with Poison Ivy and get her out on probation, provided she agrees to my offer.” Breaking one of Batman’s villains out of prison was not wise, for the Dark Knight would not stop until Pamela Isley was back behind the bars.
“What offer would that be?” Miles already had a scientist like Victor Fries and a powerful pyrokinetic working for him. Someone like Ivy would be dangerous on the wrong side, one that could funnel her abilities for more than just destroying a chemical plant or a coal mine.
“Bruce, more than thirty percent of the American food supply is wasted, and the same percentage of its people are obese, yet people on the other side of the world starve to death. Poison Ivy’s control over plants means she can cultivate highly resistant crops that can grow anywhere, yet she tries to destroy a part of Gotham every couple months and ends up in Arkham.” Miles leaned closer. “Let me convince her that there is a better way than eco-terrorism.”
Of course nothing was certain before he talked to Poison Ivy, but Miles was reasonably sure he could convince her.
“You don’t think I tried?” Batman had tried to convince some of his villains, those sane enough to be convinced anyway, but did not have any success.
“I know you have the interpersonal skills of a toddler, your observational capabilities notwithstanding. Just arrange the meeting for me, and if I fail, we’ll still call it even.” Batman understood the situations but, owing to his personality, did not tend to react appropriately.
“Alright.” If Miles succeeded, it would be a venue to keep an eye on him.
Comments
GameMage
Awesome. You know, there’s this old fanfic where the MC convinced her of becoming basically a saint through logic. Good to see it again.
