Project S.T.A.T.I.C. Part 5: The Asylum

While the others were dealing with the strange horrors of Murray’s sadistic funhouse, the former Blackridge Tower was receiving a pair of long-awaited visitors approaching. The ivory tower was jutting out of the center of the city in stark contrast to the concrete prison that Metropolis had become. The streets were crawling with automated transports ferrying civilians to and from their assigned jobs and legions of infected enforcers. There were only a select few that were ever permitted to roam freely through the city streets these days; either those in Eva’s inner-circle, or those that sought to exploit the blind spots and resist the new world order.

Alexis Hamilton, the infamous Footgirl, strolled through the sliding, double doors of her former beloved’s headquarters with the maniacal Miri trailing close behind. Alexis looked more out of sorts than usual. Her hair was greasier than normal and tied up in a mess, haphazard ponytail. Her shirt had stains on it that were a mixture of foods, sauces, and blood. The jeans she had on were torn and frayed; The right leg was almost entirely ripped from the knee down exposing one of her knee-high socks and her converse. Perhaps most notable was that she looked like she hadn’t slept in days or even weeks.

Alexis had been working behind the scenes and on the fringes of Eva’s empire. Unlike the resistance that had been trying to target specific infrastructure points to dismantle and disrupt the Brunswicks’ operations, Alexis had remained true to her nature. Her focus had been on sowing seeds of chaos and disorder; she had been raging against the corporate machine for months as her fury grew. Whatever sanity she had left had been almost entirely extinguished after the news of Jake’s death had reached her. 

It had started small with her targeting and eliminating the agents and recruiters that Eva would send to her old hideout. Her focus had originally been finding a way to tear down the barrier between their realm and Hell. She knew that Jake’s soul had been sent to Lilith because of the deal he’d struck with her during their war against Goth. No amount of goodwill and good intention could have saved him from that. So she’d pulled from everything she’d read and could remember from her time in the underworld’s archives. However, the more failed attempts she had, the more desperate she became.

Alexis had been using Eva’s mindless worker drones as a means to satisfy her bloodlust and frustration, but eventually she found other uses for their remains. The fresh blood, their broken bones, and, in some cases, the ashy remnants all became tools in her ritualistic repertoire. Of course, some spells required more than just the bodies of slain foes, so she had to get creative with how she tackled these new obstacles. Luckily, Eva and Emily both had a rather interesting stockpile of arcane artifacts and items that they’d been reverse engineering over the last year. It required her to take a more active role in assaulting their establishments, but that was fine by her. 

Periodically, she and Miri would pick a target and launch a surprise raid. Sometimes it was a warehouse, sometimes a factory, other times a transport caravan; whatever the case, the pair brought mayhem wherever they went. Alexis’ guess was that Eva had finally had enough of the continuous raids and attacks. Of course, Alexis couldn’t blame her for reaching the end of her patience. After all, the last few envoys she’d sent had clearly been ordered to attack on sight rather than try to engage in diplomacy. Even after running her out of her abandoned hideout in the suburbs, the woman had still managed to keep a lock on her location. It would have been admirable if it weren’t so annoying. 

The truth was that there was an undeniable, underlying layer of hate and disdain that Alexis felt towards the Brunswicks. Voidfoot was the stuff of legend, one that Alexis knew more than most about, and Eva was the supposed shadow master working behind the scenes. From what she had been able to piece together, Eva was likely behind the Meg Myers scandal as well as Amelia’s promotion and acquisition of Smother Ranch. If it hadn’t been for the fact that Eva had decided to work with the likes of Courtney Tellar, the infected bimbo that had stolen the love of her life, then perhaps she’d have considered taking her up on the many offers to join her ranks. The terms would have to have been to her liking, but she might have been more inclined to consider rather than outright oppose as she was now.

With that in mind, she couldn’t shake the feeling of hypocrisy as she strolled through the glass doors of Eva’s ivory eyesore. Alexis had received a handwritten invitation addressed to her and her companion with the promise of peace and information if she would agree to meet. It stunk of a setup, an ambush, but what did she care? As far as Alexis was concerned, she had nothing left to lose. Besides, if she was going to go down, then she had every intention of taking out as many of these uppity freaks as possible. The jingling beneath her shirt was her insurance policy in case things went south. 

It was strange to see the almost sterile and vacant area of the lobby of what had formerly been Blackridge Incorporated. The last time that she’d been here, there had been people buzzing around back and forth, to and fro, going here, there, and everywhere. However, now there were only a handful of people in the waiting room. There was a woman sitting behind a desk that looked absolutely miserable and terrified at the same time. A pair of individuals wearing similar suits to the ones that had approached her time and again at her humble abode stood off in the corner. She noticed a few more in similar suits moving around. She noticed a strange lapel on one of their chests; a strange purple symbol with an eye and a cloud surrounding it. It was something she made a note of.

Alexis wore a contemplative frown as she walked up to the desk. She stopped in front of it and waited for a moment in hopes that the girl behind the desk would take some initiative. A long moment passed before she slapped her hand down and earned a startled yelp from the young woman. It was just enough to bring a smile to her face. “H-hello, welcome to B-Brunswick T-Tower,” the woman stammered out, “D-do you have an appointment, miss?”

“Wow, somebody needs to work on their charisma,” Miri mused, popping out from behind Alexis, “Can we try that again without the s-s-s-s-stutter?”

“Miri,” Alexis sighed, noticing the deflated and fearful look on the girl’s face, “Give the poor girl a break. She’s in the presence of greatness, and I think she’s entitled to have a slight stammer. As far as the question, I believe your boss’ boss’ boss is expecting me, or whatever that fraudulent freak is calling herself. Have a look at this and buzz me in, or whatever you douchebags do. No offense, I’m sure you’re just working a nine to five, or is it a nine to nine with these psychos?”

Alexis had managed to fish out the letter from her pocket and tossed it at the girl. The letter was crumpled, torn, and slightly damp from her sweat. The girl fumbled with it and tried to steady herself to read it. “Oh,” the girl nodded, looking up at Alexis, “Y-you’re…uhm, the elevator on your right there will take you directly to Ms. Brunswick’s offices. She’s on-”

“Top floor, right?” Alexis smiled in a slightly unnerving manner, “Of course she is. Where else would a pretender’s throne be? Oh, before I forget, is that wandering bag of rotten flesh here?”

“Uhm, who?” the receptionist asked.

“What’s that bitch’s name, Miri?” Alexis asked.

“Courtney, boss,” Miri chirped.

Alexis’ smile suddenly shifted to a malicious and hateful glare. She clenched her fist, slammed it down onto the desk, and threw several sheets of paper off of it. “That’s the one!” she exclaimed, erupting into a low chuckle before continuing, “Courtney, Courtney, the walking worm-bag that ATE the former CEO. Tell me, is she here?”

“N-no, ma’am,” the girl squeaked out, “I-I don’t know when she’ll be back either.”

“Hmm, that’s a shame,” Alexis shrugged, her demeanor shifting again, this time to relaxed and indifferent, “Elevator on the right, right?”

“Y-yes, that’s right,” the girl nodded.

“Thanks, sweetie!” Miri exclaimed as Alexis nodded and started walking towards the doors, “Oo, you’ve got gum?! Can I have some?”

“S-sure?” the girl replied.

Miri reached over and grabbed the pack that she’d spotted on the counter. She pulled out a single strip of gum and dropped it onto the counter. She proceeded to take out a few pieces for herself and pop them into her mouth and pocketed the rest of the pack. “Thanks!” Miri practically shouted between obnoxious chews.

Alexis rolled her eyes in exasperation and irritation. Gum was one of Miri’s favorite candies, but Alexis often found it grating and infuriating. It wasn’t just Miri, but anybody that chewed the disgustingly sticky substance. She hated the candy with a passion. There were more important things to worry about now though. She did her best to put aside her personal bias and annoyance with the gum in favor of trying to concentrate on the matters at hand. However, Miri punctuated her perpetual irritation and hatred for the candy by blowing and popping a massive bubble as they entered the elevator. 

“Miri!” Alexis snapped, whirling around on the young woman behind her.

“Sorry, boss,” Miri immediately cowered into the corner, “I”m sorry, I forgot, I swear.”

Alexis glared at her sidekick for a moment before sighing, turning around, and pressing the top button on the panel. “Don’t let it happen again,” she sighed, seeing the look of  absolute fear in her eyes.

Miri nodded and kept her voice down and bubbles to herself. Alexis often had to remind herself that her playmate was entirely devoted to her. They’d gotten off to a rough start, but Miri had been absolutely, unquestionably loyal to her. Throughout their time together, Miri had never questioned Alexis’ decisions or orders; at least not since she’d managed to break her after a few weeks alone. If she didn’t know better, Alexis might have thought Miri had developed romantic feelings for her. Whatever it was, she had found a good girl that was willing to obey and do whatever she was told. She hadn’t batted an eye when Alexis had put on the vest beneath her shirt, and had even helped to ensure it was neatly secure.

The ride to the uppermost floor was a lengthy one that was silent and somewhat tense. Thankfully, Miri kept her bubbles to herself like the obedient girl she was. “Can I ask a question, boss?” Miri asked.

“You just did, dummy,” Alexis scoffed.

Miri frowned for a second before giggling, “Oh yeah, I did, huh? Can I ask another one?”

“Go ahead and make it quick,” Alexis shrugged, “You’ve got until the elevator stops.”

“What are we gonna do if the big, bad, evil, gal actually has something worthwhile for us?” she asked, “Like, let’s say the BBEG does have something that we want and need?”

“Then I take it,” Alexis shook her head, “Did I hit you too hard last night? Did you forget who we are?”

“No, of course not,” Miri shook her head, “You’re the greatest villain this city has ever seen! You’re a living legend, the most amazing, spectacular Footgirl! I was just wondering what we would do if this shadow lady had any kind of good points.”

“You think that she’s actually got something intangible to offer that’ll keep me from fucking up her day?” Alexis asked.

“Well, it makes sense, in a way,” Miri replied, her tone lucid and sober for a change, “Hear me out, she’s been sending messengers and kill goons after us for months. It all started out with her hoping to bring us onto her payroll, but then we started making waves and went from recruiting to having a target on our backs. Now, for some reason, she’s back to trying to be civil. That letter didn’t have anything talking about joining her, but it talked about peace and an exchange of information. She’s not stupid. She’s nowhere near as smart as you, of course, but she’s gotta know we can’t be bought. So that means she’s gotta have something big to bait us with.”

Alexis was quiet for a moment as the elevator started to slow down. “Hmm, you make a good point, MIri,” she eventually said, “Sometimes I forget that you’ve got a psychology degree and just how smart you are. We play it by ear, Miri. Just follow my lead like the good girl you are.”

“Thanks, boss,” Miri beamed and nodded, “I’m right behind you, as always.”

The doors to the elevator opened and Alexis took her first few steps out. Miri was trailing close behind  She was stopped by a woman with dyed black hair that was cut short on one side. She wore a leather vest with multiple chains and jagged spikes rising from her shoulders. Underneath her vest she wore a black bustier with purple straps. She sported two incredibly detailed sleeves of tattoos and multiple piercings. Alexis took note of the form-fitting leather pants, but she noticed the muscle definition in her arms and legs. This woman was strong, there was no denying that.

“Hold it right there,” the woman held up her hand, “What’s your business on this floor?”

“Didn’t you get the memo?” Alexis asked, glancing back at Miri, “She didn’t get the memo.”

“They never get the memo,” Miri shook her head, “It’s such a shame the way the little people are forgotten and overlooked.”

“What are you babbling about?” the woman asked, “I don’t know what memo you’re talking about, and I really could care less. What the hell are you two doing up here? What is your business?”

“What’s your business?” Miri asked, catching her by surprise, “Huh? What are you doing on this floor?”

“What the fuck?” the black haired woman shook her head in confusion, “I work here, you dumb-fuck! I’m the head of security. You can call me Razor. Now, for the last time, what is your business on this floor?!”

“Oh, that’s what you’re doing here,” Alexis feigned shock, “Wow, I guess the standards for hiring around here are pretty lax. Then again, I guess it makes sense that you’re hired for a position like security considering your absolute lack of people skills.”

“That tears it!” Razor snapped, lunging at Alexis who took a step back and held up her hand.

Alexis side stepped out of Razor’s way with a deft level of skill that came from years of sparring against fallen heroes. In one quick motion, Alexis unbuttoned three of the buttons on her shirt. Razor scowled in irritation and confusion, but her eyes went wide when she saw several green ovals that made her freeze. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Alexis smirked, holding her hand up and gesturing to a string that was attached to her ring, “I get a little shaky when people make sudden moves like that. Honestly, sometimes it makes me just want to explode!”

“Alright, take it easy,” Razor swallowed, taking a step back, “I’m just doing my job here, ladies.”

“Oh come on!” Miri pouted, “This was just getting good. It was about to be a real blast!”

“I swear, nobody knows how to have fun anymore,” Alexis sighed, “All work and no play makes Jill a dull girl, ya know. You need to lighten up a little, it’s not good for your health to spend so much time focusing on work.”

“I hear it can be downright fatal,” Miri nodded in agreement.

Razor clenched her fists in frustration before forcing herself to relax. “Did you two come here to make quips and threats, or is there another reason you’re on the floor of the supreme ruler of Metropolis?”

“Supreme ruler?” Alexis managed to get out as she guffawed, “Tell me that’s not really what Eva is calling herself! Oh my God, and here I thought Goth was an egomaniac! Miri, did I hear that right?”

“You sure did, boss,” Miri giggled.

“The one real queen of the city, the embodiment of evil, and the true master of ceremonies,” Raor clarified.

“Don’t go throwing around titles, little girl,” Alexis frowned, her mirth and joy immediately shifting to menacing and threatening, “Do you have any idea who I am?”

“Alexis Hamilton,” a chilling and voice called from behind Razor, “The legendary Footgirl, scourge of Metropolis’ underground, and coincidentally, one of the more difficult women to meet with apparently. Stand down, Razor, I invited her here.”

Alexis narrowed her eyes at the pale, black haired woman that Alexis recognized. “She goes where I go,” Alexis said.

Alexis recognized Eva from pictures and sightings of the woman that had seized control of the city. “Not your call, psycho,” Razor frowned.

“It’s fine, Razor,” Eva assured her subordinate, “I had assumed that Ms. Hamilton would bring her plus one. There’s no need for things to escalate. I called you here because I have some things that I think you’ll want to hear, Alexis.”

“Unless it’s that undead freak in chains for my amusement, I highly doubt that,” Alexis said, flicking her fingers into her pocket to remove the ring-like detonator off of her hand.

“You know that’s not what I’m offering,” Eva chuckled, “And yet here you are regardless. Curiosity is a funny thing, isn’t it? It’s almost comical how something as simple as it can drive people to act in the most predictable ways.”

“Oh, I assure you, predictable is the last word you want to use to describe me, queenie,” Alexis narrowed her eyes, “I’m still not sure I want to hear anything you have to say. I suggest you speak before I lose my patience.”

“Do not presume to command the alpha of the alpha and omega, Ms. Hamilton,” Eva warned, turning and gesturing for her to follow, “If you would be so kind as to follow me. I think you’ll want to be sitting down for what I have to say. Come along, girls.”

Alexis stood and waited for Razor to step aside. The somewhat greasy and muscular woman stepped back to let them pass. Alexis shook her head and followed the tall, dark haired woman. She studied her back as she led the way down the hall towards their meeting room. The first thing she noticed was that Eva was wearing some sort of strange gown. It wasn’t like anything Alexis had ever seen before. The fabric seemed almost alive as it flowed and billowed around her, and it gave the impression that she was somehow gliding across the floor. The gown itself was black as the abyss, but the top she wore was white as a ghost. Her slender arms were exposed. She didn’t seem like much of a threat, but Alexis knew better than anyone that looks could be incredibly deceiving.

Eva never once turned around or paid them any mind as she walked through the eerily silent halls of the top floor. Miri followed closely behind her but didn’t utter a word. Alexis tried to study the floor and kept her eyes peeled for anything of interest. She'd hoped to see something that might give her insight into what Eva might have been planning, but the doors were all shut. There was a silence that stretched throughout the corridor in an eerie manner. The lighting above was slightly dim and cast an amber glow over everything. It might have been calming if it weren't for the clear threat of Eva a few feet in front of her. 

The trio came to a pair of large wooden doors at the end of the hall. Eva pushed forward and the doors swung open to reveal a long wooden table with several cushy, high-backed chairs. Alexis frowned as she thought back to her time in Hell working under Dorothy. She'd spent countless hours in boring boardrooms like this. Eva made her way into the room before gesturing for them to take a seat. Alexis was about to respond, but she was cut off by an overly excited sidekick. She grimaced as Miri exclaimed in joy and launched into a handstand that landed her butt in one of the chairs.

“Comfy,” Miri giggled, much to Alexis' irritation.

Eva smirked at her and glanced at Alexis who crossed her arms. “I think I'll stand, thanks,” she snapped, looking around the room and spotting a large silhouette in the corner.

“Suit yourself,” Eva shrugged, stopping near the head of the table, “Bear with me a moment. While I work, I'd like to extend my gratitude for finally accepting my invitation. You've been quite the busy body as of late, Ms. Hamilton.”

“Yeah,” Alexis rolled her eyes and stared at the figure in the shadows, “You can show me how grateful you are by introducing whoever you've got tucked away over there. I'm not big on surprises, lady.”

“Hmm?” Eva hummed, looking up and following Alexis’ gaze, “Ah, you think this is an ambush. No, no, if I wanted you dead, you'd be dead, Ms. Hamilton. Emily, my dearest sister, come and introduce yourself to our guests.”

Alexis uncrossed her arms as a large woman in a red metal suit stepped out of the shadows. She was titanic in stature, but Alexis was more surprised to see the legendary Voidfoot in person. For the first time in a long time, Alexis felt a tinge of fear tug at the back of her mind. There weren't many people that struck fear into her heart, but Voidfoot was a special case. Alexis’ memories had been locked away until her time in Hell regarding the titan of time and space before her. The woman could bend reality with the flick of her wrist and the blink of an eye. She'd nearly annihilated their entire reality, and her defeat had wiped the events from the memories of countless people, Alexis included. 

“Nice suit,” Miri beamed at the stoic.

Voidfoot didn't respond to Miri's chirpy compliment. Instead, her eyes locked with Alexis. “Don’t speak, Miri,” Alexis warned without looking at her subordinate, “The last thing we want is to piss this woman off.”

Miri frowned and looked back at her mistress. She couldn’t remember ever hearing any trace of fear or nervousness in Alexis’ voice. However, she could hear it clearly now. She was masking it well enough, but Miri knew every tone that her masterful boss used. “Haha, it would seem that your reputation precedes you, sister,” Eva chuckled, “You can relax, Alexis, we mean you no harm. It’s as I said moments ago, if I wanted you dead, you would be dead.”

“Uhm, can I ask who this is?” Miri asked in a far more hushed tone than typical.

“If I am the Alpha, then you can consider her the Omega,” Eva answered, “Together, you can consider us the whole of creation, or at least the greatest sum of it.”

“What do you want?” Alexis asked, breaking through her nerves and reasserting herself, “You called me here for a reason, and I don’t like being jerked around. I’ve been raiding your shitty sites, killing your dumbass workers, and I’m not sure how else I can say I’m not interested in joining you. In other words, get fucked, asshat.”

“There’s the brash, crazen wit I’ve heard so much about,” Eva shook her head, “Rest assured, my offer remains open, but I understand you may still need time to consider. So, I thought I would offer an olive branch and a simple agreement between two strong women. I do not expect you to accept my offer at this time, but I do expect you to honor my terms.”

“Hypothetically speaking, let’s say I’m entertaining this bullshit,” Alexis scoffed, “What terms are you going on about?”

“Simply that you leave my stores and research centers alone,” Eva replied, typing on the keyboard, “I’m willing to provide you with the means to acquire whatever resources you may need as long as you agree to disclose your intentions with them. I don’t believe that’s asking too much, do you?”

“Not if you’re willing to give me that bitch that ate my fucking soulmate,” Alexis snapped, “Give me her, and I’ll do whatever the hell you want.”

“I’m afraid that’s something I cannot abide at this time,” Eva shook her head, “Ms. Tellar acted rashly and against my wishes, but she still has her uses. However, what if I told you that she wasn’t as successful as she would have liked, or as you and I may have previously believed?”

“I’d say you’re full of shit,” Alexis replied, “I’ve seen the body. I saw his soul in Hell.”

“But you haven’t been able to see it recently, have you?” Eva asked, “Yes, I’m aware of your ritualistic uses of my raw materials. Just because I am more of a scientist, doesn’t mean I don’t know what these items are capable of. The gold and bones you stole from my storage facility on Cambleton Pike had a particular use for scrying into other worlds and universes.”

Alexis frowned and narrowed her eyes, “What’s your point?”

“Why do you think that might be?” Eva asked, ignoring Alexis’ initial question, “I too saw the brand on his back, so I am well aware of where he should be, yet he has seemingly vanished from the underworld. Now, I may not have the same level of experience with the denizens of the underworld as you, my dear, but even I know the legends of Lilith. A treasure such as Jake Blackridge, the pride of her notable betrayer, isn't one that she would easily release.”

“Do you have a point, or are you just rambling for no reason?” Alexis asked, her impatience beginning to show. 

“What would you say if I told you that Jake Blackridge lives again?” Eva asked.

“I'd say you're high on your own supply,” Alexis scoffed, “That or you take me for a bigger fool than I previously thought, which I find incredibly insulting.”

“You’re right to be skeptical, but I wouldn’t make such an outlandish claim without evidence,” Eva nodded, “I myself thought it was a trick, or perhaps wishful thinking causing my mind to play tricks on me. However, I now have undeniable proof. Have a look at this.”

Eva pressed a few keys on her keyboard, and a large holographic display rose from the center of the table. Alexis frowned as she looked up at it. She recognized the entryway of the old asylum that Murray had taken refuge in. The little island of horrors, as Miri had taken to calling it, was a place she’d been to once before. It had been too dingy and disturbing for even her mad mind to handle, though, so she’d left it and sought other avenues for her bases. There were four individuals on the screen dressed as security guards. Eva had to have cut the audio from the feed because she couldn’t hear anything. Instead, she simply watched with mild intrigue as the guards started to change and disrobe.

She recognized Beth and Pam as they removed their helmets, but then her jaw dropped. The other two figures started to change in very different ways. One of them removed his helmet and armor while fishing out different items from the crates in the room. The other shapeshifted in a quick manner. It wasn’t watching the transformation that struck her, but rather who the guard turned into. It was that insane witch Goth standing beside Beth and Pam, but she was supposed to be dead. Then Alexis turned her attention back to the remaining guard and her eyes went wide. 

On the screen before her was none other than Jake Blackridge. She knew every inch of his delicate and strong physique. She’d studied it religiously for longer than she could remember. His shaggy brown hair, the slight five o’clock shadow he got after a day or two, and the scars that she had personally gifted him across his back were all clear indicators that it was him. However, the true defining moment was the mark that was still on his back. He still bore Lilith’s brand. Somehow, some way, the man she loved was back among the living walking the Earth again. It defied all logic, but then again so did her existence here after Goth had snapped her neck.

Eva pressed a button on the keyboard and the image froze on Jake as he finished donning his Raven suit. It looked different than before. The color scheme was slightly modified like an amalgamation of his suits over the course of his crime-fighting career, but it was clearly his. “As you can see, Jake Blackridge lives again,” Eva smiled.

“Holy shit, boss,” Miri blurted out before slapping her hands over her mouth, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-!”

“Think nothing of it, girl,” Eva chuckled, “My reaction was similar when I saw it. Alexis, dear, I need you to understand that I did not sanction Ms. Tellar’s actions. In fact, I was quite perturbed with choices that day. However, this is business, and that means that I cannot let my emotional state stand in the way of progress. With that said, I was elated when I saw this footage.”

Alexis hadn’t blinked since the camera had stopped on Jake. He was back. It could have been a trick, but something told her that it was real. She shook her head and frowned after a moment, “Why do you want him alive?”

“I’m detecting mistrust,” Eva hummed, “Simply put, I want to make an example of Jake Blackridge. His family and mine have an interconnected history that needs to be settled, and what he symbolizes to the citizens needs to be extinguished. Doing that requires that he lives out his life as the lowly worm that he is.”

“You want him to suffer,” Alexis glared at Eva, “Why the hell would I help you with that? He might be difficult at times, but he’s still the man that I love.”

“Because he will be yours,” Eva answered, “Yes, I will publicly make an example of him, discipline and punish him, and keep him under my boot and the boots of his superiors. However, his life will be as much yours as it is mine. After I am through with him, I will entrust him into your custody.”

“What about Beth?” Alexis asked, “What’s your plan with her and the others?”

“Beth Thompson is to be gifted to another of my subordinates,” Eva replied, “As for the others, we can consider them collateral damage. They can join me, but I doubt they will. They’ve made their choices clear, but I am not a woman without mercy and compassion. I will give them a chance, but they have to surrender and pledge their fealty to me and my lovely sister.”

“Yet you’re keeping them in that island shit-show of a madhouse,” Alexis pointed out, “Everyone knows what type of insane, twisted cruelty that the Babydoll Killer is capable of. That woman can make even the most hardened villain’s skin crawl.”

“Rest assured, they will live,” Eva assured her, “Even in the worst case, my sister can pull them from the brink of death. Jake’s soul may be forfeit upon death, but that is why the good Doctor will leave him alive. The others can be pulled apart and stitched back together by forces beyond their comprehension or control.”

“But you don’t have them yet,” Alexis shook her head, turning her back to Eva and Voidfoot, “Tell ya what, why don’t you call me when you have them in custody. Until then, you have my thanks for sharing this with me. I’m not a monster, nor am I a complete asshole, so I’ll back off attacking your sites for now as a show of good faith.”

“Alexis, think over my proposition,” Eva stopped her, “If you join me, I can promise you Jake will be yours. You will be a high ranking member of the new order, and you will rule this city as one of the mightiest women in the city.”

“Cool story,” Alexis shrugged, “I’ll think it over. Come on, Miri, let’s get out of here. Word to the wise, Eva, don’t count them out until you’ve got them under foot and under lock and key. Consider that little tidbit payment for sharing this with me.”

Miri started to stand up, but va stopped her by putting a hand on her shoulder. “It would be utterly foolish to write me off, Alexis,” Eva wanted, “Some have found it to be detrimental to their wellbeing.”

Alexis stopped and turned to face Eva. She narrowed her eyes as she spoke, “Are you threatening me?”

“Whatever would give you that idea?” Eva asked, tightening her grip on Miri’s shoulder and causing her to wince, “I’m simply giving you some friendly advice; the same advice I have given several others over the years.”

“Take your hands off of her,” Alexis warned in a low tone, “Is that the same advice you gave Amy before she signed on to your bullshit? Let’s get something straight. I am not someone that can be threatened and bullied. I don’t give a damn who you are. Footgirl doesn’t take orders from anyone. Partnerships are fine and dandy, but I don’t do bosses. Now, take your hands off of my apprentice before I lose what little patience I have left.”

Voidfoot suddenly stepped forward. In a fraction of a second, she was standing in front of Alexis, towering over her and glaring down at her. “You would do well to think before you speak, little girl,” she warned.

Alexis tilted her head and met Voidfoot’s hard glare, “You might be some sort of Godlike being, but I’ll remind you again that I am Footgirl. I am the one and only living legend of Metropolis, and I am not scared of anyone or anything.”

“Now, now, let’s all take a step back,” Eva cleared her throat and released Miri, “I can see that tensions are running higher than expected. The last thing that I want is for all of this potential to go south before it even begins. Emily, my sweet sister, let’s not let our emotions define our actions. Alexis, I apologize for any offense that I may have incurred with that last interaction. I was merely trying to convey the importance and urgency of accepting an offer into the new world order. I’ll be in touch, but I expect you to honor your word about my stores.”

Miri practically jumped to her feet and scampered away from Eva to get back to her mistress’ side. Voidfoot stepped to the side and made her way back to stand behind her sister. Alexis gave Miri a quick once over before shaking her head and turning to leave once again, “Yeah, consider it done. Catch you on the flip-side, ladies. Let’s go, Miri.”

“Y-yes, boss,” Miri nodded, hurrying to stay in step with her mistress.

The doors to the boardroom shut as Alexia and Miri left in a frustrated huff. “Keep tabs on that one,” Eva said to her sister, “Time will tell as to whether she will be an asset or a liability. Either way, I am sure she’ll have her uses down the line.”

“You should have let me punish her for the way she spoke to you,” Voidfoot sighed.

“Patience, sister, her use and time will come,” Eva assured her, “How many times must I remind you that we must think before we act. We wait and watch for the time being. If Murray succeeds, then we can begin the next phase of our operations, but we need to have contingencies and contingencies for those contingencies.”

“As you wish, sister,” Voidfoot shook her head, “I will follow your lead if it means we can achieve true greatness.”

“Very good,” Eva smiled, turning to leave, “Now, I need to check in on a few things. We’ll speak again soon, sister, until then be wise and be well.”