"It revolves around me, me, and me!"
Hearing Lex's persuasive speech, Axel clapped his hands and pointed at himself for emphasis.
Lex smiled and nodded.
"Of course, Axel. After all, isn't our team already centered around you?
The difference is that I don't think you're interested in traveling across countless universes to save humanity world after world.
I know you enjoy visiting different realities, but you do it for enjoyment. You sightsee, explore, and entertain yourself. Even in the future, you'll probably continue approaching other worlds with that same mindset.
That's where my vision of the Human Federation differs from yours."
Lex paused for a moment before shrugging.
"Actually, Human Federation sounds much better. Pan-Universal Human Federation is unnecessarily long, and Human Federation is a familiar concept in many stories.
Bruce."
He turned toward Bruce and spoke earnestly.
"Think about it. If every world we've encountered in stories truly exists, then how many tragedies and acts of heroism are unfolding across infinite realities every second?
Before Ciri and Geralt entered our lives, had we ever personally witnessed the dangers of the Conjunction of the Spheres? Had we faced the monsters, or the devastation caused by the Wild Hunt?
Or consider settings like Warhammer 40,000. Even a basic understanding is enough to imagine the desperation of the Imperium of Man, along with the sacrifices made by the Emperor and his warriors.
There are countless worlds like these. I'm sure every one of us has at least one fictional world that left a lasting impression.
Now imagine being able to step into that world and prevent its tragedies through our own actions.
Just thinking about it excites me."
His face had become noticeably flushed.
It certainly wasn't embarrassment.
Lex Luthor was the heir to the Luthor legacy and the leader of one of America's largest corporations. Public speaking did not make him nervous.
What flowed through his veins at that moment was pure excitement.
"We should establish the Human Federation.
Individually, we may be ordinary.
But united around Axel, we're anything but ordinary.
We can accomplish far more."
Lex spread his arms and looked around eagerly.
Bruce considered his words before responding.
"We haven't even dealt with the problems in our own world. Are you sure we should focus our efforts on..."
"That's narrow-minded thinking, Bruce."
Lex cut him off immediately and stepped directly in front of him.
"Very few people earn my respect intellectually.
Even Axel isn't someone I consider a kindred spirit in thought. To me, he's more of a guiding force than an intellectual equal.
I can say this without hesitation. Among everyone here, you're the only person whose intelligence I place on the same level as mine.
That's why I expect better from you.
Tell me, Bruce, do you understand the difference between evil and disaster?"
"Hah? Damn it."
Axel burst out laughing.
"Why do you always use me as an example? Are you trying to point out that I never use my brain?"
"Axel, the fact that you used the word 'point out' suggests you're at least somewhat self-aware."
"Go to hell, Lex."
"Happily, but can you let me finish convincing Bruce first?"
Lex spread his hands helplessly.
Axel pouted before nodding.
"Fine. But you owe me a drink afterward."
"Deal."
Giving Axel an OK gesture, Lex returned his attention to Bruce.
"This is our opportunity, Bruce.
Not everyone on this team has a vision for what we should become.
Zatanna is talented and powerful, but she's still young.
Floyd is experienced and capable, but he wouldn't consider it his place to guide the group, especially with Axel present.
Victor is valuable, but he's not interested in leadership.
Madam Xanadu has my respect, but she's more of a reflection of Axel's humanity than an architect of the future.
As for Clark, he's still adjusting. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he eventually opposed Axel.
His convictions are strong.
If he weren't Kryptonian, he'd probably be the person I admire most after Axel.
So understand this."
Lex poked Bruce's chest firmly.
"Anyone who places too much faith in power eventually loses the courage to question it.
That's why it has always been just the two of us.
Now answer me.
Do you understand the difference between evil and disaster?
No matter how hard we work, we will never eliminate the flaws inherent in human nature. Evil will always exist.
Disaster is different.
The people suffering through disaster deserve our help far more than those simply acting on their own flaws.
I know you dislike judging people based on value.
I don't.
I see value in everyone, and I would rather extend my hand toward those struggling against impossible circumstances.
So answer me.
Will you support the Human Federation?
A truly neutral and noble organization.
Something genuinely worth dedicating ourselves to."
His words struck with undeniable force.
Bruce met Lex's gaze in silence for a long moment.
Eventually, he looked away.
After taking a deep breath, he nodded.
"If you find appropriate targets, I'll make time to participate."
Lex immediately grinned.
"So that's a yes. You're just too stubborn to say it directly."
Before Bruce could react, Lex wrapped him in a hug.
Bruce endured it with visible discomfort.
After letting him go, Lex turned eagerly toward Axel.
"Axel, we've reached a consensus.
Whether they admit it or not, everyone sees you as the leader.
Will you approve the creation of the Human Federation?
I promise it will bring you more enjoyment than trouble.
Come on, Axel. Don't disappoint us."
"Mmm."
Axel grinned.
"Why wouldn't I approve it?
I've never micromanaged any of you.
Whether you're hunting monsters in Washington, playing spies, or getting involved in Gotham's gang wars, I've never interfered.
You're free.
At least until you annoy me, you're completely free."
He laughed and clapped his hands.
Lex immediately sighed with relief.
"Excellent.
Then after tonight, I'll begin developing everyone's nano-suits.
I'll also integrate the Human Federation uniforms with the armored suits Bruce and I are preparing for mass production."
"So I can fly around in one of those awesome suits too?!"
Zatanna suddenly shouted, eyes sparkling.
Lex blinked.
"You can already fly."
"That's not the point.
The armor looks cool!"
Her excitement was impossible to miss.
Nearby, Diana swallowed quietly.
For the moment, Axel's attention had shifted away from her.
Part of her appreciated that.
Another part hated being ignored.
Remaining silent wasn't in her nature.
Taking a breath, she spoke up.
"I still don't fully understand what you're planning, and frankly I don't care about the Human Federation.
What we should be discussing are the two witches responsible for tens of millions of deaths."
"No."
Enchantress immediately glared back.
"The real issue is your disrespect toward the great Axel, Diana!"
The two women locked eyes once more.
Across the yard, Clark glanced awkwardly at Martha.
Martha smiled knowingly.
"Honestly, you young people are fascinating.
Some of you are heroes, some of you are villains, and somehow you're all sitting together.
You've already made significant compromises just by being here.
Why not take one more step and let this old woman enjoy a peaceful afternoon of target shooting?"
She casually lifted her shotgun and nodded toward Alfred.
The butler immediately launched two clay targets into the air.
Bang! Bang!
Both shattered instantly into clouds of orange dust.
Alfred nodded with genuine admiration.
"Excellent marksmanship."
"You flatter me.
It's just a farm girl's experience."
Martha laughed.
The more she spoke with Alfred, the more comfortable their conversation became.
Likewise, Alfred found Martha's capable and confident personality remarkably charming.
Watching Alfred stand behind Martha and politely adjust her grip on the shotgun, Clark's expression became increasingly strange.
Bruce looked just as uncomfortable.
Both men understood exactly what they were seeing.
Clark thought: That's Bruce's butler and father figure.
Bruce thought: That's Clark's mother.
The situation was becoming alarming.
After a moment, Clark met Bruce's eyes.
Bruce immediately understood.
"Want a drink?"
"Definitely. But you're drinking now?"
Bruce sighed.
"Once you've broken a rule, it's no longer much of a rule.
And right now, I think I need one."
The two men quietly departed with bottles of wine and settled on a bench near the lake.
Meanwhile, Martha and Alfred's laughter continued to grow.
The atmosphere gradually relaxed.
Lex stood and addressed the remaining group.
"You all enjoy yourselves. I'm heading back to the lab.
Once the first suits are finished, I'll invite everyone over."
"Perfect."
Zatanna immediately grabbed Rachel's arm.
"Rachel, come look at the pandas with me."
The two women departed together.
Soon afterward, Floyd led Geralt and Ciri toward the shooting range.
As the crowd dispersed, Selina leaned against Axel and looked toward Diana and Enchantress.
"They've conveniently left us some privacy."
A playful smile appeared on her face.
"I'd love to see the two of you settle your issues properly.
After all, no matter who wins, the person who decides the final outcome will still be my husband."
Wrapping her arms around Axel's neck, she kissed his cheek.
Then she smiled.
"Axel, I've never considered myself a particularly vain woman.
But having you makes me proud.
You're the only person who's ever made me feel like I have a say in my own fate rather than letting others decide it for me."
"Aha!"
Axel laughed and gave her a playful pat.
"That's one of the best compliments I've ever received, Madam.
I like you more every day."
Selina smiled mischievously.
Then she looked between Diana and Enchantress.
"I've always admired Diana.
And the sorceress isn't bad either."
Her gaze lingered on Enchantress for a moment before she grinned.
"Variety keeps life interesting."
Diana and Enchantress both stared at her.
Ignoring their reactions, Selina rested her head on Axel's shoulder.
"Can you do something about this endless arguing?"
Axel smiled.
Then he looked at Diana and Enchantress.
"Neither of you is killing the other inside my territory.
Outside my territory, do whatever you want.
I won't protect Enchantress in Israel, and I won't interfere with your feud.
So stop dragging your personal dispute into my home."
His grin widened.
"As for now, the rest of you can figure out your own problems."