[center][h2][color=e59d36][b]DC UNIVERSE: GENESIS - JUSTICE FOR ALL[/b][/color][/h2][/center][hr]

[CENTER][color=6ecff6][i]"With worldwide contamination being recorded at an all-time low since the outbreak earlier this past year, President Carr seemed to remain optimistic about the continuation of local and regional government action against ---"[/i][/color]

[color=6ecff6][i]"Tensions between Bialya and Corto Maltese have been reported as having escalated in the fallout of what worldwide media outlets have dubbed the [b]Markovian Virus[/b], with the death toll reaching the thousands after the vaccine was delayed in being deployed to the small island nation by, quote, 'an error in calculation' by Biaylian authorities tasked with overseeing public distribution to territories prioritized over the Maltesian government's call for aid ---"[/i][/color]

[color=0076a3][i]"It is only now, in the wake of the virus' inoculation, that Prince Brion Markov has granted a public interview with journalists of the BBC and select members of the foreign press, a move heavily criticized by the Prime Minister as appearing "facetious" in the wake of a health scare that saw the royal palace of Markovia enter a media lockdown despite allegations made that the virus' failure to be contained originated within the capital city. But as Prince Markov defended his actions in this morning's briefing, it became clear that the Prince had criticisms of his own...."[/i][/color][/CENTER]

From within an inner sanctum in the faraway Arctic, a figure divides his attention between several television screens at once while seated with a glass of a vintage 1838 Cabaret. A laptop at his side, he occasionally glances over to a software program in action, cycling tabs between the front pages of all of the major online publications that are reporting one particular issue of interest. He catches only glimpses of them as they switch from one site to another, but his mind has been conditioned to read them at a much faster speed - he takes in, if not the full articles, then at the very minimum the portions that pertain the most to his findings.

Each article largely reads the same, anyway. Scientists explaining how their 'miraculous' vaccine was so easily cracked, from different points of production. The unfortunate-but-deemed-necessary loss of life that occurred in the three-stage trial process. The unearthed, formerly redacted findings that were leaked by [I]The Daily Planet[/I] through a series of documents. He takes it all in, doing the math in his head. Knowing that their discoveries play into a much different purpose than they even realize. It would be so simple to ignore them and press on with the next phase, undeterred.

But he wants to learn. He wants to know how, precisely, to adapt his methodology and execute his orders in these crucial days ahead.

Turning his attention back to the screens, he pours himself another glass of the Cabaret, swigging it gently so as to enunciate it's distilled flavor. A young man, barely into his thirties, is sitting upon the throne of one of the world's most accosted countries as of late. He wears a suit that projects modesty, surrounded by gold and silver trinkets that project a contrary statement. Nevertheless, his body language and facial expressions speak with sincerity - though his actual words are drowned out by an English translator, imposed over the Markovian's native tongue.

[color=f26522][i]"No, I do not think it is fair of the media to have named the pandemic after us. The evidence that Markovia was the originator of this catastrophe was minimal, at best, and most seem to choose to forget that when the virus reached it's month-long peak, Markovia saw the most casualties of any nation. But my family understands the need to make a villain out of this scenario, however simplistic that viewpoint inarguably remains. It is a racist ideology that has permeated throughout Europe and spread to the United States, who have been the most vocally critical of us. But I assure you, Markovia is innocent of any wrongdoing. We have suffered with you, not independent of you. Please respect this as we move forward..."[/i][/color]

The individual watching the screen smiles to himself, his lips touching the wine after a moment's pause. What none realize is that despite the young Prince's perceived arrogance, he is speaking the truth. Markovia had nothing to do with the virus' spread, nor did it originate the strain that created it. The truth is that the person, not an entire people, who created this is the same man that now watches the reaction that the world's media has with a clear and focused anticipation. 

As misinformation spreads, the waters will become murkier. Markovia will attempt to reclaim it's own narrative, but it is already too late. The smokescreen was successful in it's diversion, and those looking for retribution for the relatively few lives lost, in comparison to what [i]could[/i] have happened, will focus their hatred on a militarily compromised monarchy.

[color=0072bc][b]"How wonderfully unfortunate,"[/b][/color], the individual tells himself. [b][color=0072bc]"Because that's exactly what's about to happen. Just not in any way you expected, you inbred [i]twit[/i]."[/color][/b]

A door behind the individual opens. 

A woman appears, carrying a L-Pad that illuminates her bespeckled face as she approaches.

[color=0072bc][b]"What is it?"[/b][/color]

[color=gray]"Dr. Jace's latest findings bid us welcome news."[/color], the woman replies, flatly. [color=gray]"You should examine these. The test subjects in Sector 17 have responded considerably better to the new strain. It's beginning to have an effect."[/color]

The man turns, taking the L-Pad as it's handed to him. With an almost bored expression, he mentally cycles through the highly delicate and extremely complicated research notes with ease, processing them as easily as a five-year-old takes to reciting the alphabet. Handing the device back, the man rises from his seat and snaps his fingers. Each of the television screens immediately cut to black, deactivated.

[b][color=0072bc]"That woman is a fool."[/color][/b]

Leading his assistant to the right side of the massive compound's room, the individual takes his seat at a desk adorned with highly unusual relics - glass-encased rusted bullets taken from the Revolutionary War. Baubles and trinkets that were kept from the same period as the fall of the Romanovs. A series of arrowheads that are progressively refined, starting from ancient stone and ending at a titanium tip. Each item tells a story of it's own, one that the woman has spent her lifetime wondering if they hold any validity. After all, anyone could fake the significance of such a collection. 

[color=0072bc][b]"Tell her that the research is flawed in key areas, without telling her [i]which[/i] areas, and ask that she start again in Sector 18. Have the test subjects in 17 liquidated. I want complete and total resistance first. The desired effects will manifest only after immunity is achieved, not before. We can't afford to cut corners."[/b][/color]

But not this man. Not with the conviction, the vivid recollection that he imdues the stories with. These are merely part of a tapestry that has yet to fully unfold, and the person that sits behind the desk is eager to begin unfurling the next piece.

[color=gray]"And if she refuses to give the order, father?"[/color]

[color=0072bc][b]"Then remind her that any disobedience will earn my wrath, as her many [i]missing[/i] predecessors can attest."[/b][/color]

The woman nods, making note on the L-Pad.

[color=gray]"And what about the crisis response? Did you still need me to compile the data on [i]that[/i], too?"[/color]

[color=0072bc][b]"I already have. I've already learned everything I need to know. The first phase of this strain has worked beyond our wildest dreams, with each of the expected variables playing their parts to the absolute letter. It's nothing short of amazing to think that by this time tomorrow, it will be a brand new world. A world of miracles to some, horrors to others. But most importantly, a world of the impossible becoming irrefutable fact."[/b][/color]

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/LvLB6LV.png[/IMG]

[color=0072bc][b]"A world that we must meet with utmost [i]savagery[/i]."[/b][/color]