PROJECT: NULL (DC)

Amanda Waller walked purposefully through the dimly lit corridor of the maximum-security prison. Her heels echoed against the cold concrete floor, her stride measured but deliberate. A group of armed security guards followed closely behind her, each gripping an assault rifle. They exchanged uneasy glances, their expressions revealing unspoken questions. Waller, however, paid them no mind. Her thoughts were preoccupied.

Throughout her career, she had learned that the world was far more complex than it appeared on the surface. Villains, vigilantes, and government forces all played their parts in an intricate web of power. Yet, Waller's ultimate goal had always been clear: to stabilize and unify that power under her control.

As she reached the end of the corridor, one of the guards stepped forward to open a heavy steel door. It groaned as it swung wide, revealing a secure observation room dominated by a thick, reinforced glass wall. Beyond the glass was a space designed to contain even the most dangerous superpowered beings.

And there he stood—Lex Luthor.

Waller's eyes locked onto his. The two exchanged silent acknowledgments, a shared understanding passing between them. Amanda had known of Lex for a long time. The man was a paradox: egotistical yet brilliant, a tycoon who owned far more than the public was aware of. His influence extended into every corner of society, even in places most would never suspect.

Despite his arrogance, Amanda respected him. Lex Luthor was a self-made force—a man who had positioned himself as humanity's defender against the chaos of superpowered individuals. Unlike others, he didn't rely on powers or divine gifts. He relied on intellect, strategy, and unrelenting determination. To him, Superman was not a savior but a threat, a symbol of humanity's dependence on beings greater than themselves.

Luthor's crusade was clear: to prove that human ingenuity and willpower could rival and even surpass the might of gods. He had lost many battles, true, but each loss only fueled his conviction. To Amanda, his vision—however warped—was one she could leverage.

For both of them, this was more than ideology. It was about power, control, and the future of humanity.

Waller's gaze didn't waver as she stepped closer to the glass. "Mr. Luthor," she began, her voice steady and authoritative. "It's time we discussed what you can offer—and what I need."

Luthor smirked, his hands clasped behind his back. "Amanda Waller," he replied, his tone as sharp as a scalpel. "I was wondering when you'd finally come to me. Let's talk."

Waller raised her hand, a simple gesture that commanded absolute obedience. "Leave us," she ordered.

The guards exchanged brief glances before nodding. Without a word, they turned on their heels, opened the reinforced gas-lock door, and exited the room. The heavy door sealed shut behind them with a metallic hiss, leaving Waller alone with Lex Luthor.

She turned her attention back to the man behind the thick glass. "I find myself in need of assistance, Mr. Luthor," she began, her tone cold and measured. "Out of all the so-called geniuses who claim brilliance, I find you uniquely suited for the job I have in mind."

Lex's smirk grew as he met her gaze, his hands still clasped behind his back. "Don't insult me by comparing me to those self-proclaimed intellects," he said, his voice dripping with disdain. "They're nothing more than parasites—better suited for cleaning the filth from under my shoes. But," he leaned slightly forward, his eyes narrowing, "you haven't earned my attention yet, Waller. Get to the point."

Waller clasped her hands behind her back, her posture unwavering. "I've been developing several projects—initiatives designed to handle the threats that so-called heroes either ignore or are too weak to address. One such initiative involves a squad—a group of expendable individuals tasked with doing what must be done, regardless of morality. A 'Suicide Squad,' if you will. But," she added with a small smirk, "that's merely one piece of the puzzle."

Lex raised an eyebrow but remained silent, prompting her to continue.

"My true focus," Waller said, her voice lowering slightly, "is a task force unlike any other. Not just a team to handle external threats, but one that operates on a higher principle—a force capable of neutralizing heroes and villains alike when they step out of line. A group that doesn't rely on superpowers to combat superpowered beings. Something that levels the playing field and renders them... human."

She took a step closer to the glass, her tone sharpening. "I call it Project: Null."

Lex's brow furrowed momentarily, his curiosity clearly piqued. But then he chuckled, shaking his head. "Interesting. However," he said, his voice turning colder, "I believe you're late to the game. An associate of mine is already working on something similar. I won't disclose the details—I owe him nothing—but consider this a word of caution: you're treading on familiar ground, Waller."

Waller's expression remained unreadable, but her mind raced, filing away this new piece of information. She stepped back, her composure unshaken. "Perhaps. But unlike your associate, I'm not relying on mere power or brute force. My task force won't just fight fire with fire—they'll extinguish it entirely. A force that turns gods into mortals."

Lex's smirk vanished, replaced by a sharp, predatory grin. His hand shot forward, slamming against the glass with surprising force. The impact echoed through the room, but the reinforced barrier held firm. His eyes gleamed with newfound interest.

"Now that," he said, his voice filled with wicked delight, "has my attention."