SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: four
An: I just remembered that I'm 11l0 chapters aged in my ko-fi page cuz I've just been dumping all my chapter releases there.
You can check out the 10 advance chapters on my ko-fi page
Ko-fi.com/krownme
-----
In the labyrinth of double lives, each of the five polybodies maintained a carefully constructed façade that allowed them to gather information and resources with astonishing ease, moving through their roles undetected by their powerful, unsuspecting counterparts.
---
Natasha – The Young Observer
Young Natasha's day began with the mundane routines of her school, nestled among the hallways that were also frequented by members of the Young Justice team. Blending in effortlessly, she kept a close eye on her classmates, especially the ones who displayed a bit too much athleticism or an unusual aura of confidence.
During a recent class trip, she encountered Dick Grayson who was accompanying a few of the young heroes. His sharp gaze swept over her and lingered, perhaps recognizing a spark of intelligence that belied her childish demeanor. She looked up at him, wide-eyed, her voice full of innocence.
"Mr. Grayson, you're pretty old for a chaperone, aren't you?" she teased, flashing a cheeky grin.
He chuckled, replying with a shrug, "Guess you're right. Just making sure everyone stays safe."
She gave him a knowing smile, one that made him pause ever so slightly. "Just a curious child", he thought, unaware of how intently she was studying his every move.
---
Kamaria – LexCorp's Genetic Expert
Across the city, Kamaria settled into her lab at LexCorp, her hands gloved and her attention fixed on a sequence of Superman's cells displayed on her monitor. The clean, sterile air was disrupted by the distinct click of footsteps as Lex Luthor entered the room. His eyes narrowed with cold scrutiny as he examined her work.
"Progress, Dr. Kamaria?" he asked smoothly, his tone both interested and mildly threatening.
"Progress is steady," she replied with quiet confidence. "The cells are resilient… adapting them to our needs is challenging but achievable. I'll exceed expectations."
Luthor leaned closer, his smirk sharpening. "Exceed them quickly, Kamaria. LexCorp doesn't deal in limitations."
Her gaze stayed calm, betraying nothing. Beneath her polite demeanor, Kamaria was already ten steps ahead in the genetic modifications that Lex had no inkling of. She would not disappoint.
---
Charles – The Professor
In Gotham, Charles stood before a packed lecture hall, animatedly discussing the intricate developments in robotics and biotechnology, capturing his students' full attention. His voice was firm and confident, carrying the authority that came with decades of experience. After the lecture, he was approached by Bruce Wayne, an unexpected visitor whose appearance drew whispers.
"Professor Charles," Bruce greeted, offering a handshake, "your work on robotics has been talked about across the city. Have you ever considered sharing your expertise with a larger audience?"
Charles met his handshake with a firm grip, smiling. "Mr. Wayne, the classroom is my stage. But I am always open to partnerships, for the right cause."
Wayne's polite smile matched Charles's, both men concealing deeper motives behind their words. Bruce sensed Charles held knowledge beyond a standard professor, but Charles's cover remained impeccable.
---
Shikamaru – DNA Specialist of Cadmus
Within Cadmus's hidden labs, Shikamaru worked alone, meticulously analyzing strands of DNA while streams of data flooded his monitors. He moved with precision, his attention split between his work and monitoring the lab's progress on a Superboy prototype. His focus was interrupted by the stern, unmistakable voice of Amanda Waller.
"Shikamaru, I assume you're close to results," she demanded, her gaze severe.
Shikamaru inclined his head, calm and deferential. "Progress is underway. But cloning takes time if it's to succeed. Patience will reward us with perfection."
Waller's glare tightened, showing her impatience. "Just don't let that patience cost us."
As Waller left, Shikamaru smirked subtly, her presence merely a minor annoyance to his plans. Their research on Superboy clones was already advancing beyond Cadmus's dreams.
---
Richard – STAR Labs Cryogenic Engineer
Richard, the last of the five, stood at STAR Labs, calibrating the controls of a large cryogenic chamber, the temperature set near absolute zero. His work was interrupted by **Victor Stone**, who observed him with his usual suspicion.
"What exactly are you freezing here?" Victor asked, glancing at the sealed chamber.
Richard's eyes sparkled with a friendly grin. "Oh, you know, just a bit of advanced cooling work. Keeps things… preserved."
Victor's gaze didn't waver, but he let the matter drop and walked away, not noticing Richard's amused smile. Richard knew that Cyborg suspected STAR Labs was a hub of secrets, but he was confident his cryogenic project wouldn't reveal any of his actual plans.
---
As the day ended, the five polybodies reconvened, each now laden with insights and resources to fuel their next experiment. Their conversation shifted from their latest research breakthroughs to updates on M.E.A.M.'s data extraction from the Justice League. With their hidden lives maintained and all suspicions deflected, they felt their collective plans inching closer to completion, their synchronised brilliance quietly turning the world to their advantage.