Chapter 23: Welcome Home, The Police, Young Billy " You are in trouble!"
Ethan's ship emerged from the dimensional rift, returning him to the DC Universe. He landed near his company's research facility, immediately resuming his work.
With the knowledge and technology he had obtained, Ethan began implementing plans to expand his influence
The swirling energy of the dimensional rift subsided as Ethan's Predator ship emerged over the DC Universe. The craft, cloaked and silent, descended toward the outskirts of his company's private research facility. Ethan leaned back in the pilot's chair, exhaling deeply.
"I'm back," he muttered, staring out at the familiar skyline.
Helios, his AI, chimed in.
"Dimensional transit complete. It appears you've been absent from this timeline for approximately one Earth month."
Ethan's heart sank. A lot could happen in a month—especially in this universe.
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After securely landing the ship and activating its cloaking system, Ethan made his way to his personal office. His workshop remained untouched, its automated defenses undisturbed. He tapped into his encrypted communication network, sending a direct message to Batman.
Moments later, his screen lit up with the Dark Knight's stern visage.
"Ethan," Batman said curtly. "You've been missing."
"I had some… unusual circumstances," Ethan replied, avoiding specifics. "What's been happening while I was gone?"
Batman folded his arms, his expression unwavering.
"While you were off the grid, Black Adam emerged. He was awakened in Kahndaq, bringing destruction with him. His power and rage were unmatched. It took all of us—Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Flash, Cyborg, and even Superman—to confront him."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "I take it diplomacy wasn't the first approach?"
Batman's lips tightened. "It wasn't. Black Adam saw the League as usurpers, unworthy of intervening in his affairs. We fought him across cities, resulting in significant destruction. But after days of battle, Diana managed to reach him."
"How?"
"Through reason," Batman admitted reluctantly. "She appealed to his sense of justice for his people, convinced him that endless destruction wasn't the answer. He finally stood down, but only after several close calls."
Ethan leaned back, digesting the news.
"So, he's calm for now?"
Batman nodded. "He's returned to Kahndaq, declaring it a sovereign nation. We'll monitor him, but as of now, he's no longer an immediate threat."
Ethan turned the conversation back to himself.
"Does anyone else know I'm back?"
"No," Batman replied. "Where have you been?"
Ethan hesitated for a moment, then answered, "Let's just say I've been… gathering resources. I'll share the details when the time is right."
Batman's gaze narrowed but he didn't press further.
"Be careful, Ethan. This team—the Justice League—is stronger than ever. But so are the threats we're facing. We can't afford wild cards."
Ethan smirked. "Noted, Bruce."
After the call ended, Ethan sat in silence. A month had passed in this universe, but for him, it felt like years. His experiences in the Alien Universe had changed him—not just in skill and knowledge but in perspective.
He pulled up the schematics he had downloaded from the Predator ship. The muon fusion system, advanced energy weaponry, and exoskeleton designs glimmered on the screen. With these, he could revolutionize his company, enhance his armor, and solidify his place in this world.
But a thought nagged at him. Black Adam was a reminder of how unpredictable this universe could be. Despite his newfound technology, Ethan realized the importance of alliances. The Justice League had held its own against a force as powerful as Black Adam.
Ethan stood in the heart of his private lab, a sleek, high-tech workshop buzzing with activity. The Predator schematics were displayed on several holographic screens, the centerpiece being the plasma rifle he had been meticulously working on for weeks.
Helios, his AI assistant, spoke as Ethan calibrated the weapon's energy core.
"Prototype plasma rifle nearing completion. Power output has been optimized to 3,000 degrees Celsius with adjustable intensity. Compatible with human operation after interface modifications."
Ethan nodded, stepping back to admire the sleek black-and-silver rifle resting on the assembly table. Compact yet intimidating, the weapon had been tailored to fit seamlessly into human hands. It was far less bulky than the original Predator weapon but retained its devastating capabilities.
"Good," Ethan muttered. "It needs to be powerful enough to neutralize threats but safe and reliable for police use."
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Location: Metropolis police precinct
Time: Two days later
Two days later, Ethan stoo
d in front of a select audience of high-ranking police officials and government representatives in a private demonstration room. The plasma rifle prototype was mounted on a stand, glowing faintly with a soft blue light from its energy core.
Ethan addressed the room.
"Ladies and gentlemen, crime in this city has reached unprecedented levels. Law enforcement agencies are often outgunned and outmatched. But what if I told you that could change today?"
He stepped aside, gesturing toward the plasma rifle.
"This is the Vanguard-X1 Plasma Rifle. It's designed to give officers a decisive edge against heavily armed criminals, rogue metahumans, and other threats."
The crowd murmured, intrigued.
Ethan picked up the rifle and turned toward a firing range. Targets representing reinforced steel, thick concrete, and even Kevlar-armored mannequins were set up.
"Observe," he said, as he adjusted the rifle's intensity settings.
With a flick of his wrist, the weapon powered up, emitting a low hum. Ethan fired a precise shot at the steel target, and the blue plasma beam burned through it in seconds. Switching to a lower setting, he fired at the concrete wall, leaving a controlled scorch mark rather than blasting it apart.
Finally, he demonstrated the rifle's non-lethal mode, which sent a concussive plasma pulse at the Kevlar mannequin, knocking it backward without causing permanent damage.
The room erupted in applause.
After the demonstration, Ethan outlined the rifle's features.
Adjustable Output: The plasma rifle could be dialed between lethal and non-lethal settings.
Energy Efficient: Powered by a miniaturized muon fusion core, the rifle could operate for months without recharging.
Safety Protocols: The rifle was coded to respond only to authorized users via fingerprint and voice recognition.
Compact Design: Light and ergonomic, ideal for urban law enforcement.
"This isn't just a weapon," Ethan explained. "It's a tool for leveling the playing field and ensuring the safety of officers and civilians alike."
Following the presentation, Ethan met with officials to discuss implementation strategies. While many were excited about the prospect, there was cautious skepticism about deploying such advanced weaponry.
"We need strict oversight," one official said. "The last thing we want is for this tech to fall into the wrong hands."
Ethan reassured them.
"The rifles will be manufactured in a secure facility with multiple layers of encryption and tracking systems. If stolen or misused, they'll become inoperable."
The meeting ended on a promising note, with plans to launch a pilot program in Gotham City—an ironic choice, Ethan thought, considering its chaotic reputation.
As Ethan returned to his workshop, he couldn't shake a lingering thought. The plasma rifle was just the beginning. With the Predator's technology at his fingertips, he could usher in a new era of innovation.
But as he stared at the blueprints for the next iteration of the plasma weapon, a shadow of doubt crept into his mind. The line between protection and power was razor-thin, and he knew how easily technology could be abused.
For now, he focused on the task at hand. He'd deal with the moral quandaries later.
The neon sign of a convenience store flickered against the darkening sky as Billy Batson, in his alter ego as Shazam, hovered above the scene. Inside the store, two masked men waved guns, threatening the cashier.
With a crackle of lightning, Shazam descended, the red and gold of his suit gleaming under the store lights.
"Alright, boys," he said, his voice booming. "Let's not make this harder than it has to be."