[Val Verde]

[September 8th, 2020]

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I stared as a irregular breeze rolled into the room. It caught Doom’s cape first, creating a dramatic entrance. I wondered if villains ever tried to time their entrances… or if the universe tended to help them along.

“You cannot be serious.” Aquaman said as he was the first to react. His closed posture, arms crossed, and a stoic silence.

The Justice League was no stranger to Doctor Doom of Latveria. The ruler was a known menace to the world, but his people prospered. The man was a intelligent, narcissistic, menace.

The dictator was as generous as he was conniving. His very presence here was a signal of a new event.

I wondered what he was here for. I sighed as I stood up. No time like the present.

“Welcome to Val Verde Doctor Doom.” I smiled, and let all worries drain from me. There was nothing we could do anyway if the evil genius had poor intentions.

The Justice League didn’t phase the man as he stepped in. Regardless of the Justice League, the Avengers, or the Fantastic Four, he feared none of them.

“I have come to answer your request, Supreme Leader. Though I will apologize for the late reply. I was indisposed and unable to reply to anyone.”

I was confused for a moment. A request? what possible request could... then it clicked.

“Thank you Doctor Doom. Any help is appreciated.” I smiled at the man. It did not matter how Doom saw me.

His intellect was so far beyond me. Any of my schemes and lies would only seem like the work of a child. So I chose the most effective emotion left in my arsenal. Sincerity.

Then my mind caught up with my eyes. Aquaman, or King Orin, was also here.

“Where are my manners… Forgive me King Orin.” I walked forward to the frowning man. His stance softened as I approached him. I extended my hand out.

Arthur Curry, King Orin, or as most knew him, Aquaman.

He stared for a few seconds before he grabbed my hand.

“Thank you for your help in July. The fish had kept us going until the middle of last month.” I tightened my grip and stared into the man’s blue eyes. They softened as his posture relaxed.

“You are very welcome, Supreme Leader.” Aquaman said as he broke the handshake. The request had been easy to fulfill, but he hadn’t checked up on what happened after did he?

He recalled a letter of thanks, but thought little about it. The promise of future help was simple talk. Common among leaders and were empty platitudes.

As a King of a prosperous nation, there was always requests for help. Val Verde’s had been among the most simple. Food stock to feed the hungry. A simple request for the Kingdom of Atlantis.

Aquaman made a mental note to check up with Batman to see what was happening with Val Verde. The briefing hadn’t mentioned any problems with the farms here.

He had volunteered for this mission since a second request had shown up on his desk. Why Val Verde was still starving?

Now he knew, and he disliked the present situation.

“If fish had made you so pleased, then you will swoon over my gift, Supreme Leader.”

I turned and smiled. I made my way over to Doctor Doom. I had not forgotten the man.

I extended my hand for him as well. There was no reason to be rude. “Thank you for answering my request for aid, Doctor Doom.”

In fact, there was a lot of reasons to be polite. Doctor Doom knew how to hold a grudge.

Doom did not hesitate to shake my hand. He kept his strength down to a polite. I was glad the man wasn’t partaking in a game of dominance. Even without his mechanical armor, he could crush my hand into toothpaste.

“Unlike these heroes, I bring you more then simple stocks of food.” Doctor Doom let go and turned around. His right arm gestured to the air, and I could see cargo planes descend on the beach front.

The cargo planes then began to descend. The modified shipping airplanes had a hover mode as they verticially lowered.

The back door opened, and doombots began to march out. Each held a container, or was part of a group hauling larger shipping containers.

From the beach the doombots moved them up and into the nearby parking lot.

Why they didn’t just land in the wide parking lot, I couldn’t guess.

“Not only food stock, but I have also brought in reliable equipment to solve your farming issues. I have personally designed the Aquaponic systems to grow fish, and produce in bulk. Your food problem is now solved.” Doctor Doom proclaimed as I watched the parking lot begin to fill with crates.

“Thank you Doctor Doom.” I said as relief flooded my system. It was only decades of training that prevented me from crying. Finally. My children could all stop suffering from hunger and death by starvation.

“I am generous, Supreme Leader, but I make no habit of such large scale philanthropy.”

“Of course. What can I, and Val Verde, do to return such a favor?”

“I ask for three favors. Two are insignificant for yourself. The third will involve your military assets.”

I looked over, and up, into the cold eyes of Doctor Doom. “I will not harm innocent people. Val Verde tries to maintain its morals.”

I could feel Doom’s smile. “I expect nothing else. The military intervention will be for defensive action.”

I nodded. Then a question struck me. “Doctor Doom, are you aware of any interference from Val Verde’s application for aid? It seems that contact with smaller nations, like Latveria or Atlantis worked. While larger organizations such as the USA, and the UN did not.”

Doctor Doom nodded, and his voice took on a mocking tone. “My investigations showed that there is interference by a third party.”

The fact that Batman narrowed his eyes was enough to make my day. It was only luck that I saw him. The Justice League had moved closer without my notice.

“Then who would interfere with such a important request like food aid?” Wonder Woman asked as she crossed her arms. Her voice was flinty as she was very curious on who she needed to talk to.

“A man who is as smart as he is immoral. Lex Luther is the prime candidate. There is not enough proof, as the man is quite good at covering his tracks.” Doom turned around to face everyone. “Though he has been gearing up for a large event and pushed his factories to full production. Every one of them.”

I didn’t understand what Lex could gain from such actions… but I could guess. Money from a desperate leader starving in an isolated country? A country known for its mercenaries?

“Lex Luther will be offering a partnership for new farming methods later this year. You will accept with great gratitude.” Doom held up a finger.

“Then you will provide samples for every crop grown. I predict that you will have no issues with production. Lex Luther is many things, but cheap is not one of them.” Doom held up a second finger.

“I also suspect that the new changes can result in… conflicts. Your military support will be expected. I will even provide a form of transportation for your people.” Doom held up the third and final finger.

Three favors, and well within my powers to do.

“You have a deal, Doctor Doom.” I nodded once, and immediately held out a hand again. We shook.

“Very good Supreme Leader. You, and your insight, do not disappoint. If all goes well, future cooperation is not impossible.” Doom let go and eyed the heroes before taking a step back.

“I will always be open to discussions.” I promised.

Doctor Doom nodded and then turned around and flew away.

“Is it wise to trust such a man?” Martian Manhunter was the first to speak.

“He is very intelligent, and any plans he has most likely will not reveal itself until its almost complete.” Superman frowned.

He recalled the other encounters where Doctor Doom had almost won. Or that their victories were but decoys for another scheme.

“It does not matter.” I took a step out and onto my deck. The night breeze was a touch cooler then inside. “My people are starving. At this point, I would accept help from even dark gods.”

I could feel their disapproving stares.

“It is as you said. There are children dying of starvation. I have no other options, and Doctor Doom may be many things. A liar? Not one of them.” I recalled the many stories involving Doctor Doom. In every one of them, he was cruel. Vicious. Yet always honest.

“I apologize Justice League. It seems that I will not be surrendering tonight.” I turned around and gave them a smile.

“I have to prepare the new equipment, its distribution and instructions on how to use it. Then also feed my people.”

“We could take you away.” Green Lantern pointed out.

“You could, but you must charge me with a crime that I committed when I had other options.” I looked at the man. I knew of John Stewart. He was a practical, and rather vigilant man.

John nodded to himself, and made no movement to enforce his earlier statement.

“We will investigate into the new information provided tonight.” Batman somehow frowned even further.

“Thank you.” I nodded. If Lex Luther was interfering, then it couldn’t have been any good reason. It had to be something that would benefit himself, or his vision of a proper ‘future’.

I watched as the Justice League flew away. Then at the pile of crates and shipping boxes as Doom’s last cargo plane also took off.

Heroes…

I pondered on what that word really meant.

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Chapter 11: Formal Favors