Chapter 56: Still In Earth 101, Going Home.
Ethan leaned back in a plush chair at the quaint café in downtown Central City, savoring the spiced aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The light drizzle outside added a serene touch to the bustling city life. He had decided to take a break from the chaos of battles and experiments to absorb the knowledge he had gained and experience what this alternate Earth had to offer.
His mind, however, was anything but at rest.
The meta-tech devices he had studied, the dark matter-infused knowledge, and Barry's speed force data swirled in his thoughts like an intricate puzzle. The speed force, in particular, had opened an entirely new realm of possibilities—time, space, and dimensions woven together in a cosmic fabric of infinite potential. It was unlike anything he had encountered before, a force that defied the limitations of his own universe.
Ethan closed his eyes, focusing inward. Helios' voice chimed softly in his mind.
"You are processing the information remarkably well, Ethan. However, there are gaps in understanding that can only be filled through practical experimentation."
"Not yet," Ethan replied mentally. "I need to fully comprehend what I've already unlocked before diving deeper. The speed force isn't something to trifle with lightly."
Finishing his coffee, Ethan stood and ventured outside, the cool rain dotting his face. He had made a list of landmarks unique to Earth-101, places he wanted to visit that didn't exist in his own universe.
His first stop was the Infinity Tower in Keystone City, a marvel of modern engineering with reflective surfaces that twisted skyward like a giant spiral. As he gazed up, he admired the ingenuity of this world, though he couldn't help but think how such a structure would be a tactical disadvantage in his universe.
Next, he visited the Gravity Gardens in Chicago, a zero-gravity experience that allowed visitors to float among bioluminescent flora. The sensation was strange yet exhilarating, and for a brief moment, Ethan allowed himself to simply enjoy the experience.
Food became another delight for Ethan. He sampled dishes that didn't exist in his world, like the spicy Centauri fusion cuisine served in a small diner near Gotham or the molecular gastronomy desserts of Central City's renowned Lumina Bistro. Each bite was an adventure, a reminder that even in a parallel world filled with challenges, there were joys to be discovered.
Still, his mind often wandered back to Barry's speed force. The energy signature had unlocked a floodgate of questions about time manipulation, dimensional travel, and the potential to rewrite reality itself. Ethan's psychometry had provided him with glimpses of the force's structure, but the deeper mysteries eluded him.
As he stood atop the Infinity Tower one evening, bathed in the soft glow of the city below, Helios spoke again.
"Ethan, your fascination with the speed force is understandable, but it is a power not meant to be wielded lightly. Its consequences are unpredictable."
"I know," Ethan murmured aloud. "But understanding it is crucial. Not to wield it, but to counter it if needed. Imagine what someone like Zoom could do unchecked. We need to be prepared."
Helios fell silent, and Ethan let the night air fill the space. The world below continued its rhythm.
________________________________________
Ethan Harper stepped out of Star Labs, taking a final look at the facility and its team. He had spent weeks here, exchanging knowledge, learning about Earth-101's unique advancements, and forming bonds with people he now considered friends. Barry Allen, Cisco Ramon, and Caitlin Snow stood by the entrance to see him off.
"Thanks for everything, Ethan," Barry said, shaking his hand. "Without you, we wouldn't have stopped Zoom or saved the city."
Ethan smiled, his handshake firm. "You guys did most of the work. I was just a stranger in the right place at the right time."
Cisco grinned. "Don't sell yourself short, man. You're like…moon-powered Superman with tech skills to match Batman. That's a combo no one saw coming."
Caitlin chuckled, her arms crossed. "Take care of yourself out there, Ethan. And don't be a stranger. Earth-101 owes you."
Ethan nodded. "Likewise. You have a strong team here—don't lose that. And Barry..." He turned to the speedster. "Keep pushing yourself. The speed force is a gift. Use it wisely."
Barry smiled. "I will." He sped a short distance away, creating a glowing breach with his speed. The swirling portal of light and energy hummed as it stabilized.
"See you all on the other side," Ethan said, stepping into the breach.
Arriving At Home
Ethan emerged from the breach into the dimly lit confines of an abandoned warehouse in Central City, his own universe. Dust motes floated lazily in the sunlight streaming through broken windows. The air was heavy with the smell of rust and decay, a stark contrast to the sleek world he had just left.
He activated his communicator, contacting his head of security. "It's Harper. I'm back. Send a helicopter to the coordinates I'm transmitting. And...bring me up to speed on everything."
"Understood, sir," came the crisp reply.
As Ethan waited, he walked through the warehouse, his thoughts drifting. Earth-101 had been a whirlwind of experiences, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the people he had met. But this was his world, and there was work to do.
Soon, the thrum of helicopter blades filled the air. Ethan stepped outside as the sleek black chopper descended, the emblem of Harper Industries painted boldly on its side.
Once inside, he strapped in and pulled out his tablet, accessing the internet. Headlines flashed across the screen as he scrolled through the latest news. One, in particular, caught his eye:
"Ethan Harper Joins the Billionaire Club: Net Worth Soars to $2.5 Billion!"
He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. Forbes had done an in-depth article on his meteoric rise, detailing Harper Industries' breakthroughs in technology, renewable energy, and advanced defense systems.
"Well, Helios," Ethan said, glancing at the screen, "looks like our little projects are paying off."
Helios' voice echoed in his ear. "Monetary success is merely a byproduct of your vision, Ethan. Shall I compile a detailed report on your current financial ventures?"
"Later," Ethan replied, leaning back. "Right now, I just want to enjoy the ride."
The helicopter soared over the city, the skyline glinting in the evening sun. Ethan stared out at the sprawling metropolis below,
Ethan Harper stepped out of the helicopter as it landed on the helipad of his penthouse. The familiar sight of his towering residence greeted him, its sleek design a testament to his taste for cutting-edge architecture. The city skyline sparkled against the darkening sky, and a cool breeze hinted at the approaching night.
Walking into his living room, he greeted Helios. "Any updates I should be aware of while I was away?" he asked, loosening his tie and sinking into the plush leather couch.
"Yes, Ethan," Helios replied. "Several significant events occurred in your absence. Shall I compile a full briefing or provide highlights?"
"Highlights first," Ethan said, reaching for the remote to activate the large holographic display in front of him.
The screen lit up, showing recorded footage from various news outlets. Helios narrated as the clips played. " Ten days ago, the Justice League engaged Metallo in a fierce battle at a classified military research facility. Despite his advanced Kryptonite-powered technology, they managed to subdue him. Superman, Wonder Woman, and Cyborg led the charge."
The footage shifted to Superman lifting a large section of rubble to free trapped personnel, followed by Wonder Woman blocking Metallo's energy blasts with her bracelets. Cyborg's cannon delivered the decisive blow, causing Metallo to retreat in a damaged state.
"Metallo got away?" Ethan asked, leaning forward.
"Indeed," Helios confirmed. "He escaped while severely injured. However, the League recovered several pieces of advanced technology from the site. Among them was a device related to cloning research."
The screen displayed images of recovered tech: a glowing containment chamber and several data cores marked with a mysterious insignia. "Analysis suggests this technology is decades ahead of current human cloning capabilities," Helios added. "It could be linked to Metallo's recent upgrades or a larger, undisclosed operation."
Ethan frowned. "Cloning tech in Metallo's hands—or whoever's pulling the strings—could mean trouble. Has Batman started analyzing it?"
"I believe so," Helios replied. "Batman has taken custody of the data cores. Batman suspects this discovery is tied to a broader scheme."
Ethan leaned back, processing the information. "It's always something, isn't it? Whoever's behind this isn't just playing around anymore."