Haruka, now perfectly mimicking Paul Leeman, walked into the bustling biochemistry department. White-coated scientists moved between workstations, their conversations a low murmur of technical jargon and research discussions. Holographic displays flickered with molecular structures and complex data streams.
He moved carefully, trying to appear absorbed in his work while scanning the environment for any information about Lena Luthor's recent activities. A digital board displayed ongoing project names and research team assignments, but nothing immediately caught his attention.
"Dr. Leeman?"
A voice interrupted his careful reconnaissance. A younger scientist approached, clipboard in hand, looking directly at Haruka with clear recognition.
"I was hoping to discuss the protein synthesis report from last week," the scientist said, stepping closer. "Do you have a moment?"
Haruka tensed internally. This was not part of the plan.
Haruka, maintaining Paul Leeman's demeanor, replied curtly, "Not now. I have urgent matters to complete."
The young scientist persisted. "But this is critical. We need to discuss the protein synthesis report immediately."
"I said not now," Haruka repeated, his tone sharper. He began walking away, hoping to avoid further interaction.
As he moved quickly through the corridor, he sighed in relief, believing he had successfully deflected the potential exposure of his disguise. However, in his haste, he accidentally bumped into a door, which swung open.
Stumbling into the room, Haruka found himself surrounded by computer terminals. Screens flickered with various data streams, but one set of documents caught his eye. Large headers proclaimed "PROJECT CADMUS" across multiple monitors, displaying complex genetic research, personnel files, and what appeared to be experimental data.
The screens showed intricate diagrams, genetic sequencing, and what looked like classified research involving human and alien DNA manipulation.
Haruka stared at the screens, his heart racing. The Project Cadmus documents revealed intricate details about genetic manipulation and cloning techniques. Diagrams of DNA strands, complex molecular structures, and what appeared to be experimental protocols filled the monitors.
He leaned closer, studying the information. The research seemed comprehensive, detailing methods of creating genetically engineered beings. Yet something felt incomplete - the data showed cloning processes, but without a clear ultimate purpose.
The door handle turned.
Haruka froze.
Lena Luthor walked into the room, her heels clicking against the floor. She stopped abruptly, her green eyes widening in surprise as she saw "Paul Leeman" standing amid her private research space.
"Dr. Leeman?" she said, her voice a mix of confusion and suspicion. "What are you doing in this restricted area?"
Haruka's mind raced. In an instant, he crafted a plausible explanation, his years of quick thinking as a Kamen Rider serving him well.
"Ms. Luthor," he said, adopting a professional tone. "I was reviewing the genetic sequencing data for cross-referencing. Dr. Martinez mentioned some potential discrepancies in the latest protein mapping."
Lena's gaze swept the room, her sharp intellect assessing every detail. After a moment, she seemed satisfied with his explanation.
"Speaking of research," she said, her voice crisp, "have you completed the analysis of the remains from the radioactive material theft?"
Haruka froze internally. He had no idea what she was talking about, but breaking character now would expose his entire mission. Maintaining Paul Leeman's demeanor, he nodded confidently.
"Yes, the preliminary findings are ready," he responded, hoping his vague answer would suffice.
Lena raised an eyebrow. "Excellent. Perhaps we should discuss the details in your office?"
"Of course," Haruka replied. "Would you mind leading the way? I'm still familiarizing myself with this section of the building."
Lena gestured toward the door, her heels clicking against the floor as she walked, with Haruka following close behind.
Lena and Haruka entered Paul Leeman's modest office. Her sharp green eyes scanned the room, waiting expectantly. Haruka approached the computer, his heart racing beneath the disguise. He silently hoped the system would be accessible.
His fingers hovered over the keyboard. To his relief, the computer unlocked without requiring a password. Haruka navigated through recent files, trying to maintain Paul Leeman's professional demeanor.
He opened the latest file, careful not to reveal his nervousness. The screen displayed a complex DNA sequence with distinct radioactive markers pulsing in the background. Haruka pointed at the screen, mimicking a scientist's analytical gesture.
"As you can see," Haruka said, modulating his voice to sound technical, "the genetic profile shows significant radioactive emissions."
Lena leaned closer, studying the data intently. Her eyes narrowed as she analyzed the sequence. "If we can track these radioactive signatures," she murmured, "we might be able to locate the perpetrator."
Lena studied the screen for a few more moments, her analytical mind processing the data. She turned to Haruka, still disguised as Paul Leeman, and nodded.
"Excellent work, Dr. Leeman," she said. "I'll have the research team follow up on these findings."
She gathered her tablet and walked towards the door, her heels clicking against the floor. Haruka watched her leave, maintaining his professional demeanor until the door closed behind her.
Once outside Lexcorp, Haruka ducked into a nearby alley. The shadows provided good cover as he released his transformation, his features shifting back to their original form. The concrete walls of the alley loomed over him, creating the perfect meeting spot away from prying eyes.
"Kara, you there," he called out to the sky, knowing she would hear him with her super hearing.
A whoosh of air announced her arrival as Supergirl descended gracefully in front of him, her cape settling behind her. Her blue eyes sparkled with anticipation at the news he might bring.
"Did you find anything?" she asked, eager to hear what he had learned from his infiltration.
"Lena has found a way to track the thief who stole the radioactive material," Haruka explained, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "If we follow her team, they will lead us to the perpetrator."
"That's great! Finally some action," Kara exclaimed, her enthusiasm evident in her bright smile. She had been waiting for a breakthrough in this case, and now they finally had one.
A few hours later, a convoy of sleek black SUVs emerged from the Lexcorp parking garage. Haruka and Kara, positioned strategically nearby, watched the vehicles pull out onto the main street. Haruka mounted his Auto Vajin motorcycle, while Kara prepared to fly overhead, maintaining a discreet distance.
"I'll track from above," Kara whispered, her voice low. "You follow on the ground."
Haruka nodded, revving the Auto Vajin's engine. The motorcycle's advanced tracking systems synchronized with Kara's own monitoring capabilities, ensuring they could maintain surveillance without being detected.
The Lexcorp security convoy moved with precision, weaving through National City's afternoon traffic. Haruka kept two vehicles between himself and the lead SUVs, using the Auto Vajin's maneuverability to blend seamlessly with the surrounding traffic. Kara flew high above, her superhuman vision tracking the vehicles' exact movements.
They followed the convoy, waiting to see where the Lexcorp team would lead them.
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