"We do have you right where we want you. Why do you sound surprised at all? You knew you were facing Brainiacs," said a voice off to the side, as sinuous and cold-blooded as a snake. "Then again, it's almost unsatisfying how easy it was to play to your sympathies. Empathy is a weakness that's disappointingly predictable."

Brainiac 4 walked into the room and stood by her son. Her clothing was simple, a skintight suit in drab grey and purple. The expression on her face was, if at all possible, more cold and emotionless as Brainy's, though there was just the smallest hint of satisfaction in her eyes as she watched her son work, knowing what he was preparing to do.

"Fortunately, it's a weakness my son has divested himself of." There was the smallest of smiles. "With my help, of course."