- Lois Lane: Wow.
- Clark Kent: Welcome to Watchtower - the official headquarters of the home team.
- Tess Mercer: Which you are clearly on now. Finally.
- Lois Lane: Is that a com-sat hook-up? I take back the whole "work wife" thing. Your satellite officially trumps my cellphone.
- Tess Mercer: Forget it. From now, mi com-sat es su com-sat.
- Arthur Curry: Glad you didn't find your Davy Jones down there after that explosion.
- Clark Kent: I know how much you love the water, but I couldn't be happier to have my two feet on solid ground.
- Arthur Curry: Oh, just as well. 'Cause let's be honest, underwater, you look like a clown fish.
- Lois Lane: You didn't tell anyone about the darkness because you think you're supposed to be invincible. Right? And it terrifies you that you're not.
- Clark Kent: Lois, how am I suppose to protect people, protect *you*, if I can't protect myself from the darkness?
- Lois Lane: By not trying to do it alone. We're in this together now - all of us. And the team needs to know the bigger war we're fighting.
- Clark Kent: We all know what the government was up to. But those prisons were part of a much bigger threat. Hate crimes are up. People like Slade, they're getting more control. And Godfrey's anti-vigilante message - it's reaching more ears than ever before, and I don't think it's a coincidence.
- Tess Mercer: Sadly, Clark, there's no mystery to human fear and hatred.
- Clark Kent: This time, there might be. I think there's something more behind the darkness, something that hero haters like Slade don't even know is affecting them. When I sent the Kandorians away through the portal in space, I opened a door to something else to come to Earth.
- Oliver Queen: Are you serious trying to tell me that, out of all the intergalactic bad boys we've ever faced, this one's actually worse?
- Clark Kent: This is *much* worse. We can't even see it to fight it. This thing is like an evil that's spreading over the Earth. It preys upon the dark side that we already have. It feeds on our doubts, our fears, and our distrust.
- Oliver Queen: Well, I'd say, from where I'm standing, and it's already on the winning side.
- Clark Kent: I think it even affected Slade. Just before the facility exploded, I saw something on Slade's skull - the Omega symbol. It was like it was branded there. Almost like the mark...
- Tess Mercer: ...of The Beast in Revelations.
- Lois Lane: Which would explain why he veered so far off his marching orders.
- Oliver Queen: I'm guessing you don' t think that Slade's the only pledge to the Alpha-Omega-Die fraternity, right?
- Clark Kent: I think the Omega is the sign of corruption. A mark of the darkness has fully taken over someone.
- Lois Lane: Didn't Kara say that a person had to be open to the darkness? That it can't infect anyone of pure heart?
- Clark Kent: And which one of us doesn't have that weakness? A hidden hatred or fear that this thing couldn't prey upon?
- Oliver Queen: So, basically this thing doesn't have to do anything.
- Lois Lane: It just waits for everybody's weaknesses, and then we destroy ourselves.
- Clark Kent: If we can't stop it, the darkness will infect every person on this planet.
- Clark Kent: Seismic activity.
- Arthur Curry: That's how Mera found the place. She's pretty amazing - smart, passionate, fiery. Even helped me understand my true origins.
- Clark Kent: You really went off the high dive for her.
- Arthur Curry: I'm so much more with her than I'm solo.
- Clark Kent: You don't feel guilty, putting her in danger?
- Arthur Curry: Mera can hold her own. If you're worried about someone a little less superpowered, Mera helped me realize that standing on the sidelines isn't the same as being in the game.
- Tess Mercer: [appears on screen, to Clark] I ran some tests on the alloy you found and...
- [sees Lois with Clark]
- Tess Mercer: Lois. Hi.
- Lois Lane: Okay, you know how I hate being all emo-relationship chick. It's just, I can't get you on the phone, but Tess can Skype with you?
- Clark Kent: This isn't a social call.
- Lois Lane: And I am? We practically share a desk chair, but now I'm still not the real work wife.
- Tess Mercer: Sorry to interrupt "The Real Housewives of Metropolis," but there's something we need to know about this alloy we tested.
- Clark Kent: Slade! I'm not gonna let you continue destroying people's faith in justice.
- Slade Wilson: Made of steel, or just a man? You can't be both.
- [shoots at Clark, bullets ricochet off him]
- Slade Wilson: So it *is* you.
- [Slade presses a button on the wall, kryptonite-lined walls surround Clark]
- Clark Kent: What are you doing? I need to get you out of here!
- Slade Wilson: This whole place was built for the express purpose of containing your kind. And your weakness was the hardest to learn. You see? You're not above the law. You're not even above *me*.
- Clark Kent: How can you be so determined in seeing us as the enemy, instead of working with us. Look... let me save you. You'll never get out!
- Slade Wilson: I know, but it's worth it. To destroy the single greatest threat to democracy, no civilian in this country should be more powerful than the law. That's what keeps the order. That's what keeps us strong.
- Clark Kent: Shut it down. Let me help you.
- Slade Wilson: I'd rather die for my country than be saved by an abomination like you.
- Clark Kent: You asked me a question. I guess you'll get your answer. I am man and steel.
- Mera: I thought Orin was exaggerating, Clark, but everything about he said about you is true. Even when the tide is turning, you work hard to bring change by delivering justice. Not bombs. As a patriot to the country, not just the cause.
- Arthur Curry: That's our Boy Scout.
- Lt. Trotter: Almost done, Mr. Queen.
- Oliver Queen: What's with the secret workout room here, huh? Is this, uh, a secret tryout for the NFL?
- Slade Wilson: You're strong and extremely agile with coordination that's off the charts.
- Oliver Queen: I'm human.
- Slade Wilson: Well, I commend your performance. We'd love to someone with your gifts serve our country. Help us bring your less cooperative cohorts.
- Oliver Queen: Look, I'll be your poster boy. I'll say your words, I'll be your face, but it ends with *me*, you understand? Now, there are people out there who want to believe in you. They want to believe in this country. Give them a chance to prove that, to be the heroes that we all need.
- Slade Wilson: You got nerve, I like that. But your draft card wasn't a two-for-one special. Please, allow me to make a more convincing argument.
- Mera: I am Mera, wife of Orin, future king of the Seven Seas. The one you call Arthur Curry.
- Lois Lane: A.C. got married. Aren't you just full of reveals?
- Mera: Orin is finally embracing his destiny and leading his people.
- Lois Lane: Hang on. "His people." Like, down under and not Australia? Anyway, I need to find Clark.
- Mera: Certainly you're not a partner in his endeavors?
- Lois Lane: Wow, some people get a ring on their finger, and everyone else's relationship just doesn't cut it.
- Mera: Spoken like one who can't be satisfied by a man of her own kind. You desire those who are extraordinary - first Orin, then Oliver, now Clark.
- Lois Lane: You've gotta be kidding me? Little Mermaid? Your prince and I dated for a day.
- Mera: It's understandable that you seek that would seek a superior being companion. I'm just surprised that powerful men would choose someone of lesser ability.
- Lois Lane: Listen, squid lips, you don't anything about me *or* Clark.
- Mera: I know you came here looking for Clark. You're in the dark... protected but not included. Do you really want the harsh light of truth?
- Slade Wilson: You two are just the first in a whole host of vigilantes to be taken out of play. With the right encouragement, I'm sure you will help us bring them in.
- Arthur Curry: You're gonna need a bigger cage.
- Slade Wilson: I wouldn't worry about that. See, you all have some great strength... but one equally great flaw.
- [Turns to Oliver]
- Slade Wilson: No, you are almost too easy. Damaged, lonely, isolated. A hero with no actual powers. Do you resent them?
- Oliver Queen: Actually, you're taking the honors right now, jackass.
- Lois Lane: It's just, when you look at A.C. and Mera... how they work together, how alike they are... it kind of makes you wonder... If we'll ever be like that. I mean, you got to admit, I'm...
- Clark Kent: ...Everything that I'm not? Lois, that's why it works.
- Lois Lane: Yeah, but two pieces may fit together, but if they're not from the same puzzle, it might end up looking like a Picasso.
- Clark Kent: But does that matter?
- Clark Kent: I thought if I told Lois my secret, everything would fall into place. I guess I've kept her on the outside.
- Arthur Curry: The away games don't matter unless you win the ones at home, too, which you definitely can't do if you refuse to have a co-captain. All I'm saying is if anyone can handle you and what you do, it's Lois. But you can't bring her on the team and keep her benched. Question is, can you handle that?
- Mera: You do carry a lot of baggage.
- Lois Lane: Seriously, don't make me take my hair dryer out and shrivel you.
- Mera: Perhaps I was too hasty in my judgment of you, Lois Lane.
- Lois Lane: You think? Because we didn't just get off on the wrong fin.
- Mera: I stand by what I said before. You're not like us, not like Clark. But... you are what he needs. You treat Clark not as your superior, but as an equal. And insist that he do the same.
- Lois Lane: Thanks.
- Mera: You'd make a good partner for him, Lois. In your own way.
- Lois Lane: If he lets me.
- Mera: It took months, and more than just a few water blasts to the head, for Orin to let me stand with him, not just beside him. Give Clark time.
- Lois Lane: [to Clark, after AC and Mera leave] In case I forgot to mention it, I'm really glad I only booked a one-way to Miami. Your arms were a lot better than some seat in coach.
- Clark Kent: You shouldn't have had to fly all the way to Florida just to find me.
- Lois Lane: Don't sweat it. Those mileage points needed to be used up anyway.
- Clark Kent: No, Lois, you were right to be upset. I've been running around acting like it's just me, instead of us. The truth is, I rely on you more than anyone else. I trust you to know parts of me that I don't even trust myself. That's why you're the only person I told about the darkness that I've tried to fight, but failed.
- Lois Lane: I know.
- Lois Lane: When you went off to go and save the world, I remember what my mom looked like every time my dad left on deployment. And it was the hardest thing she ever had to do, but she... she remained stoic until that door closed. Because she knew that was how she helped my dad do what he had to do. Because they were in it together. No matter what. And so am I. But I'm not the only one.
- Clark Kent: I guess I should thank you for uncovering those holding cells. Part of me wishes I could have kept on believing in... everything I was raised to believe in.
- Arthur Curry: Don't let an overzealous war hawk shake your faith in people, Clark. Your endless optimism is the one thing I actually like about you.
- Clark Kent: Did you learn that vocabulary from Mera?
- Arthur Curry: Seriously, though, you made a good point. Digging in our heels and being as extreme as Slade makes us no better than them.
- Clark Kent: I'm just sorry they got what they wanted out of the VRA.
- Arthur Curry: How's that?
- Clark Kent: We didn't exactly rush to sign up, but we got scared. We stopped communicating. We stopped trusting each other. Now, there's no way we can beat this if we splinter.
- Arthur Curry: I may not trust the commandos in Washington, but I trust you, Clark. So we'll do it your way. Lead by example, not by resistance.
- Oliver Queen: You know about our abilities?
- Slade Wilson: Always be prepared.
- [to AC]
- Slade Wilson: You came at us through the ocean like a torpedo. It didn't take much to figure out where your mutated abilities come from. A little heat and you dry right up, don't you?
- Oliver Queen: Something tells me the White House didn't exactly get the memo on your glacial Gitmo here.
- Slade Wilson: Don't ask, don't tell.
- Tess Mercer: It's like some sort of multifunctional weaponry. The government is preparing for anything that comes its way.
- Mera: Including Orin. He should have been back by now.
- Clark Kent: He could be at any one of the four facilities he was checking out.
- Lois Lane: If he ended up in one of Slade's nets, I might know how to find him.
- Clark Kent: [she shows them the schematic Slade had] It's the design blueprint for the prisons.
- Lois Lane: And according to this, there's only one facility that is operational. It's in Alaska.
- Clark Kent: Do you recognize this structure?
- Arthur Curry: Looks like the facilities at LuthorCorp when Lex was trying to build his own private zoo of the superpowered.
- Clark Kent: It couldn't be LuthorCorp. Tess and Oliver would know about it.
- Arthur Curry: Looks like Uncle Sam raided the patent offices for his own end. Mera, you still reading us?
- Mera: [staticky] Barely... can hear you. Just heard from Watchtower... There's news...
- Arthur Curry: You're breaking up.
- Mera: Watchtower found eight locations with similar seismic readings. You need to check them right away. Oliver's been taken off the grid.
- Arthur Curry: If we split up, we can cover the facility faster.
- Clark Kent: They've taken one of ours. Let's go get him back.
- Lois Lane: Oliver's in trouble, and Clark could be, too. I need to know how to find them.
- Dr. Emil Hamilton: Apparently. But I don't know why you're asking me.
- Lois Lane: Listen, Dr. Know-nothing. I have tried to reach Clark with zero results. Now, he's mentioned your name a lot, and he's never even had a yearly checkup.
- Dr. Emil Hamilton: Listen, we just...
- Lois Lane: [putting him in a headlock and holding a surgical clamp to his throat] I know that you're in his superhero club. So unless you want a sudden tracheotomy, you will tell me where he is, ASAP.
- Dr. Emil Hamilton: He went to find AC in Miami. That's the last I heard.
- Lois Lane: [letting him go] Now, for the record... you know I was bluffing, right?
- Tess Mercer: [as Oliver leaves with Wilson] They're going to the helipad.
- Lois Lane: Well, you own this building. Don't let that helicopter take off.
- Tess Mercer: Lois, I can't. They have military clearance. Oliver's gone.
- Tess Mercer: Would you like to explain this to me? Because I took it off your desktop, and it suspiciously looks like an article on the VRA, which I expressly said you were not to write. Your father worked on the bill, Lois. It's a conflict of interest.
- Lois Lane: Let's just say something is rotten in the military state of Metropolis, and I need to make sure certain people know about it.
- Tess Mercer: Look, I know that you like to break a story before anybody else, but your concern seems... personal.
- Lois Lane: Okay, I'm actually gonna level with you on this one, Tess. I just found out that the mystery hero registering is Oliver.
- Tess Mercer: Is Clark working with you on this?
- Lois Lane: Why would he be?
- Tess Mercer: You share a lot of bylines. So you're alone on this one.
- Lois Lane: [getting on the elevator] Looks like it. Clark's got jury duty.
- Tess Mercer: Oh. Jury duty?
- Lois Lane: I tried to tell him how to get out of it, but you know Clark, always serving the people and fulfilling his civic obligation.
- Tess Mercer: Yeah, he is dedicated that way.
- Tess Mercer: What is your scoop on the VRA?
- Lois Lane: Despite what they say? I think the VRA is going a little less above board and a lot more waterboard.
- Tess Mercer: Torture?
- Lois Lane: Meet General Slade Wilson. Put in charge of executing the VRA. Emphasis on "execute". For years, rumors of war crimes followed him, never any charges, and he continued to move up the ranks.
- Tess Mercer: Because he was effective, and now he's targeting heroes.
- Lois Lane: It's worse. If I've got it right, he's building prisons.
- Tess Mercer: And Oliver's about to sign up for this summer internment camp?
- Slade Wilson: Today, we take our first step toward a new partnership. There will no longer be law and outlaw. We will be one people, united, working toward one goal, the common good. Oliver Queen's registration marks a new day for this country. And the end of vigilantes working outside the law.
- Clark Kent: Considering your activist streak, I never saw you settling down.
- Mera: It was his passion and conviction that drew me to him. There are qualities we share, and on which we've built a partnership.
- Clark Kent: The outside world, your passion looks a lot like terrorism.
- Mera: Do you really want people to see us as scared, hunted victims?
- Arthur Curry: We can't stop the government from targeting us, but we can show them we're not gonna take it.
- Clark Kent: And show them you're the criminals they fear you are.
- Mera: And be the heroes people hope we are.
- Mera: Who is your hero, Clark? Everybody has one. I'll never forget the day I read about mine. This little lady named Lucy Burns who just wanted to vote like her father. But she didn't just sit back and expect people to do the right thing, because you know what? They didn't. It wasn't until she refused food, and endured the infamous Night of Terror, that's when people decided to do the right thing.
- Arthur Curry: Victories aren't won by spectators, but by fighters. Like me and Mera. What are you doing to fight for us?
- Clark Kent: We shouldn't be fighting anyone, especially the government. We should be protecting people.
- Mera: And right now, we are the ones who need protection the most. Clark, that rig we took out wasn't drilling for oil.
- Arthur Curry: Neither are the ones the government's building around the country.
- Clark Kent: Then what are they?
- Arthur Curry: High-tech holding facilities deep below the earth. And they're building them for us.
- Slade Wilson: Paints a pretty scary picture, doesn't it?
- Lois Lane: It certainly gives me a new perspective. Lois...
- Slade Wilson: Lane. Sam Lane's daughter. I always do my homework. Why do you think I gave you clearance?
- Lois Lane: Damn. And here I was thinking I got in here on my wit and charm.
- Slade Wilson: I see you are not just a Lane in name, but attitude, as well.
- Lois Lane: My dad always said I was made of more brass than his medals.
- Lois Lane: General, I brought something for you.
- Slade Wilson: Whoa! I see that I am not the only one who does their homework. Fine bourbon and Cuban cohibas, my favorite.
- Lois Lane: American-made and American-won. I don't care what they say, that victory will be ours soon enough.
- Slade Wilson: Spoken like a true daughter of the red, white, and blue.
- Lois Lane: Speaking of the red, white, and blue, what's really up with the VRA?
- Slade Wilson: Your father worked on the registration act, Ms. Lane. I'm not sure what more I can tell you.
- Lois Lane: Well, it's only since your command that someone volunteered to sign up. How exactly is that gonna happen?
- Slade Wilson: They'll simply sign a declaration of intent to act only at the government's behest. United we stand, right, Ms. Lane? As it stands now, vigilantes do not represent the will of the people. And anyone espousing different merely supports their cause.
- Lois Lane: Which is exactly why I asked for the VRA assignment. Who better to give the military a fair shake than a brat?
- Slade Wilson: One who has written most of her paper's pro-Blur articles.
- Lois Lane: I guess my name isn't the only reason you agreed to this one-on-one.
- Slade Wilson: You are not playing for your team the way you should be, Ms. Lane. We all must do our part.
- Lois Lane: Some people might say that's what drives the vigilantes to action.
- Slade Wilson: Well, then, they'll simply step forward and suit up with the good guys, won't they?
- Lois Lane: [seeing Oliver trying to look inconspicuous] Let me guess. You woke up feeling odd with fang marks on your neck?
- Oliver Queen: No, uh... it took three cars, two sets of stairs, and a body double just to get me here, so, quick, the, uh, vigilante signing, are you covering that?
- Lois Lane: I wouldn't miss it for the world.
- Oliver Queen: Great.
- Lois Lane: I have serious concerns about the legitimacy of this mystery hero. Who would be stupid enough to stand up and register?
- Oliver Queen: Me.
- Lois Lane: [taking him somewhere more private] Are you out of your mind? The VRA's a steaming pile of Spanish Inquisition served up with a side of fear and loathing.
- Oliver Queen: Gee, Lois, why don't you just go ahead and say what you really feel about this whole thing?
- Oliver Queen: I wasn't the first one to volunteer for Operation Guinea Pig. Your boyfriend was, okay? So, I may be taking the plunge, but I talked Clark off the ledge.
- Lois Lane: He never told me he was even thinking about registering.
- Oliver Queen: Oh. You know, I'm sure he was... he was going to.
- Lois Lane: Really? When? With his one phone call?
- Oliver Queen: Lois, j-just 'cause you register, that doesn't mean that you're under arrest.
- Lois Lane: Who knows what it means? Here I thought Clark and I were finally driving on the honest-relationship road, and then bam, blindsided. So, what? He'll ask my opinion on what tie to wear, but not on whether to show the world his real work uniform?
- Oliver Queen: I don't think Clark purposely left you out of the loop.
- Lois Lane: It's even worse. It slips his mind to mention something this big to me, but he'll discuss it with you? And with other people. Unbelievable.
- Oliver Queen: Look, we both know Clark has this overdeveloped sense of responsibility, agreed? That's why if something goes south with my registration, we can't let Clark try to fix it on his own, okay? For his sake, for everyone else's. The world needs you, Lois.
- Clark Kent: AC, we need to talk.
- Arthur Curry: I'm past talking, Clark. I've got greater responsibilities now.
- Clark Kent: Blowing up oil rigs? Is that responsible?
- Arthur Curry: Check your sources. I didn't hurt anyone. Don't make me start now.
- Clark Kent: Who are you working with?
- Arthur Curry: You think 'cause I'm not checking in at the treehouse I've gone rogue? Nice trust.
- Clark Kent: You're not going anywhere.
- Arthur Curry: [Clark is knocked into a tank by a wave of water] Oh, and if you thought I was working solo...
- Mera: You haven't met his wife.
- Dr. Emil Hamilton: It appears this Suicide Squad used a subdermal fluorescer with just enough blue kryptonite to penetrate the skin but not impact your powers, or limit your mysterious... globe-trotting. Secret meetings with your cousin around the world. That's not exactly like you, Clark.
- Clark Kent: Nothing I can't handle. You could have warned me this would sting a little.
- Oliver Queen: [entering] He'll probably give you a lollipop when you're done. Thought we all agreed I was permanently sequestered from Watchtower. What's with the 911?
- Clark Kent: Emil found a way to get the Suicide Squad tags out of us. I assume you were careful coming in?
- Oliver Queen: Careful doesn't even cut it these days. You kidding me? I'm throwing out some of my best moves just to avoid the public eye long enough to get up here.
- Oliver Queen: As much as I hate to admit it, Flag saw this whole thing coming. His guerilla tactics, they don't seem so crazy now, do they? At least someone's fighting back against the VRA.
- Clark Kent: The only problem is no one knows they exist. So we're taking all the heat. Oliver, the government thinks we're the ones retaliating.
- Dr. Emil Hamilton: After last night, they're right.
- Clark Kent: We think AC set off an explosion at an offshore oil rig.
- Oliver Queen: It's not the first time he's gone Che Guevara just to protect the big blue, and let's face it, now that the VRA's got all of us looking over our shoulders, team communication's gone from full bars to no signal.
- Clark Kent: Yeah, but whatever he's up to, he's only feeding the fear that the government already has about us. We need to prove that we're the good guys, not the terrorists.
- Oliver Queen: Yeah, no, great. And I wish things were all kittens and rainbows, too, Clark. But thanks to Godfrey, the McCarthy of the microphone, people don't trust us the way they used to. Now, the VRA's propaganda machine is in full swing.
- Oliver Queen: Sometimes, Clark, words are the greatest weapon.
- Clark Kent: Can't say that I blame 'em. We came in and took the law into our own hands. People need to believe in this country and the systems that have been here for centuries. I do.
- Oliver Queen: Really? Oh, well, hey, you know what? That-that's a good idea; why don't you just march on in there and go ahead and sign up?
- Clark Kent: Maybe it's time. The government has its eyes set on the Blur more than anyone else. Nothing would prove that we're all on the same side more than the Blur registering.
- Oliver Queen: Clark, Lady Liberty may have her arms wide open, but it's not for a hug.
- Clark Kent: Look, the longer we hide, the more it looks like we have a reason to. If no one registers, they'll come after us all.
- Oliver Queen: Well, I guess it's time for me to fulfill my patriotic duty. Clark, there's no need for you to compromise your identity when I already have. You go rein in Flipper, I'll see if I can find what they have planned for us when we sign our lives over to good old Uncle Sam.
- Slade Wilson: Liberty, freedom, equality. These are the values that we have been charged with defending. And never in the history of this country have these principles been so threatened as they are today.
- Admiral: With all due respect, Slade, our troops have worked hard to secure this time of peace.
- Slade Wilson: The threat is within. Creeping up on a sleeping nation. Gentlemen, every person under our protection lies in wait for that leader that will rescue them from poverty, from violence, even from sadness. They will hail him as their new hero. Heroes like Joseph Stalin, Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein. In the hearts of their countrymen, these men rose as saviors. Only turning into tyrants once they had secured the trust of their nation.
- Admiral: You're not suggesting a coup?
- Slade Wilson: The trust of the American people doesn't lie in the Oval Office anymore, Admiral, but in a new breed of hero. Every year, this league grows while the nation turns a blind eye.
- Lt. Trotter: Two weeks ago, the bombing of an anti-vigilante office was an open act of terrorism.
- Slade Wilson: Which is why the president appointed me to oversee the Vigilante Registration Act. Since the VRA came into effect, even known offenders haven't agreed to sign up. Well, that is about to change.
- Lt. Trotter: Sir, we have a breach at Poseidon 34-59.
- Slade Wilson: Gentlemen, even as we speak, it looks like we have fallen under another vigilante assault, this time on one of our own installations. It's time we took these "heroes" under our control and proved who is really fighting for truth, justice, and the American way.