## Snart's Current Base - Industrial District - 11:47 PM
The abandoned textile factory that Leonard Snart had converted into his temporary operations center was a masterpiece of controlled paranoia. Three escape routes, redundant security systems, and enough electronic countermeasures to make government agencies jealous. The main planning room occupied what used to be the factory floor—a cavernous space now dominated by holographic displays, tactical maps, and the kind of sophisticated equipment that suggested serious financial investment in criminal enterprise.
Five people sat around a reinforced steel table that had probably been used for cutting fabric in the factory's legitimate days. Now it served as the center of operations for what Leonard intended to be Central City's most sophisticated heist in decades.
"Gentlemen," Leonard said, his voice carrying the flat precision of someone who had explained complex plans many times before, "thank you for accepting my invitation on such short notice. I realize that anonymous dark web contracts can be... concerning. But I assure you, the compensation will more than justify any initial apprehension."
The five men—Leonard never worked with more than he could control, never fewer than he needed—represented different specialties that would be essential for the operation. He'd spent weeks vetting each of them through channels that couldn't be traced back to his identity.
Marcus Webb sat at the far end of the table—demolitions expert, former Army Ranger, dishonorably discharged for reasons that remained conveniently vague in official records. Mid-thirties, capable hands, eyes that suggested he'd seen combat and hadn't particularly enjoyed it but was very good at it anyway.
Next to him was James Rodriguez, computer systems specialist who'd done time for corporate espionage before discovering that working for criminals paid better than legitimate employment and came with fewer ethical complications.
Across from them sat the Chen brothers—Daniel and Thomas—drivers who'd made their reputation in illegal street racing before transitioning to professional wheelman work. They operated as a unit, communicating in half-sentences and shared looks that spoke of years working together.
And at Leonard's right hand was Mick Rory, the only member of the group who knew Leonard's real identity because they'd been running jobs together for five years. Arson specialist, muscle when situations required physical intervention, and the one person Leonard trusted to watch his back when plans inevitably went sideways.
"So," Marcus said, leaning back in his chair with the careful casualness of someone assessing threat levels, "what's the job? Your message was light on details beyond 'sophisticated operation requiring specialized skills.'"
Leonard pulled up the first holographic display—a 3D rendering of an armored convoy route through Central City's industrial district. "S.T.A.R. Labs is transporting experimental weapons technology this Saturday evening. Three armored vehicles, twelve security personnel, estimated value of cargo: approximately $40 million on the black market."
He let that number sink in while watching their reactions. Marcus's expression didn't change—professional interest only, no visible greed. James was already leaning forward, studying the route with analytical focus. The Chen brothers exchanged a look that suggested they were mentally calculating their cut. Mick just grinned, because Mick always grinned when Leonard was planning something ambitious.
"$40 million is a big payday," Thomas Chen said carefully. "Also a big risk. What's the catch?"
"The catch," Leonard replied, pulling up another display showing news footage of the Flash and Karna, "is that Central City now has active superhero presence. Two enhanced individuals who respond to emergencies with remarkable speed and efficiency."
He zoomed in on specific frames—the Flash moving at impossible velocities, Karna creating energy constructs that defied physics.
"Your news coverage homework is very thorough," Marcus observed. "But I'm not seeing how this connects to the convoy heist."
"Because the heroes are the primary obstacle," Leonard explained, pulling up his tactical analysis. "They've demonstrated response times averaging 3.2 minutes for life-threatening situations. The convoy will be moving through an area that's approximately twelve minutes from their known base of operations at standard response speeds."
"Which means we have maybe fifteen minutes, twenty if we're lucky, before they arrive to complicate things," James concluded.
"Exactly. But here's where it gets interesting." Leonard pulled up another display—a map showing different locations across Central City. "The heroes prioritize civilian safety over property protection. Which means if they're presented with a choice between stopping a convoy robbery and responding to a hostage situation..."
"They choose the hostages every time," Marcus finished, his expression shifting to something that looked like professional appreciation. "You're planning a distraction."
"I'm planning a comprehensive operation that ensures our primary objective succeeds while the heroes are occupied elsewhere." Leonard brought up detailed schematics of Central City Mall. "Saturday evening, approximately 8:25 PM—five minutes before the convoy enters the optimal interception zone—a group of armed individuals will take hostages at the mall's main entrance."
"Armed individuals meaning us," Thomas said, not quite making it a question.
"Meaning a different crew that I've contracted separately through channels that can't be traced to this operation." Leonard's voice carried absolute certainty. "You five are the primary team. The mall situation is purely distraction—professionals who understand they're being paid to create convincing threat while minimizing actual danger to civilians."
"Minimizing but not eliminating," Marcus said quietly. "Hostage situations escalate. People panic. Mistakes happen."
"Which is why I've selected individuals with military or law enforcement backgrounds who understand tactical de-escalation." Leonard met Marcus's gaze directly. "I'm not interested in civilian casualties any more than you are. Bad for business, attracts the wrong kind of attention, and creates complications that make future operations more difficult."
He pulled up another display showing the mall's layout and the proposed hostage scenario in detail.
"The distraction team's instructions are explicit: create enough threat to trigger hero response, maintain situation for approximately twenty minutes, then surrender peacefully when heroes arrive. No actual violence unless absolutely necessary for maintaining credible threat. They're being paid $100,000 each specifically because I need professionals who can execute a complex deception without letting it devolve into actual crisis."
"Twenty minutes," James said, already working through the logistics. "That gives us how much time for the actual heist?"
"Eighteen minutes from initial contact with convoy to complete disengagement," Leonard replied, pulling up the convoy route again. "Here's how it breaks down."
He zoomed in on a specific intersection in the industrial district—a location he'd chosen after weeks of analysis.
"The convoy passes through this intersection at approximately 8:30 PM, based on their filed route and average travel speeds. The area has minimal civilian presence during evening hours, limited security camera coverage, and multiple exit vectors that allow rapid dispersal."
"Security cameras can be hacked," James observed, already studying the technical specifications Leonard had provided. "Give me thirty minutes advance access and I can loop the feeds so they show nothing but empty streets during our operational window."
"Already planned for." Leonard gestured at James appreciatively. "You'll have remote access to the security grid starting at 8:00 PM. By the time the convoy arrives, every camera within six blocks will be showing recorded footage from earlier in the evening."
"What about the convoy's own security systems?" Marcus asked. "Military-grade armored vehicles usually have multiple redundant recording and transmission capabilities."
Leonard pulled up technical schematics that his inside source had provided—detailed blueprints of the vehicles' security systems, communication protocols, and defensive capabilities.
"Each vehicle has GPS tracking, internal cameras, external sensors, and direct communication links to both S.T.A.R. Labs and CCPD. Under normal circumstances, any attack would trigger immediate alerts to multiple response agencies."
"Under normal circumstances," Mick repeated, his grin widening. "I'm guessing you've found abnormal circumstances?"
"I've found a vulnerability in their communication protocols." Leonard zoomed in on specific technical details that would have been meaningless to most people but clearly interested James, who was leaning forward with obvious fascination.
"The vehicles' security systems are designed to prevent external hacking, but they're vulnerable to directed electromagnetic pulse technology. A sufficiently powerful EMP burst will disable their communications and recording capabilities without permanently damaging the vehicles themselves."
"EMP technology requires specialized equipment," Marcus said carefully. "Government grade, not exactly available on the civilian market."
"I have access to a prototype device that was developed by a former DARPA engineer who now works in the private sector." Leonard pulled up specifications for what looked like a sophisticated piece of military hardware. "Effective range of approximately 100 meters, targeted pulse that won't affect civilian electronics outside the immediate engagement zone. We disable the convoy's security systems, extract the cargo, and disappear before backup can arrive."
The Chen brothers were studying the escape routes now, their expressions suggesting they were mentally calculating distances and timing.
"Multiple exit vectors is good," Daniel said, tracing potential paths on the holographic display. "But if the heroes finish with the mall situation faster than expected, we need backup plans for rapid evacuation under pursuit conditions."
"Which is why I've prepared three different extraction scenarios, each with its own escape route and contingency protocols." Leonard brought up additional maps showing the various options. "Primary extraction: we load the cargo into two separate vehicles and split up, with each team heading to different pre-arranged locations. Secondary extraction: if the primary route is compromised, we abandon the vehicles and transfer to pre-positioned motorcycles for rapid dispersal through residential areas where aerial pursuit is complicated. Tertiary extraction: if both primary and secondary fail, we implement full abort—abandon the cargo, scatter individually, and regroup at a secure location 48 hours later."
"You've really thought this through," Marcus said, and there was genuine respect in his voice. "Most jobs I work, the planning extends to 'hit the target, grab the stuff, run away.' This is... comprehensive."
"I don't believe in improvisation when $40 million and multiple felonies are involved," Leonard replied. "Every variable I can control, I do control. The variables I can't control, I plan contingencies for."
James had been quiet during this exchange, his fingers dancing across a tablet as he worked through the technical specifications. "The EMP device is impressive, but it raises a question. If we're disabling the convoy's communications, how do we prevent the security personnel from using their personal devices to call for backup?"
"Excellent question." Leonard pulled up another display showing what looked like a sophisticated jamming device. "We'll be deploying portable cell signal jammers that create a 200-meter dead zone around the engagement area. Anyone trying to use a phone or radio will find that their devices mysteriously don't work until they're well outside our operational perimeter."
"Creating a communications dead zone will attract attention after the fact," Marcus pointed out. "CCPD will investigate why multiple cell towers showed unusual interference patterns."
"By the time they investigate, we'll be long gone and the equipment will be disposed of in ways that prevent forensic analysis." Leonard's voice carried absolute confidence. "I'm not concerned about post-operation investigation. I'm concerned about real-time response that could compromise the heist."
Mick had been quiet during most of this technical discussion, but now he spoke up with the kind of practical concern that came from years of field experience. "What about the security personnel themselves? Twelve trained guards, probably armed, definitely motivated to protect cargo worth $40 million. How do we handle them without creating casualties that bring down serious heat?"
Leonard had been waiting for this question. He pulled up the final display—specifications for the cold gun prototype that had arrived from his weapons supplier just hours ago.
"We handle them with technology that makes conventional firearms obsolete."
The holographic display showed detailed schematics of a weapon that looked like something from a science fiction movie—sleek lines, sophisticated components, and performance characteristics that made everyone at the table lean forward with interest.
"Cryogenic projection system," Leonard explained, his voice carrying barely suppressed excitement about the technology. "Capable of flash-freezing organic and inorganic targets through directed energy pulse. Effective range of 50 meters, freezing time of 3-4 seconds for human targets, complete incapacitation without permanent injury."
"You're telling me," Marcus said slowly, "that you have a freeze ray?"
"I have a cryogenic projection system based on theoretical physics that the particle accelerator explosion made practically applicable," Leonard corrected. "But yes, functionally, it's a freeze ray."
Mick's grin had evolved into something that suggested genuine delight. "Boss, you've been holding out on me. When were you planning to mention that you'd acquired actual supervillain weapons?"
"When I had confirmation they worked reliably under field conditions," Leonard replied. "The device arrived this afternoon with test data showing consistent performance, but I want to field-test it during the operation to ensure it functions as advertised."
"Field-test it," James repeated carefully. "Meaning use it on actual security guards during an actual heist?"
"Meaning use non-lethal technology to incapacitate security personnel in ways that don't create the legal and moral complications associated with conventional firearms." Leonard's voice carried the firm conviction of someone who'd thought through all the ethical implications and made his peace with them. "The guards wake up cold and confused but unharmed. We get the cargo without creating casualties. Everyone goes home, and CCPD has to investigate a sophisticated heist rather than a violent robbery."
Marcus was quiet for a long moment, clearly weighing the implications. "Non-lethal takedown is better than the alternative. But it also means we're introducing unknown technology into an already complex operation. What if the cold gun malfunctions? What if it doesn't work as effectively in field conditions as in laboratory testing?"
"Then we abort and implement secondary protocols that don't rely on the weapon," Leonard said without hesitation. "I'm not married to any single piece of equipment. The cold gun is a tool that makes our job easier, but it's not essential for mission success."
He pulled up the full operational timeline, showing how all the pieces fit together.
"8:00 PM - James initiates remote access to security grid, begins looping camera feeds.
8:15 PM - Primary team stages in position along convoy route, equipment check and final confirmation of readiness.
8:25 PM - Distraction team initiates hostage situation at Central City Mall, triggering hero response.
8:30 PM - Convoy enters engagement zone, we deploy EMP and jamming equipment, disable communications.
8:32 PM - We engage security personnel using cold gun and conventional restraint methods, incapacitate guards within two minutes.
8:34 PM - We extract cargo from armored vehicles, load into primary transportation.
8:38 PM - We begin dispersal using primary evacuation route, separate into two teams heading different directions.
8:48 PM - We reach secure locations, transfer cargo to secondary transportation, begin final disposal of equipment used during heist.
9:00 PM - Heroes presumably finish with mall situation, discover convoy robbery, but we're already dispersed and impossible to track through conventional means."
The timeline was displayed in crisp detail, each step color-coded by priority and interconnected with contingency branches showing what happened if things went wrong at various points.
"That's eighteen minutes from initial contact to complete disengagement," Thomas Chen observed. "Tight timeline, but doable if everything goes according to plan."
"Nothing ever goes completely according to plan," Leonard said flatly. "Which is why we've practiced each component separately, why we have backup protocols for every major failure point, and why I've selected professionals who can adapt when unexpected complications arise."
He looked at each of them in turn, his expression carrying the weight of someone who understood exactly what he was asking them to risk.
"This operation is sophisticated, dangerous, and will attract significant attention from both law enforcement and enhanced individuals who take personal interest in major crimes. If any of you want to back out, now is the time. No judgment, no repercussions, just walk away and forget this meeting happened."
None of them moved.
"The pay is $8 million each," Leonard continued. "That's your cut from the $40 million total value, with my share covering operational expenses and compensating for the planning and coordination work I've invested. Payment is in cryptocurrency, fully laundered through channels that make it impossible to trace to this operation."
"$8 million," Marcus repeated slowly. "That's... that's more than I've made in my entire criminal career combined."
"That's what sophisticated planning and execution are worth," Leonard replied. "I don't underpay professionals who take serious risks. But I also expect absolute commitment and flawless execution. This isn't a smash-and-grab operation where mistakes can be covered by running faster. This is precision work where one person's failure endangers everyone."
"When do we start preparing?" James asked, already mentally organizing the technical work he'd need to complete.
"Tomorrow. We have five days until Saturday evening, which means five days to practice every component until it's automatic." Leonard began pulling up additional displays showing training schedules, equipment checklists, and contingency drills. "We'll run through the entire operation at least twice per day, varying conditions to account for unexpected complications. By Saturday evening, every member of this team will be able to execute their role perfectly even if half the plan falls apart."
"What about the distraction team?" Daniel Chen asked. "Do we coordinate with them at all?"
"No direct contact," Leonard said firmly. "They're being managed through separate channels with clear instructions about their role. The less connection between the distraction and the actual heist, the harder it is for CCPD to link the operations even if someone gets arrested."
"Speaking of arrests," Mick said, his tone more serious than usual, "what happens if one of us gets caught during the operation? What's the protocol for handling interrogation or potential cooperation with authorities?"
Leonard had been expecting this question. He pulled up a document that outlined legal support protocols, financial compensation for families if imprisonment occurred, and very specific instructions about what information was acceptable to share under different circumstances.
"If you're arrested during the operation: you have access to the best criminal defense attorneys money can buy, immediate bail posting if possible, and continued salary payments to your designated contacts for the duration of any incarceration. What you *don't* have is permission to cooperate with authorities about this operation or any other jobs we've worked together."
He let the implicit threat hang in the air.
"I don't make threats lightly, and I don't believe in unnecessary violence. But if someone decides to trade information for reduced sentences, they should understand that there are people in this city who take professional loyalty very seriously and have long memories about betrayals."
The message was clear enough. Marcus and the others nodded their understanding.
"Good. Then let's begin the detailed walkthrough of each operational component."
For the next three hours, Leonard guided them through every aspect of the heist—the technical specifications of equipment they'd be using, the precise timing of each phase, the communication protocols that would let them coordinate without creating electronic evidence, and the contingency plans that would activate if specific failure points occurred.
James learned the security grid inside and out, practicing remote access until he could loop camera feeds in under sixty seconds. Marcus reviewed the EMP deployment procedures, understanding exactly how to position the device for maximum effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage to civilian electronics. The Chen brothers memorized every street, alley, and possible escape route within a three-mile radius of the engagement zone.
And Leonard demonstrated the cold gun, showing them how to operate it, how to compensate for its unusual recoil patterns, and what to expect when it successfully froze a target. They practiced on water-filled dummies that approximated human thermal mass, watching as the cryogenic projection turned liquid to ice in seconds.
"Beautiful," Mick said, examining a frozen dummy with genuine appreciation. "Absolute zero has a way of making everyone equal, doesn't it?"
"It does," Leonard agreed, carefully powering down the weapon after their practice session. "Which is exactly why I'm not concerned about enhanced individuals' physical advantages. You can run faster than sound, but you can't run if your muscles are frozen solid."
By 3:00 AM, they'd run through the complete operation twice, identifying weak points and refining procedures until everyone could execute their role with minimal communication. Leonard was satisfied that they had as much preparation as five days would allow.
"Get some sleep," he told them as they prepared to leave. "We reconvene tomorrow evening at 8:00 PM for the first full rehearsal. Questions before then, contact me through the secure channel only. No phone calls, no text messages, nothing that creates electronic records."
After the others had left—each departing separately through different exits, maintaining operational security even in their dispersal—Leonard remained alone in the factory, reviewing the holographic displays one final time.
Everything was proceeding according to plan. The distraction team was hired and briefed. The primary team was professional and capable. The equipment was state-of-the-art. The intelligence was comprehensive. The contingencies were thorough.
But Leonard had learned through years of criminal enterprise that perfect plans existed only until they encountered reality. Something would go wrong—it always did. The question was whether he'd prepared thoroughly enough to adapt when the inevitable complications arose.
He powered down the holographic displays, leaving only a single screen showing news footage of the Flash and Karna working together to stop the jewelry district robbery. The heroes moved with practiced coordination, their abilities complementary and their tactics increasingly sophisticated.
They were getting better. Learning faster than Leonard had expected. Which meant his window for operating successfully in Central City was narrower than he'd initially calculated.
Saturday's heist would be the proof of concept. If he could successfully acquire S.T.A.R. Labs technology while the heroes were distracted elsewhere, it would demonstrate that enhanced individuals weren't invincible. That careful planning and superior tactics could overcome physical advantages.
And if he succeeded in acquiring the energy weapons technology that Harrison Wells had been developing... well, then Leonard Snart would have everything he needed to level the playing field permanently.
The heroes thought they had the advantage because they were chosen by fate or cosmic accident or divine intervention to wield impossible power.
Leonard Snart was about to demonstrate that the most dangerous power wasn't the one you were born with.
It was the one you were smart enough to take.
—
## Across Town - S.T.A.R. Labs - 3:47 AM
In his hidden chamber beneath S.T.A.R. Labs, Eobard Thawne watched Leonard Snart's planning session through surveillance systems that the criminal mastermind didn't know existed. The audio quality was poor—Snart's electronic countermeasures were impressive—but Eobard's technology was from the twenty-second century and operated on principles that twenty-first century jamming couldn't effectively disrupt.
"Interesting," he murmured, watching the display showing Snart's comprehensive preparation for the S.T.A.R. Labs convoy heist. "Very interesting indeed."
Gideon's holographic form materialized beside him. "Should we take action to prevent the robbery, Professor? The weapons technology Mr. Snart intends to steal could be dangerous in the wrong hands."
"The weapons technology is obsolete by future standards and will be surpassed by next year's developments," Eobard replied, his fingers dancing across controls as he recorded Snart's planning session for future reference. "What interests me is the tactical sophistication Snart is demonstrating. The careful preparation, the contingency planning, the recognition that enhanced individuals can be countered through strategic thinking rather than matching power."
"You're going to allow the heist to proceed."
"I'm going to allow Mr. Snart to test his hypothesis that careful planning can overcome superhuman abilities," Eobard corrected. "If he succeeds, it will force Barry and Karan to recognize that their powers don't make them invincible. If he fails, we'll have comprehensive data about the limits of non-enhanced opposition."
"Either outcome serves your purposes."
"Exactly. Plus," Eobard's smile turned cold, "watching my protégés deal with an opponent who relies on intelligence rather than brute force will be educational for everyone involved."
He pulled up additional displays showing Barry and Karan's current training schedules, their ability development trajectories, and psychological profiles that suggested how they would respond to different types of crisis.
"They're getting comfortable," he observed. "Comfortable with their powers, comfortable with their partnership, comfortable with the idea that they can handle any situation Central City throws at them. Comfort leads to complacency. Complacency leads to mistakes."
"And mistakes create learning opportunities."
"Precisely. Mr. Snart is going to provide an excellent learning opportunity." Eobard leaned back in his wheelchair, already calculating how to leverage Saturday's heist for maximum developmental benefit. "I'll ensure the convoy route and timing are exactly as Snart expects. I'll make sure the distraction at the mall is sufficiently compelling to draw both heroes away from the industrial district. And then I'll watch as Central City's guardians discover that being a hero requires more than just having abilities."
"What if Snart's cold gun technology proves effective against our metahumans?"
"Then we'll have data about cryogenic vulnerability that can inform future training protocols." Eobard's voice carried the detached interest of someone conducting a scientific experiment rather than gambling with people's lives. "Though I suspect the armor will provide Karan with resistance to temperature extremes, and Barry's accelerated metabolism should allow him to generate enough heat to counter flash-freezing effects."
"You're using Snart as a training exercise."
"I'm using Snart as a reality check. My young heroes need to understand that power without strategic thinking is a liability. That there will always be opponents who can't be defeated through simple application of force. That true heroism requires adaptability, creativity, and the willingness to make difficult choices under pressure."
Gideon was quiet for a moment before responding. "This approach risks casualties if things go wrong."
"Everything risks casualties if things go wrong," Eobard replied flatly. "The question is whether the educational value justifies the risk. And in this case, I believe it does."
He pulled up the timeline for Saturday evening, overlaying Snart's planned heist with his own calculations about how events would unfold.
"The distraction at the mall will draw the heroes away from the convoy at approximately 8:25 PM. Snart will begin his operation at 8:30 PM. If Barry and Karan respond with optimal efficiency, they could resolve the mall situation and return to the convoy by approximately 8:50 PM—just late enough to miss preventing the heist, but early enough to potentially pursue the criminals."
"Creating a chase scenario rather than a prevention scenario."
"Exactly. And chase scenarios require different skills than prevention scenarios. Speed and power become less relevant when your opponent has already accomplished their objective and dispersed. Tracking, analysis, strategic prediction—those become the essential capabilities."
Eobard made several notations on the timeline, adjusting variables to ensure the learning opportunity would be as comprehensive as possible.
"I'll have a few assets in place to observe the operation," he continued. "Recording equipment that captures the full engagement, tactical analysis of both Snart's execution and the heroes' response, psychological assessment of how Barry and Karan handle partial failure."
"Partial failure rather than complete failure?"
"I'm confident they'll prevent civilian casualties at the mall," Eobard said. "That's their primary strength—protecting innocents from immediate danger. But preventing the heist while simultaneously managing the hostage situation? That requires the kind of strategic resource allocation they haven't developed yet."
"You could warn them," Gideon observed. "Provide intelligence about Snart's plan, give them the opportunity to counter his strategy directly."
"I could," Eobard agreed. "But that would deprive them of the learning experience of discovering that advance preparation beats reactive heroics. No, better to let them experience failure—controlled, non-catastrophic failure that teaches important lessons without creating genuine tragedy."
He pulled up files on Leonard Snart, reviewing the man's history, capabilities, and psychological profile with the analytical focus of someone who appreciated quality opposition.
"Mr. Snart is doing me a favor without realizing it. He's providing exactly the kind of challenge my protégés need at exactly the right moment in their development. Too early, and they wouldn't be ready to handle the complexity. Too late, and they'd have already developed the complacency I'm trying to prevent."
"The timing is convenient," Gideon said carefully.
"The timing is perfect," Eobard corrected. "Which is exactly why I'm going to ensure nothing interferes with Snart's operation. No unexpected complications, no random variables that might compromise the learning opportunity."
He began making arrangements—subtle adjustments to security protocols that would ensure the convoy followed its expected route, communications with his inside sources that would confirm Snart's intelligence was accurate, electronic interference that would prevent any other criminal elements from complicating Saturday's events.
"By Monday morning," Eobard said, already anticipating the debrief conversation with Barry and Karan, "we'll have two heroes who understand that being a guardian requires more than just showing up and applying force. They'll have experienced what it feels like to fail at protecting something valuable, even while succeeding at protecting something irreplaceable."
"Property versus people."
"Exactly. And they'll understand that sometimes, you can't protect both. That heroism requires making choices about priorities, accepting that perfection is impossible, learning from failures rather than being destroyed by them."
Gideon's hologram flickered thoughtfully. "This seems like a remarkably complex way to teach a simple lesson."
"The best lessons are always complex," Eobard replied. "Simple lessons are forgotten as soon as the crisis passes. Complex lessons—the ones that force you to question your assumptions and adapt your approach—those stick with you. Those change how you think about every future situation."
He saved his notes and began powering down the displays, satisfied that Saturday's events would unfold exactly as needed for optimal developmental impact.
"Mr. Snart thinks he's stealing weapons technology," Eobard said as he prepared to return to his residence. "What he's actually doing is providing an education that will make Central City's heroes significantly more capable in the long run. Though I doubt he'd appreciate the irony."
As the hidden chamber's lights dimmed, Eobard allowed himself a moment of anticipation. Saturday evening would be interesting. Watching Barry and Karan deal with an opponent who matched their abilities through superior planning rather than enhanced powers... that would be genuinely educational for everyone involved.
And education, Eobard had learned through centuries of manipulation and temporal engineering, was the foundation of all lasting change.
Even if the students didn't realize they were being taught.
---
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