Mr. Graves dismissed his bodyguards as he approaches the headstone.

He reflects on his failed attempts to bring the young speedster back from the void of death.

"Can't say I didn't try," he states solemnly, thinking of his failed experiments and retrieval attempts.

He stares at the stone for a few minutes--sighing grievingly.

He swears that, for a moment, he sees the young man's ghost. He sees the faded out form of Wallace R. West in his formal dress.

The higher officer salutes him one last time.

"Ten-hut Marine!" Mr. Graves states commandingly. "Dismissed!"

The false image fades away, after saluting back.

Leaving Mr. Graves to sulk in solitude.

Or so one would think.

A twig makes a loud snap, followed by a hasty rustling sound.

Mr. Graves just smirks. His gaze never leaves the stone in front of him.

"They're all gone," he declares loudly, to no one. "You can come out now."

A man wearing a hockey mask and body armor approaches the gravesite from behind an oak tree.

"I should have known that I couldn't sneek up on you," Sportsmaster taunts.

Mr. Graves just smirks quietly in response.

"You know," the assassin continues, "it would be so easy to off you right now."

The villain stops and stands next to the industrialist.

"But I won't," he says bluntly. "Out of....respect for the occassion."

"It's good to know that you are at least civilized," Mr. Graves scoffs.

There is a short period of silence as the two men stand next to each other.

Sportsmaster takes one look at the grave, and he sighs heavily. He takes off his mask.

"That kid worked his way into everyone's heart," Lawrence says, as he places the mask against the headstone. "Hell! Even I miss him. He would have made one helluva son-in-law."

"And I would've let you walk her down the aisle," Mr. Graves chuckles slightly.

"So why did you call me here?" Lawrence asks bluntly.

Mr. Graves replies, "Did you see those men in formal dress? They looked like SEALs?"

Lawrence nods.

"Those men were members of Pvt. West's recon team," Graves says calmly.

Sportsmaster hums and quickly asks, "Speaking of men with big guns...are you going to arrest me?"

"I believe that one act of mercy deserves another in return," Graves replies cheekily.

Lawrence silently nods in approval.

"Anyway," Graves continues. "Their mission was to gather intelligence on The Enemy while stationed on His home world.

"And, without a doubt, He is coming. And it will make that whole fiasco with the Reach look as simple as sweeping ants off a sidewalk."

"Oh, you can't be serious," Lawrence states in fake disbelief. He chuckles, "What do you want me to do about it? I ain't no hero."

"When He comes, it will be an extinction level event," Joseph states grimly. "It will be like the Great Wars the our grandparents and great-grandparents fought. We will need every single able-bodied man, woman, and child if this world is to survive."

Sportsmaster just scoffs.

"If you want able-bodied," he mocks, "then look towards those that left you here to sulk. If you want to talk about shifting funds around for a war, then talk to Luthor. I told you; I ain't no hero."

Lawrence puts on a spare mask and turns to leave.

With his back turned to Mr. Graves, he starts to walk away; he adds, "And I ain't no soldier either."

"Of course not," Mr. Graves shouts back. "If I wanted a soldier, I would have called Slade. But if you aren't going to do it for your country or your fellow man, then do it for your family."

Sportsmaster pauses mid-stride, and glance back over his shoulder.

"Do it for your wife, Paula. For your daughters, Artemis and Jade--one of whom has already lost her world," Mr. Graves pleads. "Do it for your granddaughter, Lian. Fight so that there is still a world left for them to live in."

After a long silence, Lawrence sighs and says, "You drive a hard bargain Mr. Graves. We'll be in touch."

"Of course," Mr. Graves smirks as Sportsmaster makes his way toward the gate of the cemetery.

After a few minutes of silent reflection, Mr. Graves finally turns his back on the grave and leaves the cemetery.

As he climbs into his armoured limousine, something catches his eye.

For on the horizon, a vibrant yellow lightening bolt flashes next to the setting sun.

As the beast of a limo pulls away, its occupant can't help but smirk at the hope-filled thoughts that lightening bolt inspires.