This is great stuff, Shayne. You really gave us so many more little pieces of information this time. Lois left her life as a reporter because Lex insisted, and Perry died. (Who was responsible for the fire that killed him?) And the friendship between Clark and Lois wore down not only because Lois married Luthor, but also because Clark was angry at the constant, dirty little compromises Lois had to make in her position as the President of the United States. (Ah, but Clark, I really think that is necessary in the world of politics, you know. Because if politicians can't compromise, eventually they'll have to declare war.)
And Lois sent Clark to destroy Nightfall and save the Earth, knowing full well that she probably sent him to his death. That's truly, truly horrible, but it was also the right thing to do.
I, too, am relieved to hear that Luthor is dead. At least one towering obstacle standing between Lois and Clark is no longer there. But I really wonder about the circumstances of his death. Is it even possible that Lois could have had something to do with it?
One aspect that I find fascinating is how Lois isn't a master of her own situation at all. There are so many things around her that she seems unable to influence. In part one of your story, for example, Lois definitely didn't want the guards to bring Kryptonite to Clark, but she was helpless to do anything about it. And here, too, she seems to be helpless to change decisions that have been made without her, or in spite of her.
What a picture you are painting of the President of the United States, Shayne. The most powerful person on the Earth, and yet, somehow, ultimately a puppet. Wow.
Anyway, the attraction and, yes, love between Clark and Lois is still there. We can only hope they will find it possible to overcome the terrible obstacles and betrayals standing between them.
I'm totally intrigued, Shayne. Please keep this coming!
Ann
