Like Elisabeth, I was really touched by your portrait of Lex in this part. His shcok, horror and grief seemed so genuine. He seemed so deeply shaken and horrified by what had happened to all those victims in general and to Lois in particular. I loved how he comforted and encouraged Rebecca.
Well, for all of his good qualities it is obvious that this Lex must have made some very serious mistakes. We know that Nigel is a bad egg indeed, and Nigel in Lex's second in command. How did Lex and Nigel get involved with each other? And why doesn't Lex see through the Englishman's impeccable façade?
I'm so curious about who it was that Nigel was talking to in the previous chapter. It was a person who spoke to Nigel on the phone and used a device which distorted his (her?) voice. Who was it? And why would this person keep his (her?) identity a secret to Nigel?
It was interesting to compare Lex and Jonathan in this chapter. Lex almost came through as more generous and accepting than Jonathan. Oh, don't worry, Terry, I understand which of these two men is the better one. Still, it was interesting to see Lex elevated far above the moral gutter and Jonathan lowered slightly closer to it.
I was also reminded how good it is that parents don't get to choose who their children will marry in western civilization. And I'm wondering about another thing, too. I take it that Lois and Clark will eventually fall in love in this fic. Is it possible that Clark might decide against marrying Lois if he finds out that his father is definitely against it?
Your story remains fascinating and beautifully written as always.
Ann
