Great part as ever, Carol. I enjoy the leisurely pacing of the fic (although I'd like it even more if I could read the whole thing at one fell swoop - guess I'll have to wait till it goes to the archives) as it gives time for character development, motivations, explanations.
Clark has been pretty much of a weener throughout this fic. I'm glad to see that he's getting a little better attitude. As numerous other posters have pointed out, it was getting time to slap Clark upside the head!
Is the cousin with the kryptonite coming to the party? Now you've got me wondering.
Also, if Clark is powerless, of course that would be the time for Navance or Navance's nephew to make his/their ploy (whatever evil plan it is that they have in mind.)
And what about Mindy? Sam seems to have dumped her, but I'm sure we can't be lucky enough to have her go away forever! She probably is vowing revenge on Sam, Lois, and Clark!
And what about the guns? Are Lois and Clark going to find out more?
And what about Norcross and Judd? Are we going to find out more about their doomed romance?
You've got a lot of plot threads up in the air and I'm putting you on notice (right now, missy!) that you'd better tie up all the loose ends!
(OK, that was sarcasm, but it is a genuine plea.)
