Oh, you guys certainly know how to make a gal feel appreciated. Thanks for all the lovely comments.
Artemis Thanks for starting the feedback and for the twofer cheesecake. My mouth is watering over here it looks so great! I'm glad you got a kick out of Clark's ...erm, wound. <g>
Carol I'm taking notes and going back to part 18 to make sure I didn't miss anything. <bg> Actually, no one will actually believe I thought of anything on my own - all one has to do is listen to the gentle readers.
I didn't get cookies made yet but have to tonight so I'll send some of them if it'll make you post 18 sooner.
I've gained five pounds between since I posted part 15.
Sue,
I was worried that Trask would connect the dots when he saw that box o'kryptonite.
I thought of that, but decided that my Trask was just unhinged enough that he wouldn't. Better to have him focus on his "take over his mind" theory, don't you think?
And here I sit, without popcorn…
LOL! I so love the Tempus reference.
I bravely volunteer to check out Clark's backside, er, wound. Me! Pick me!
You win. I've sent him back to your closet and he's in desperate need of some TLC. Be gentle.
I must be a terrible and bloodthirsty person because I cheered when Lex was killed.
/me chokes with laughter. Yes, the bloodlust is quite concerning, isn't it? Don't worry, I said the same thing during my first brainstorming session with Kathy Brown. I got over my mental health concerns in about 2 seconds, though, because Kathy thought it was a *great* idea.
Thanks again for laughing in all the right places, for the confirmation that the action worked out well with the humor and hurt/comfort.
Pam I'm glad that you're happy with the way I ended things for Trask and Lex. There is something about Lex dying that's just a pinch too easy. He did so many bad things, so shouldn't he have to live a long time with the consequences? It would only be fair. However I agree with you (which is why I wrote it this way), killing him off was just a lot simpler (and safer) for Lois.
Things still not be returning to normal
I know. But Lois will do her best to make things right.
Elisabeth Yay! I'm glad I surprised you, both with the confrontation between Lex/Trask and with Clark's injury
There's so much that is said here and so much that goes beyond saying. Beautifully written!
/me sniffles. Aw, thank you, kind lady.
Michael Thanks for the huge WaFFy comment. Yes, about that money. I wonder what Lois should do with it...?
Artemis Great suggestion. Thanks for coming back.
Female Hawk Thanks for your comments and for appreciating the circling around of the Trask/Luthor threads. It warms my heart that you found it satisfying and a bit surprising.
The A-plot horribilitiness is over!!!!
LOL! I'm glad to make you so happy,
Ann. I'm glad that Clark's backside provided so many of you with amusement (including me
). Thanks again for sticking with me to the end in spite of Lex.
Bob Thank you for the compliments and affirmations for both parts 16 & 17. I love the melt-into-goo smilie!
Terry "horribilitiness" should probably be categorized in that use-only-in-an-emergency pile with 'chumpy.'
Thanks for the confirmation on the pacing. This was one of the main reasons I chose first-person present tense for this particular tale. I'm glad you liked the Trask/Lex confrontation. You're right about Lex, he was too sure of himself in so many ways and that was his ultimate failure.
Oh, the clicking sound Lois heard and identified as guns being cocked was probably the safeties being switched off. Trask's men would have come in locked and loaded with weapons ready to fire.
Darn! I don't know much about guns (obviously), but Lois would, especially since I made her a military brat in this story. I shall go back and edit that part. Thanks for the tip.
I love reading your theories and speculations and (believe it or not) I think I've already addressed the bulk of them in the final part. I hope you like it.
If anyone asks Clark where he got shot, he'll just say, "In Lex Luthor's office."
Ta dum dum, crash! Seriously, though, this made me chuckle.
Hi
Iolan Thanks for your comments about Henderson. It was my intention to indicate (through his absence in part 15 and in his arrival in part 17) that he was just coming to arrest Lex after obtaining the proper warrants, just like he did at the end of HoL. Thank you for sharing what you liked and what worked for you in the last part.
Robinson Thank you for posting your comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Stay tuned for the final installment.
BJ
