The thing that struck me most about this chapter is that Clark's reaction to hearing that Lois will be going to Smallville is to be afraid that something might happen to her, not fear for what might happen to him while she's gone. And I really like her reassurance that, "This is what I do." That's a good reminder to the readers, as well as Clark, that she's a decorated agent for a reason, one who is very good at her job.
I, on the other hand, am definitely worried about what could happen to him while she's gone. Longford and Shadbolt could very well just keep up the routine for a couple days, pushing in food three times a day and ignoring him the rest of the time. That would be the best case scenario, and one that I think could reasonably play out, given the change in their behavior under Lois's leadership. But with Moyne's uncle sniffing around, I definitely hope he doesn't find that Lois is gone and decide it's time to make a power play of his own.
I'm very curious to see what Lois finds in Smallville. I would be amazed if she finds the Kents mourning their dead son, but otherwise living out a normal life. I can't believe the government would leave them alone, without even watching them. But the first story did say that Trask was unconcerned with them; perhaps everyone else was, too? At least Lois is preparing herself for different scenarios -- and I'm sure her mad spy skillz will help her creatively deal with any situation.
Kathy
