### Chapter 11: The Key to the Mystery

**In a Run-down Building in Oaktown**

The trio arrived at the top of a staircase leading to a dilapidated hallway. The walls were stained and peeling, a sad reminder of the place's former glory. The floor was littered with debris, and rodents and insects had taken over.

"I can see why he didn't bring his son here," murmured Lois, trying to maneuver around the clutter.

When they reached the door, Ultrawoman leaned in and used her x-ray vision to scan the interior. Seeing that it was empty, she extended her hand and opened the door without difficulty—the lock was unlatched. Clark tried to stop her, but he wasn't quick enough to halt his determined wife. Faced with Lois's resolve and Ultrawoman's powers, he shook his head, resigned.

Inside, the apartment was a stark contrast to the exterior hallway. The decor was simple, the furniture minimal, but everything was clean and welcoming. It wasn’t the kind of place one would associate with criminals. The apartment consisted of a large room and two small bedrooms, along with a bathroom.

The trio began to search the place. Ultrawoman scanned everything with her super-vision, then collapsed on the couch, defeated.

"There's nothing here! We're never going to get back to normal!"

Clark quickly approached and crouched in front of her, gently taking her hands.

"Hey, keep the faith," he whispered.

She lowered her head, refusing to meet his gaze. Clark gently lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him.

"We've overcome so many obstacles; we'll get through this one too. The important thing is that we're together. Remember, 'together we are stronger than…'"

"... you alone," finished Ultrawoman with a small smile.

"Exactly. As long as we're together, anything is possible," Clark confirmed, planting a soft kiss on her lips. He looked into her eyes again, conveying all the love and confidence he had in them.

Meanwhile, Lois continued searching the apartment for clues. She listened to the exchange between her husband and Ultrawoman and realized she wasn't at all jealous of the special connection they shared. She didn’t feel threatened by their relationship. She realized that all her insecurities and anxieties had vanished when her body was split into two. Ultrawoman had inherited the powers but also all the "negative" aspects of Lois’s personality—the Lois who needed reassurance, comfort, the Lois who was starved for love, the Lois she was before Clark. Meanwhile, Lois retained her confidence in herself, in her relationship, and in her husband. She understood that she hadn’t lost anything in this duplication. If they remained this way, Lois would hardly be affected. Sure, her husband wouldn't be "super" anymore, but that was almost a plus—after all, she wouldn’t have to share him with the world. She’d still have her job at the Planet, alongside Clark, her social status, a "normal" life. But Ultrawoman wouldn't be legitimate in the job she had devoted her life to, wouldn’t be able to go out to dinner with Clark; in short, she would be excluded from her own life. No wonder she was terrified of the situation.

Determined to restore normalcy, Lois resumed her search with renewed intensity. That’s when she found a key in a drawer. The key resembled one for a padlock and was attached to a keychain with cryptic characters: "SSW-1946DS." She exclaimed:

"I think I've found something."

Clark and Ultrawoman broke apart from their embrace and rushed over to her.

"Do these initials mean anything to you?" Lois asked.

"At first glance, no, it could be someone's initials and a year?" suggested Ultrawoman.

"1946? That was just after the war. SSW could refer to the Waffen SS? But what’s the connection to our suspects? They weren't even born in 1946..." Lois continued, puzzled.

Ultrawoman didn’t hear the rest; she had picked up a signal from the firefighters' radio.

Clark instantly understood something serious was happening, judging by the look on the young woman’s face.

"Go!" he ordered, knowing she could intervene faster than anyone.

Lois, snapping out of her thoughts, turned to Ultrawoman.

"What do you hear?" she asked, concerned.

"A building is on fire. The firefighters are reporting that there are offices with people trapped inside, at the corner of Fifth and Child Street."

Lois, realizing the proximity to the Baker Orphanage, reacted quickly.

"That’s near the Baker Orphanage! We’ll meet you there!"

Ultrawoman vanished in a whoosh.