I had originally intended to add more to my original comment, now after too many delays I finally have a chance!
A small smile crept onto Clark’s lips as he recognized the room he was in. It was part of the old radiology department, which meant that all the walls were lined with lead. He remembered that this room had caught his curiosity, back when he’d trudged through the old halls, looking for an angle. For the life of him, he couldn’t imagine how he’d found his way here in his sorry state. But it seemed like some part of his brain had been active enough to save his own life. SuperLex wouldn’t be able to find him here. Now all he had to do was stay out of trouble.
What a perfect place for Clark to lay low, catch a bit of rest and then figure out how he's going to beat his greatest enemy who now has all of his powers. The radiology department in an old hospital is the best hideout...or is it?
The TV screen was above head level, so Clark had a good view of the news LNN was broadcasting. He saw footage of a large cruise ship that was about to sink. It didn’t seem far from the coast because Clark could see the ship in the background whenever the news station switched to the reporter who was fighting against the wind and rain, her long hair fluttering in her face. The news ticker at the bottom of the screen told Clark that the sinking ship was close to the coast of Rhelasia, a small insular state a few hundred sea miles southwest of Singapore. Apparently, the wind was too strong to allow for other ships to get close enough to help. It was dark already on the other side of the world, which made any rescue attempts even more challenging. And the cruise ship was having trouble with their lifeboats as well.
Oh no... How is he going to help these folks...especially when someone else has his powers?
A few minutes later, Clark sank down behind several dumpsters and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was out of breath and his limbs were trembling from exhaustion. At this rate, he wouldn’t be getting anywhere trying to fight SuperLex.
Why isn't he getting better? There must be something wrong. Lex's body is weak.
“Clark!” Her whole face lit up like a tree on Christmas. “Oh thank God it’s you.” She pulled him into an embrace and the words flowed from her lips in quick succession. “He didn’t want to go, muttered something about people expecting things from Superman he couldn’t possibly accomplish. I - Clark, he’s scary. We need to fight him. Where can I find you?”
“Lois, I…” he stared at her, feeling torn. The last thing he wanted was to put her at risk. What if he told her where Luthor’s body was right now and she rushed to seek him out, only to run right into Superman’s arms? And the ship was still sinking, he didn’t have time.
“Clark! You know you’ll need help,” she insisted. “Tell me where to find you.” Her voice broke. “I miss you so much.”
Yay! He's back where he should be!
Lois, now is not the time to express any emotions. The man has a job to do!
His lungs burned, his limbs ached. He'd escaped a kryptonite cage, but this wasn't so bad. Clark pushed himself further, trying not to think about how tired he felt, how much pain he was in. This was a fight he couldn't afford to lose, wouldn't lose, because people were calling him Superman for a reason.
He didn't give up.
Never.
No. Superman never gives up.
Thank you for a very satisfying, but scary chapter. The description of the raging storm, damaged ship, heroic crew and just handling the sheer magnitude of the rescue was perfectly written. As of this moment my nails are a torn battlefield. But that's okay, that's what a manicurist is for. My friend, you know how to write Lois and Clark!
I'm going to give myself a little time to read the next chapters and simply enjoy the experience. You can count on my vote come the Kerth awards. Cheers!
