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Luck and Consequence – Part 2

** Chapter 3 **

Clark Kent was a firm believer in good luck. After all, how does one get to be the lone survivor of a lost world, without at least a little bit of good luck on your side? Beyond that, he felt supremely lucky at having been found and raised by what he had come to firmly believe to be the world’s best parents. And if that wasn’t enough, he had found and married his soul mate, who just happened to be the most beautiful, wonderful and exciting woman in the world. Yes, generally he had been well-favored by luck. However, even for Clark, luck didn’t always run positively. Tonight he was feeling depressingly deep in a rut of ill fortune.

As Clark left Star Labs, he decided to fly home a bit more slowly than strictly necessary to provide time to collect his thoughts and decide exactly what he planned to say to Lois. He hadn't gone to Star Labs expecting good news. Of course he had harbored a secret hope that Bernie would surprise him with an unexpected positive revelation. However, he knew beforehand that was extraordinarily unlikely. Fortunately, the news wasn't all bad. The fact that he was basically biologically human provided a good basis of hope for the future. In terms of what to say to Lois, he wanted to compose himself as best he could and accentuate the positive aspects of what he had learned.

When he arrived back home, it was obvious that Lois had been waiting nervously for his return. He landed on their balcony, stepped quickly inside and spun into street clothes. Lois was sitting in the living room holding a magazine. The look on her face seemed to reflect a strong feeling of anxiety.

As he moved to sit next to Lois, they made and held eye contact. As always, it was as if Lois could look right into his soul. Normally that experience would fill him with a warm glow. This time, however, he knew that Lois could see that he had little good news. He had spent the flight home trying to prepare for this moment. Looking into the eyes of his love, his so-carefully-considered “positive spin” speech died without ever having been delivered. When he had first entered the room, he could see a trace of hope still there in Lois's eyes. But as he gazed into those beautiful brown eyes, he saw those vestiges of hope fade. The next instant he was holding Lois in his arms.

Clark, overcome with emotion, finally broke the silence. "I'm so sorry."

Lois pulled back from his embrace just far enough to re-establish eye contact. "Clark, we already knew that the news wasn't likely to be good. Please, tell me what you learned."

After composing his thoughts for only a minute, he relayed the essentials of his conversation with Doc Klein. He made sure to take special care to include the parts about Bernie's own observations and speculation about the real nature of the person inside the Superman suit.

Lois considered this and said to him, "I think we’ll need to bring him in on the secret of your identity before too long. Perhaps there will be tests or ideas that will come to mind if he has access to both of us."

"I agree" Clark said. "After this conversation, I really believe he'll be able to handle the responsibility of having that knowledge."

Lois’s expression took on an air of deep thought. Clark guessed that she was reflecting on the news that he had brought back. After a moment Lois finally spoke up, "I guess this isn't as bad as I feared it might be. I had biology in school. I had always thought that if there was going to be any physical incompatibility problem, it would be along the lines of your having a completely different genetic structure than a human. It actually does make me feel better to learn that there may be a way to solve the problem."

After only a brief pause Clark saw Lois take on an intense, but slightly optimistic look and then continue, "Clark, Bernie could have told you that children were an absolute impossibility due to fundamental genetic incompatibility. Instead, he told you that you are genetically human and that if there is any way to overcome the biofield/cell death issue, we may still be able to have children."

Clark watched as Lois went silent again. She was among the most intelligent and capable people Clark had ever met. She would think through all the implications of the meeting with Dr. Klein. Suddenly, the expression on Lois's face changed to one of awe. "It just registered. This is a Pulitzer story. Visualize the headline, 'Proof that Ancient Humans Left the Earth'. How big is that?" Very quickly the smile took on a lighthearted look and Lois continued, “Well, I guess actually it’s either a Pulitzer or tabloid trash depending on what type of proof we can provide. I can see the tabloid version of the headline, “Alien Abductions Real! Are Your Children Safe?”

It was Clark's turn to smile. Lois was finding something positive to focus on. He finally replied, "Yeah. That occurred to me on the flight back. We need to be careful about how, when and even if we tell that story."

At that, the smile fell from Lois's face. "It's so unfair."

Clark had been anticipating a possible down turn in Lois’s mood as soon as they started talking. Now that it had come, he found that he didn’t know what to do or say. He wanted so bad to make it better but this was a job that seemed out of Superman’s league.

As he was struggling for what to say, Lois seemed to regain some energy, "Clark, let’s go away for a while."

He was relieved to hear energy in her voice, "Sure. Where do you want to go?"

When she replied, Lois’s voice didn’t just have energy; it was also filled with determination. "No. I don't think you understand. We never got to have a proper honeymoon. We both have over a month of vacation time built up. Right now, I think the world owes us some time. We need to get away and have some time for just us. The world can do without Superman for a few weeks!"

Clark was taken aback. They had gone away for a day or two now and then but he could tell that Lois was talking about something on an entirely different scale. "Lois, Superman can't take a vacation."

Lois got a very serious look on her face. She looked him straight in the eye and her voice took on a commanding tone, "Yes he can. Go to the White House and the UN tomorrow and just explain it to them. Superman has been *on* every day for almost four years. Tell them you have some personal issues to deal with. Tell them you have to spend some time on New Krypton. Tell them whatever you want, but Clark, we need this.”

Clark was struggling for a reply. Superman couldn’t take time off, could he? But he could tell that this was very important to Lois and was therefore important to him also.

Lois paused as if to gather her thoughts and then continued, “Clark, the world had to get along day to day before you came. Whether we can have children or not, there is an excellent chance that the world will have to learn to do without Superman at some time in the future. The police and emergency services can get along without you for awhile.”

He recognized this tone. When Lois’s voice took on this particular quality, she almost always got her way. Besides, she was right, they did need this time together. But Clark wasn’t sure that he could live with himself if something bad happened while he was gone. He felt the need to point this out to his wife. "But Lois, if there is some sort of disaster, a lot of people could get hurt."

She replied so quickly that Clark suspected she was waiting for this particular objection, "Fine. Why don’t you say that there will be a person with a way to contact Superman in the case of an extreme emergency? Tell them to put a worldwide broadcast for help and the message will reach you. But make them understand that this is only for a real disaster-type emergency. Clark, I understand how you feel and I do know that what you do as Superman is important. But you need this time! We need this time!"

The more time he had to consider the idea of a “Superman vacation”, the better it sounded. He had once feared the possible consequences of having to abandon Earth on a permanent basis to go to New Krypton. This time it would be strictly temporary and there was no getting around the fact that Lois needed him to do this. As Clark pondered this issue, the question quickly reduced to one of, is Lois important enough to him to do this? Once he considered the question in those terms, the issue was no longer in doubt. He finally responded, "This is a big change for me but you're right. We need the time and I need to do this for both of us. I'll start making the arrangements tomorrow.”

Then another thought occurred to him, “Lois, someone is going to notice that you and I are gone at the same time as Superman."

Lois considered this. "Well, most people won't notice or think anything about it. But I'm sure Perry will put the pieces together. We'll need to tell him something."

Clark replied, "I'd like to tell him as much of the truth as possible. Would he accept the idea that there is a connection, but Superman swore us to secrecy as to the nature of where he was going and what he’s doing?" Clark smiled sweetly at Lois, and suddenly stepped back and spun into the suit. "Ms. Lane, if I let you come on this trip, will you promise to keep a secret of where I'm going and what I'm doing?"

Clark stood there as Lois put her arms around his neck and she pressed herself up against him. Her expression took on a very provocative air as she said in her most sexy tone, "Superman, I promise I won't tell anyone the details of what you… what we’ll be doing while you’re gone."


** Chapter 4 **

For Lois, this particular Tuesday morning just flew by. The melancholy that she had been experiencing the previous day was gone and she was, in fact, feeling unexpectedly upbeat. She could hardly believe her own attitude about this whole “getting away” thing. At one time, in the pre-Clark days, she had been of the opinion that vacations, or for that matter, any time away from work at all, was for losers. Now she was actually looking forward to the prospect of taking this vacation. She couldn't help but be pleased as she remembered the exchange that had taken place at bedtime the previous night.

Last evening she had tried to talk to Clark about what they should do on this “impulse” trip. Clark had gotten a mischievous look and simply asked her about what sorts of ideas she had for a dream vacation. After some very noncommittal responses from her, he had finally just said, "Let's see what Superman can come up with." She trusted him completely and had a feeling this would be a trip to remember.

The one downside of her morning had been the absence of her partner. As usual, they had started the day at work together, but shortly after arriving at work Clark had left to “do some research.” Subsequently, he had been out of the office most of the day. The few times that she had been asked about Clark's whereabouts, her story had been that he was out meeting with sources. In reality, if everything was going according to plan, he was doing a lot of traveling and explaining as Superman.

It was the middle of the afternoon when she looked up and saw his smiling face emerge from the elevator. Clark was clearly in a good mood and came straight over and planted a kiss on her lips. As much as Lois would have liked to follow that with another, he moved his head so that he could whisper in her ear.

"It was easier that I thought" Clark explained in hushed tones. "I met with several senior officials in emergency services. I found out that there were already plans in place to deal with a situation where Superman might be temporarily gone. There is also a process designed to broadcast a signal for help. I guess there were some smart people in the government who realized that one day Superman might have some business that would make him unavailable or difficult to reach. Lois, they were surprised that something like this hadn't come up sooner. After talking to them I feel a lot better about going away."

Lois was glad that he seemed past feeling any guilt about their trip. She turned so that they were again face-to-face and collected another kiss. "That's the right attitude, Smallville. Someone owes me a dream vacation and I intend to collect."

Clark moved so that he could see her computer screen and asked her. "So, how's the article on Superman's departure going?”

"It's almost done, but I want you to look it over. I'm not used to writing an article that is so deliberately lacking in critical data for publication in the Daily Planet.”

She watched as Clark read quickly through the announcement. "I think you're very close. I like the idea of keeping it as short as possible and a bit vague on the details."

Just then there was a familiar bellow from the direction of Perry's office. "Lane, Kent, in here now!"

As soon as the office door closed behind them Perry let go with a question, "What in the name of Elvis is going on with Superman?"

Lois maintained a blank look as she watched Clark stare innocently back at Perry. After only a second Clark gave in and asked, "What are you talking about Chief?"

They could see that Perry was in no mood for games. Perry knew them both very well and could probably tell that the two of them had information on this issue. He continued, "I've got reports coming in that Superman has been seen at the UN and the White House today. Are you going to tell me that you two don't know what this is about?"

They had talked about how best to handle this meeting with Perry and had decided that Lois would take the lead in an explanation. "Perry, we do know. Clark and I have been working on the story."

"So what's going on?"

Lois continued, "Perry, Superman is going away."

Perry looked like he had been hit with a body blow, "What do you mean 'going away'?"

Lois stayed with the “official” story, "He's going to be unavailable. He isn’t saying why and we can't provide any information either."

Perry sat heavily in the chair behind his desk. "Is he coming back?"

Clark couldn't take the hint of despair in Perry's voice. "Absolutely! This isn't like when he went to New Krypton and didn't think he was going to be back. This is strictly short term."

They could see Perry relax and his expression suggested a sense of relief. Then Perry stared intently at them for a few seconds. "You two know a lot more than you are saying."

Lois looked up at Clark for a second. She was supposed to be leading this explanation since generally she was much better at “creative truth” than her partner. But before she could get back on track, Clark again jumped in, "Perry, Lois and I need a few weeks off."

From the shock evident in Perry's face it was a good thing he was already seated as he gave a startled cry, "What!"

Lois stepped in before Clark went too far off-plan. "Perry, Superman was at our home last night. We have an opportunity for a truly unique experience. Superman made me promise not to say anything to anyone about where he would be or what he would be doing. But Perry, this is a fabulous opportunity and we really need this time." Lois was very proud of that speech. Every word was absolutely true.

Lois could see that Perry was recovering quickly from the double shock of their Superman announcement and vacation request. After only a moment of consideration, he said, "With all that the two of you do for this paper I don't see how I can refuse.” Then after a brief pause he asked, “So when does Superman plan to make an announcement?"

Lois smiled at this. "Well, it will be in tomorrow morning's Daily Planet. That is, if you think it's newsworthy."

****

By Wednesday afternoon, Lois had become convinced that the preparations for getting away were coming together more easily than expected. She really wanted to be sure that they had taken all possible steps to distance Lane and Kent, particularly Lane, from anything that might be interpreted as a Superman getaway. After all that they had been through last year about her having an affair with Superman, she didn’t want to risk reopening that can of worms. Therefore, at her request, Clark had taken sole credit for the story that announced Superman's impending absence.

After the initial notice in the Planet, there had been an immediate demand for Superman to hold a press conference. In an effort to maintain as much distance as possible between the Daily Planet and Superman’s impending absence, the press conference was to be held at Metropolis City Hall.

Lois covered the Superman press conference for the Planet. She far too established as *the* reporter that covered Superman stories for her paper to pass on this. If she had not been there, her absence would itself have drawn the attention of the other reporters. However, knowing that it was likely that she would be questioned, Lois deliberately arrived only a few minutes before the scheduled time. Sure enough, as soon as she arrived at City Hall, she was immediately besieged with questions from other reporters.

“Where's he going?”

“Why now?”

“Is he going to New Krypton?”

Lois didn't have any problem avoiding answering the questions of her so-called colleagues. They should know better than to ask her these questions. This press conference was for Superman, not Lois Lane. She simply reminded them that this had been Clark's story, not hers and she really couldn't say anything until after Superman spoke.

The other reporters probably would have pressed for a more substantive response, but Clark had suddenly appeared overhead and Superman was on final descent into the press area. Clark didn't waste any time and stepped right up to the array of microphones. As everyone scrambled into position, Lois hoped that she was the only person that could see the nervousness behind the facade of calm detachment that Clark always wore as Superman.

The announcement was brief and completely devoid of details. Clark basically said that he had business of such importance that he would be unavailable for an indeterminate period of time that might stretch to several weeks. He explained that his absence was being coordinated with other governments via the UN. He also made sure to point out that in the event of an extreme emergency he would be able to return on short notice. Basically he did little more than repeat the facts that had been in the Planet article. After just a minute Clark finished speaking and asked for questions.

Again, for Lois Lane to be anything other than aggressive on a Superman issue would have been too obviously out of character. As soon as Clark asked for questions Lois pushed forward and yelled out, “Superman?”

Of course, all of the reporters were yelling out questions but no one was really surprised when Superman said, “Ms. Lane.”

“Superman, since the announcement of your impending departure, there have been allegations that you have unilaterally decided to leave the world unprotected while you take this leave of absence. How would you respond to this charge? ”

Many in the crowd of reporters were shocked. This question carried a serious negative implication and the tone was clearly confrontational. Based on their long history and well known friendship, many of them would have expected Lois to throw out a “softball” question for the hero to answer.

Lois and Clark had talked about this at length and had agreed to have Lois ask this particular question in as negative tone as possible to open the questioning. They felt that it would make whatever questions might be asked later easier to handle.

Clark replied, “Ms. Lane, it is my honor to help protect this city and my adopted planet in every way that I can. The decision to embark on this mission was made only after serious consideration. I assure you that I did not make this decision in a vacuum. I consulted with those that I trust most for guidance on issues dealing with my responsibilities. Only after I became convinced that the underlying factors that are driving my absence are truly imperative, did I commit to this course of action.”

There were a flurry of questions about the people that he consulted but of course, the response to all of those lines of inquiry was that the identities of anyone to whom he went to for advice had to remain confidential to guarantee their safety and continued objectivity.

Lois had helped Clark prepare for this part. They had spent nearly an hour with Lois trying to trip him up using everything from an overly aggressive questioning style to trick questions of the “Have you stopped beating your wife” method. As Lois watched Clark get peppered with questions, she was almost disappointed. None of them were nearly as hard on him as she would have been.

She was glad that they had decided to be deliberately vague about where he would be. Per their preparations, he never said that he would be off-planet. However, he was careful to *not* answer those questions in just the right way so that his non-response could easily be interpreted to mean that he was going to New Krypton for the duration.

So, all in all, the announcement of Superman's departure had gone very well. Lois knew that the greater challenge would actually be related to Lois and Clark's absence. Early on they had decided that only Perry and Jimmy would know for sure that their absence really was directly tied to that of Superman. For everyone else the official excuse was that they were on an out-of-town assignment.

Perry had been questioning Lois about how long they would be away. She stayed with the vague timetable of more than two weeks but probably less than a month. Perry wasn't particularly happy about their absence or that non-commitment as to the length of time that they would be gone, but Lois knew that he could sense that there were forces at work that he dared not oppose.

It was that Friday by the time all of the arrangements for their absence could be made. Lois had taken care of the more domestic issues such as having their mail held, briefing Jimmy on watching their house and taking care of the plants. Clark had been busy making sure that all of the appropriate plans were in place for Superman to be gone, as well as those oh-so-secret vacation plans. Several times during the course of that week, Lois had tried to ask about what he was planning for their trip but each time his answer was always the same. Clark would just put on this secretive smile and say, "Something Super!"

It was dark outside when they were finally ready to leave. Clark had wanted to do one last patrol of the city before they left and Lois had realized that it would be easier to humor him on this. When he returned from that patrol, Clark took only a brief look around before turning to Lois and asking, "Are you ready?"

Lois stepped into Clark’s embrace and hugged him as tightly as she could. After a few seconds she asked, "Why am I nervous?"

"We've never done anything like this before. I'm nervous too. I hope you like what I've planned."

Lois thought for only an instant. "I'm sure that I will. Let's go."