I'm glad the suspense worked for you all--and that it's exciting. Putting Superman in a believably tough situation takes a lot of work, and even more so to make it hard for him to escape. Not that I want him in danger, you understand, but I do want the feedback!
Thanks for reading and commenting, JudeMustard. The 'Training in Smallville' is one of my favorite parts too! I tried to make it poetic as well, so I loved your description. As to why Clark can't just hold his breath...well, that was his plan as well, but gas affects more than just your lungs. It also attacks the eyes and skin and is pervasive, clinging to cloth and flesh alike (or at least that's what my limited, Google study told me). So, he could have taken that option if he had to, but Lois is definitely hoping he doesn't! So glad you're following the story and enjoying it!
And thanks for pulling that quote, scifiJoan--that was my favorite part of this chapter.
I loved your description of this story, IolantheAlias. I really didn't set out to make it that way, but I'm quite happy with the way it's turning out.
And you'll all be happy to know that the cliff-hanger parts are pretty much all done. At least...I think they are.