Part Seven
It was around noon one late spring day; Lois sat at her desk typing the follow-up piece to Diana Stride’s trial and imprisonment. The former TV magazine journalist had been a free-lance assassin for a mysterious criminal organization. So far, they had failed to stir up any further information about the group, except for the name – Intergang.
Lois shuddered as she remembered Superman’s ordeal with the kryptonite kiss. To see the superhero lying helpless on a hospital bed had nearly broken her heart. His attending oncologist explained the kryptonite was rapidly weakening his body much like a cancer and needed to be burned out by a powerful dose of radiation. By stepping into a nuclear reactor, Superman had to burn the lethal poison from his system.
Thankfully, Superman survived his exposure to the deadly radiation and was able to capture Diana Stride and her French cameraman. Nevertheless, the adventure had badly frightened Lois to see him in such pain; she was grateful to have been by his side and provided some small measure of comfort.
As she sent the completed story to Perry’s computer, her mind turned once more to another ongoing investigation. It had been over two months since the Shackleton freighter hijacking and despite diligent research on the part of Lane and Kent no clues could be derived as to the crystals whereabouts. No sign of them had appeared at any of Luthor Industries, especially LexSolar. Even Bobby Bigmouth; - who’s intel had started the entire investigation to begin with, had nothing further to add but promised to keep his eyes open…for a ‘tasty’ fee.
The investigative reporter chafed with annoyance; she wanted to go after the story with undivided attention. She still felt there was more to Aykira Hallick’s odd behavior during the latter half of their first interview. Despite a brief follow-up phone interview, which yielded surprisingly little, Lois’ reporter instincts could not shake the notion the media liaison was hiding something. Perry assured her if anything new surfaced; he would allow her to go after the story, ‘like the Colonel after Elvis’ contract’. In the meantime, there were other assignments needing her consideration.
Jimmy’s duties as a fledgling photojournalist were increasing, so much so many of his research projects for the bullpen staff were backlogged. Some items had been passed over to the research department, but they lacked Jimmy’s speed and accuracy. In self-defense, he started training Jack on that aspect of his job and then expanded it to include the ‘finer art’ of computer research... that is to say hacking. The teen-ager took to his training well; with experience, he would become as proficient a researcher as Jimmy.
‘Mad Dog’ Lane had decided to utilize these new skills of Jack’s. He might not be as fast as Jimmy, but Jack was just as dogged as she was when it came to tracking down information.
Walking over to his tiny cubicle, Lois presented the names of Aykira Hallick and Dr. George Amundsen as his research targets. “Find out whatever you can on these two, especially Luthor’s administrative assistant.”
Jack tapped the paper, looked over at Cat’s empty chair and said in a low voice. “Her fiancé? That’s hard to believe, he’s such a nice guy.”
“Hey, you’re paid to *research* the subject, not chose who’s nice or not nice.”
Unruffled, Jack persisted, “I think you’re wrong, Ms. Lane, but okay. A guy like him has co-workers and team members with stuff to hide. Do you mind if I check out a few people on his team?”
“I don’t care - just find some information we can use to finally jumpstart this investigation.”
Jack, remembering his position as lowest man on the bullpen totem pole, nodded, turned toward his computer screen and bent industriously to the task.
Satisfied, Lois returned to her desk and began going over her notes from the Hallick interviews and Clark’s information from Superman about the harmonic crystals. For some strange, unshakable reason, she was sure there was a big story here.
She looked up from her notes and glanced over to Clark’s desk. Where on earth had he disappeared to *now*?
***
Around the same time as Lois was looking for her partner, Aykira walked into Lex’s dimly lighted office suite to see him inspecting his collection of antique firearms. The man seemed in deep contemplation, not even aware of her presence in the room. Ever since the abrupt end to the ‘date’ their working relationship had been cordial, but strained. Oh, Lex had apologized profusely on Monday morning, saying he wanted Aykira to consider herself an important part of his life. Nevertheless, she remembered the other women - especially Antoinette Baines: had he not considered her ‘important’ at one time?
All that aside, there was still her mission. Those crystals refused to surface. She sighed internally - in the meantime, he was still paying her to be his administrative assistant.
“Good morning, Mr. Luthor, these are the latest solar panel integrity reports I compiled from LexSolar. I also took the liberty of creating a spreadsheet compiling this year’s first quarter earnings from computer sales in the United States. The financial results are excellent; LexCorp’s stockholders will be pleased.”
“Thank you Aykira. Please leave them on the desk.” Lex spoke in a distracted manner; with his left hand, he caressed Alexander’s sword.
Aykira placed the binder down and was ready to depart, but when she looked carefully at his face, it was pinched in pain. She walked over to him placed a gentle hand on his and asked kindly, “Lex, are you all right?”
The billionaire turned his head, flinched when the afternoon light from the terrace hit his eyes and smiled weakly. “Never felt better, please don’t concern yourself.”
Sensing he wanted to be alone, Aykira gave him a quick nod and exited the office. She was certain something was troubling the man, but until Lex Luthor was willing to confide in her, he needed to keep his own council.
***
Lex waited until the door was firmly closed behind her then allowed his body to give into a strange weakness sensation in his arms and legs. He leaned against the display case, for few moments, waiting for the sickening feeling to leave him. The seizures or whatever they were had been increasing in severity of late, this was the nastiest one to date. He did not want to involve Aykira with his personal health matters, at least not yet. Still, it was time for him to take action.
Limping slowly to his desk, he consulted his day planner and dialed a seldom-used number. “Hello, Dr. Baxter’s office? Yes, this is Lex Luthor. I am requesting an emergency appointment with him today.” Lex removed a handkerchief from his jacket pocket, paused, than wiped his profusely perspiring upper lip, while waiting for the receptionist response. “He can see me at noon? Thank you.”
Placing the phone in its cradle, with agonizing slowness Lex eased into the leather armchair, its luxurious feel cushioning his aching body. <Surely Dr. Baxter will get to the bottom of this aliment and I can get back to normal.>
After several agonizing minutes the worst of the seizure had mercifully passed. Lex began perusing the report with contented eagerness. His on-site contact, Dr. Scott, had managed to send a coded report within the legitimate one. So far, the team had endeavored to create a working apparatus capable of transmitting energy from the crystals to the panels themselves. Within a few months the device would be ready for preliminary testing.
Leaning back in his chair, slowly regaining his strength, the billionaire thought to himself, <My plans are taking shape; it’s all a matter of time now. Space station Lex will *soon* become a reality.>
***
It was late in the workday when Jack approached Lois’s desk with the research results. “Hey Miss Lane, I started digging around Dr. Amundsen’s work history and discovered he used to work for EPRAD before working for LexSolar…”
Unimpressed, Lois cut the teen-ager off. “You spent all day working on this project and the best you can do is come up with work history? Jimmy could track that down in two minutes.”
Jack, determined to prove himself, pressed on, “Ah, let me finish Miss. Lane. A lower level colleague of Dr. Amundsen was a Dr. Frederick Scott, who was Dr. Antoinette Baines’ assistant, while she ran the Prometheus Space Station project. I managed to talk with one person at EPRAD, off the record and he stated Dr. Scott was envious of her holding a position that should have gone to him. Dr. Scott exited the agency shortly after Dr. Baines resigned, left the state, and went to work as a teacher. His departure was under cloudy circumstances, but only days afterwards, was hired directly by Lex Luthor’s assistant…Aykira Hallick. ”
Lois, interest piqued by Jack’s extensive narrative, urged with impatient hand gestures to continue.
“Anyhow, Dr. Scott now works at LexSolar in the same department as George…uh Dr. Amundsen. Cat mentioned that he’s the temporary team lead for a new project over there, something to do with solar panels. Anyhow, he’s only doing that for a few months until LexSolar can find a suitable replacement. Since afterwards he and Cat are getting married they are moving to Seattle.
“So far so good Jack. What else have you got?”
"Dr. Scott is working with him on that project. According to cooler gossip I overheard from Cat, he’s got his sights set on Dr. Amundsen’s position. A recent interview about him in American Science magazine states ‘he is ambitious and brilliant, but with streaks of arrogance’. He’s also known to spend time with scientists of ‘questionable political loyalties’. I did a little further digging and found a few photos of some of those shady questionable associates."
“Their names and fields of specialty are on the back.” He handed her four photographs. Which Lois eagerly snapped up and began studying the men’s faces, committing them to memory. “Hans Luger, Nuclear fusion, Grant Howell, Chemical propulsion, Cameron Axelrod, Solar energy and Larry Davelin, Petroleum. These men cover the spectrum of energy research. Putting them all together is quite the brain trust. Hmmm, better and better. Why is Cameron Axelrod’s name in red?”
“He’s bad news, a rogue scientist, who has been linked with a number of corporate espionage cases and Intergang. He’s originally from Boston, a real charmer.”
"What about Ms. Hallick?”
“She received her associate’s degree in business from some backwater school in New York. Attended a night course semester at MIT for physics. Logged a number of classes in the science of microprocessors. Also took classes in American Financial history. Spent a year working in Oxford’s Faculty of History department. After that, she traveled a lot through Europe and South America. Nearly four years ago she started working for LexCorp as a contractor, made her way up administrative ranks until just over two years ago she was hired by Luthor personally to be his assistant.”
“A woman as intelligent as that should be running her own company. Not working for Lex Luthor.”
“That’s for sure, she’s one smart lady. Not bad looking either.”
Lois let the last comment pass and fired more questions. “What about her early years? Who is her family? Where is she from? Most important of all, where did the money come from to finance her extensive education and travel?”
Jack smiled a little sadly. “That’s where it gets a little cloudy and interesting. She’s an orphan. Apparently all her early life records were ‘destroyed’ in a fire about five years ago.”
“Missing’ family history?” Lois questioned. “That’s just is too convenient. Great work Jack! Sorry I barked at you earlier.”
Obviously pleased the prickly reporter was happy with his work. Jack smiled and went back to his cubicle.
Lois mused to herself, <He’s a good kid and a smart worker. If he keeps this up, I might need to show more respect for his abilities.>
At that moment, Clark exited the elevator, grabbed a cup of coffee, and walked down the ramp. He stepped quickly over to his desk and booted up the computer. Closely behind him walked Cat, her arms loaded with bridal magazines. Humming the wedding march she glided by Clark’s desk smiling, her happiness apparent to the entire newsroom. But as soon as she reached her desk, and saw her phone message light blinking, the gossip columnist returned.
“I hope that’s my source, getting back to me on the Metros quarterback’s betting scandal.” she muttered while listening to the message.
Lois shook her head. Cat may be getting married, but she was still a reporter – albeit gossip – but still a reporter. She turned her head towards her true target. “Clark Kent, where have you been all day? Let me guess, you had to return a video?”
She watched as her flustered partner fumbled with his tie and said, “Well, I did keep that copy of Die Hard longer than two days.”
Lois rolled her eyes and said, “Figures. I’ll never get a straight answer out of the office Phantom.”
Clark flashed a killer grin and responded, “What have *you* been up to while I was gone?”
Realizing he was changing the subject, she decided to play along, “Working, unlike some folk I know. Perry’s editing the Diana Stride story even as we speak.”
“Great. Now I need to start ‘working’ myself. While ‘pounding the pavement’ for information on one of my filler pieces, Superman rescued some construction workers when the crane collapsed. I managed to get interviews from the crane operator and some of the workers. Pity Jim wasn’t there, the only thing the article needed to make it sing was pictures.” So saying with that heartbreaking smile, he started typing furiously on his keyboard, anxious to meet the evening edition deadline.
<Scooped again! How does he do it? More importantly, *why* does Superman always give him the best stories? I thought we were *both* his friends?> Lois wanted to say more, but decided it was more important for Clark to get the story in before Perry came roaring out of his office.
<That did it! Apology or not she was getting into LexSolar for her own scoop.> She waited until Clark was completely engrossed in typing, than dialed a number she knew by heart.
“Louie. This is Lois. How’s Doreen? Still enjoying her job as a coach on the ITA Tennis Circuit?”
“Hey kid, long time no hear! Yup, my daughter is making her old man proud! Now if she would just break up with that cop boyfriend of hers! The other family members don’t like to come to dinner when they’re around. Know what I mean? Hey, you still working with that straight arrow? He’s not giving you any trouble is he? I know guys who know guys.”
Lois felt a genuine smile of pleasure spread across her face, hearing Louie’s voice brought back several happy college memories. “No Louie, sometimes I wish I could ask the ‘boys’ to get ‘enthusiastic’ with Clark, but it wouldn’t do any good. No, what I need is your help acquiring some ‘equipment’ for a little job I’m planning in a couple of days.
“Equipment huh? Local or industrial strength?”
Puzzled she asked, “What’s the difference?
“The difference is knocking over a bank is a different kind of job requiring ‘different or industrial strength’ tools. Knowing you, it’ll be some corporate heist. So the equipment would be ‘local’.”
Taken aback, she responded, “Louie, this is Lois… why would I want to pull off a corporate heist?”
“Yeah, well, like I said, I know guys… and then I know you. Word on the street, is LexCorp has something to do with that freighter hijacking a few months back. You and the ‘arrow’ are probably lookin’ into it. Don’t worry kid; I ain’t saying nothin’ to nobody. Now, what or where is this job?”
After a lengthy discussion with Louie, outlining her ‘equipment’ requirements Lois hung up and started making a list of additional items. Once finished, she looked up and shouted. “Jack!”
***
Two evenings later in Lois’ apartment, she prepared for her larcenous nocturnal activities. Fortunately, for her, the giant research facility was located five miles outside of Metropolis in one of the country’s most prestigious business parks. Luthor Industrial Park or LIP to the locals.
<Louie’s burglary equipment should get me past the security cameras, locks and the guards.> Lois thought as she donned her stylized ‘cat burglar’ disguise: blond wig, stuffed underneath her black knit cap. Her shoes had one-inch lifts fitted inside. All this designed to throw off an accurate description of the ‘prep’. She struggled for a moment with the final piece of her ‘disguise’: a pair of blue contacts.
She slung the small weighty black bag containing all the necessary tools over her shoulder, exited her apartment, and walked to the parking garage. Swiftly she opened the car door and carefully placed the bag onto the passenger’s side of her jeep. The late spring night was inky black and once again heavy rain clouds threatened above. <Good.> she thought, <It’ll be harder to see me in this darkness. Now if the rain will just hold off until after this little escapade is done.>
Lois loved the adrenaline rush just before ‘pulling a job’. It heightened her senses beyond the humdrum of investigative research from paperwork. This is where the action was! She marked her chronometer at 12:30 a.m.
The only one obstacle to dampen her spirits as she drove through the now quiet city streets; knowing this particular ‘job’ did not have Clark’s blessing.
<Rats! Ever since that over-grown boy scout entered my life, *nothing had been the same.> She thought. <But then again, hasn’t your life improved since he showed up? Maybe he is right and this *is* too big of a risk. Turn back now, before any damage is done.> Her irksome conscience shot back.
Annoyed with the mental gymnastics going on in her head, she told her conscience to switch off for the night. Still a nagging feeling kept urging her to turn the car around and head for home.
She continued driving, Metropolis’ skyscrapers rescinding into the distance, replaced by squat office structures and darken strip malls, shut tight for the night. In time, she reached the LIP (Luthor Industrial Park) and drove slowly through the night towards LexSolar.
