Part Fourteen
Clark whistled the tune “At Last” while knotting his tie, one of Lois’ favorites: a wide one, with several colorful planets swirling on a black background. He went over his mind again about the all night conversation he and his lovely partner had about Superman and each other. Sometimes Lois got angry thinking how he had kept her in the dark for years. She mentioned it was logical, even thoughtful, but she was still miffed.
At that instance, Clark was sure Lois might have cheerfully shot him. However, after settling down, she realized it was better to have a live partner with all his secrets revealed than a dead one.
He had reluctantly departed from her only minutes before dawn, and despite being up all night, Clark was happy to begin a new day and a new chapter in his life. He continued whistling while preparing a raspberry banana smoothie for himself and then pouring a little fresh food into Pepper’s bowl.
Mentally Clark went through a list of important things to do today. One, order flowers from the local florist and have them delivered to Lois’ place. His mouth spread into a wide grin imaging the look on her face when the perfumed scent of stargazer orchids gently wafted to her nose. Two, pick-up some oolong tea for himself and a pound of breakfast blend coffee from the Java Perk. When she arrived at the Planet tomorrow, he intended to give the coffee to her as a welcome back to work present.
His mind was blissfully humming with plans for the future; involving a certain beautiful brown-haired woman, with exotic eyes, whom he wanted to share the rest of his life with. Clark no longer hid behind ridiculous stories and false excuses when he suddenly disappeared for rescues. Lois’ knowledge about his Kryptonian heritage was no longer a barrier to their maturing relationship.
Jor-el and Lara’s only son Kal-el could truly be a man of planet Earth. He began whistling again as his hands glided over the heavy wooden railing and walked up the three stairs to the front door landing.
“This is going to be a fantastic day! I’m in love with my partner and she knows my secret!”
It was all Clark could do to keep from floating as he exited the apartment.
***
Aykira stepped briskly into her office at 6:30 am on a crisp late spring morning. The air around her filled with the quiet swishing sound of her heavy quilted silk red jacket over a cream colored scoop-necked blouse with matching pants. True, she was here earlier than usual; but she wanted to go over a few items with Lex before the business of the day grew heavy with meetings, numerous conference calls and the inevitable deadlines.
The administrative assistant called up to his office and listened patiently as the phone continued ringing. Annoyed, she decided to give him a few minutes. <He probably has ‘company’ and doesn’t wish to be disturbed.> She put all thoughts of her boss aside and began working on materials for the Suicide Slum restoration. It was a pet project of hers: one that might take years to complete, but the results would benefit everyone in Metropolis. She sighed internally; hopefully, someone else will pick up where eventually she must leave off.
A few more minutes passed and she decided to call again, this time on his personal cell phone. The results were the same, Lex - did not pick up. Outside her office, Aykira could hear Jane bustling about with her morning routine. She glanced down at the Rolex watch Lex had given her, it read eight o'clock.
Normally any overnight ‘guests’ were escorted out of his apartment by now; he should be in the office.
Determined to meet with her boss, Aykira gathered up the Suicide Slope diskettes and materials into travel folders and then into her organizer. Some people might have thought her actions obsessive, but diskettes were sensitive devices; best to err on the side of caution. She exited her office suite and told Jane where she was going. “I don’t expect to be longer than forty-five minutes. Mr. Luthor and I are having a standard morning meeting.”
“Okay. See you around nine o'clock?”
Aykira nodded in agreement, then departed for the stairs leading to Lex’s office.
As she was about to knock on the heavy oak door, when she heard what sounded like a body hitting the floor and a deep groan of pain.
“Oh my… Lex!” She burst open the door and saw Lex Luthor struggling to get up from the floor. Racing to his side Aykira tried to help him up. “Are you all right?”
***
Lex, although visibly shaken, tried to downplay the incident. “I was fine, until a minute ago. Another one of my stress headaches suddenly flared up and I tripped on the coffee table leg. It’s was quite clumsy of me, really. Please Ms. Hallick, don’t concern yourself.” He looked at her with those quiet obsidian eyes, which still held traces of pain.
“Lex, I need you to be honest with me,” Aykira said. “Something is physically wrong! Why insist on hiding it? I wish only to help.”
“Ms. Hallick, there is nothing *wrong* with me.” His voice had risen slightly and had a tinge of anger. “Now, what did you come here for?”
“Remember our meeting this morning? You wanted to discuss the long-range cost and material projections for the restoration of Suicide Slope.” Reluctantly, she slipped into the familiar role of administrative assistant and sat down with him to begin their meeting.
<He is experiencing headaches, slight hand tremors, and now sudden dizziness. I do not like where this is headed.> she thought, while watching him struggle to hold the papers with trembling hands. When the meeting was concluded, Aykira gathered up all the materials and put them away, except for one diskette still lying on Lex’s desk.
“I need to pack up that final diskette Mr. Luthor.”
“Of course.” He tried to gather up the item, but his hands were trembling so badly the task was impossible.
“Allow me,” Aykira said, in one smooth movement she had the diskette in its travel folder. She made it a point not to look at him, but it was too late.
“You need not regard me with pity!” he snapped. My hands are working perfectly.”
“No Lex, they are not. Stop trying to conceal the obvious.”
“When I need your expert *medical* opinion, I shall ask for it. Until then, stick to doing what I pay you to do!”
Something inside Aykira twisted. She fought hard to keep the frustration and resentment from boiling over, but failed miserably.
“For once in your life Lex, allow a person to help! It is not a sign of human weakness if someone gets close!” She snapped. “If anything, it is a sign that humanity has not departed from you altogether!”
“As I mentioned to you previously, *nothing* is wrong!” He roared back
“Right.” Her voice lowered in volume, but it rang like forged steel. “Then if nothing is wrong, you won’t mind if I take a few days vacation?”
“What? Impossible! You cannot leave now!”
“I believe I can. If my services are still required, please contact me at home. Good day, Mr. Luthor!” Aykira placed the bulky organizer under her arm and walked briskly out of the room. Instead of closing the door quietly, as was her custom she slammed it with all her might.
***
The silence in Lex’s office was deafening after the resounding bang from his assistant’s departure. He stared darkly at the door astounded at the sheer audacity of her behavior. “Th… that woman!” He sputtered in anger. “How dare she leave in the middle of an argument?” He stood up slowly, the effects of this latest seizure swiftly passing. With some effort, he walked toward the terrace doors, opened them, and stepped into the early morning sunshine. This morning, thankfully, the light only bothered his eyes a little.
He thought back over their first meeting, her job interview and how she was never apprehensive with his wealth and prestige. Upon gaining the position, she had worked hard to make the job her own. Aykira only cared about accomplishing her duties in the most efficient, yet productive manner possible. He had come to rely on her judgment heavily for so many things. It was almost as if she were a complement of him.
<She means so much more to me than being an assistant. Why do I keep pushing her away? I need to get her back here immediately. Who else can I trust to help me run LexCorp – and be my friend?>
He would speak to her after his appointment with Dr. Kassaten.
***
“Jane. I will be out of the office for a few days...on vacation.”
Her assistant noticed the flush look on Aykira’s face and realized her boss had had another fight with Mr. Luthor. Wisely, she chose to say nothing.
“All right. Do y’all want me to forward any important messages to your home?”
“I think not. It is a working vacation…only Mr. Luthor will be able to contact me.” Jane’s ears did not miss the hard edge in Aykira’s voice. There was more to such a tone than a mere business disagreement. Her ears perked up when she heard Aykira’s tone soften and say. “Do not worry Jane, I am not going anywhere. You know how changeable he can be. Try and hold the fort down!” Visibly relieved, Jane smiled and promised to look after things.
***
Hurriedly Aykira entered her office and sent off a number of e-mails to different members of her staff, informing them of her decision to take a brief vacation. Considering Lex’s behavior for the past week or so returning to this office suite might not happen, but she wanted to cover all possible angles.
Her last e-mail was sent to Radames. Just to be on the safe side, she asked him to contact her at home if he located the particular computer item she had requested earlier that week. She checked the time… 9:22am. Lex had not followed her or sent an e-mail. <Good! He is probably cooling off as well.>
The administrative assistant stood up, filled her briefcase with personal paperwork, grabbed her purse and departed from the beautifully decorated office suite. Her heart gave a little lurch of apprehension, hoping this would not be the last time she closed the door.
***
It was nearly 9:30 when Lois left from Uncle Mike’s restaurant, Café Americana. After Clark flew out her window early that morning, she was restless and too excited for sleep.
How would they treat each other in the newsroom? Now work and the assignments they shared held a deeper promise of greater adventures to come.
Slowly Lois began cleaning up the cups, dishes and plates from the evening’s conversation. It was difficult working with one arm hung in a sling, once done she experienced a happy sense of accomplishment, but now she wanted coffee. There was only one place close by and at this early morning hour where she could get a decent low-fat mocha latte. Uncle Mike’s.
Lois took a quick invigorating shower and departed for the restaurant. In a very short time she found herself perched on a comfortable chair observing the cooks and wait staff preparing for the early morning breakfast crowd.
Presiding happily over the frothing energy of his kitchen, Mike Lane bustled over to his niece holding a steaming mocha latte and a brioche, warm and fluffy, fresh from the oven. She took the plate and cup eying hungrily their contents. She took a sip, savoring the experience of the warm, delicious liquid smoothly flowing down her throat. “Yummy, sheer perfection!” Her mouth curved into a wickedly happy smile. Thank you Uncle Mike. If you keep this up, I’m going to have to learn how to bake!”
“Okay, next week’s cooking lesson is brioche 101.”
“Oh come on Uncle Mike. Are you serious? I am a disaster in the kitchen… zero talent.”
“Look pumpkin, cooking is a survival skill. Besides my suggestion still stands; tell Perry it’s for a new article.”
Lois stared at her uncle then rolled her eyes. “He’ll never buy it!”
Mike smiled and lowered his voice. “Then cook for Clark.”
Lois’ face blushed a light shade of crimson, took a bite of the brioche, smiled in rapacious pleasure than murmured, “Okay.”
“What?” The older man stared in disbelief then smiled knowingly. He gave his favorite niece a hug then walked toward one of the ovens to inspect the cinnamon raisin muffins.
Shortly thereafter, despite the caffeine and hectic surroundings of the kitchen, Lois finally grew sleepy enough to want to go home. With a happy smile and a barely muffled yawn, she bade her uncle good-bye. Mike handed her a bag containing baked goods and a salad for later. Slowly, in a contented mood, she made her way home and despite the sling, slept sounder than she had in weeks.
***
Late morning found Cat Grant sitting at a sidewalk table outside the Java Perk. The gossip columnist ignored throngs of customers knocking back paper cups of expensive lattes and espressos, while she happily sipped citrus-flavored vitamin water. Sure, she was breaking the rules not coming into the office on time, but today’s column was written and George had a rare free morning. So what if her fiancé was just a little late… the Daily Planet could wait.
Cat was anxious to show George the wedding invitation responses. She looked over the names; Perry and Alice White, Jimmy Olsen and guest, Clark Kent coming on his own. He would probably ask Lois Lane to accompany him. The handsome reporter showing up without his partner or worst yet, with another woman was unthinkable. Besides, Clark would probably not attend, if Lois had been left off the guest list. Cat could just imagine Clark ignoring the invitation and taking his partner on a night on the town, to prevent her from feeling left out. They grew real men old-fashioned manners in the Midwest.
She was surprised at herself for inviting the prickly female reporter. Happily, they had reached an unspoken truce of sorts since her engagement.
<Oh well.> she smiled mentally. <Only six more weeks until her name was officially changed to Grant-Amundsen.>
There had been a number of changes already in her life. Since accepting George’s proposal, she had focused on creating the ‘perfect’ wedding. Originally, Cat envisioned an over-the-top celebrity studded event - one to rival the White Orchid ball. Her previous marriage started in a tacky wedding chapel in Las Vegas. The faded wallpaper depicted Victorian scenes of Cupid shooting arrows at hapless victims. Cat shuddered whenever she saw any pictures of the mythical creature. She also remembered the ugly cramped room smelled of stale perfume and old cigar smoke. This time the nuptials would be elegant and classy.
Blissfully happy, Cat plunged into the time-honored tasks of planning a wedding. Soon she began making arrangements for a ceremony and reception venue, flowers, catering and shopping for her one-of-a-kind designer gown. She was giddy with the idea of experiencing ‘her’ triumphant day…with George of course!
Unfortunately, reality came crashing down on the gossip columnist. Between the cost of such an event and her fiancée’s insistence on a meaningful occasion, Cat had to pull in her claws. Now with time getting closer, she anxiously wanted the occasion to be over and move on with their new intermingled lives… in Seattle.
Cat had already managed to get a job with the Sentinel, a sister paper to the Planet, as an art reporter for the weekend section of the paper. Naturally, it was not a plumb job like gossip columnist, but Cat was not concerned. She wanted the position only as income to pay for her tuition. Catherine Grant was going back to school to finish getting her degree in European art history.
“Hey, Ms. Grant, hot out the oven, just for you, a ‘whispering eye’ muffin.”
“Oh Jason… I’m such a bad girl! The *last thing* my hips need is one of your dangerous blueberry muffins!”
Jason Cavatini shrugged his slim shoulders. The owner and chief baker of the Java Perk always awarded a distinctive and nonsensical name to one favored muffin each week. It was his coffee shop’s trademark, a distinctive way to allow the flavored breads to stand out. “Yeah well, in Seattle there are no ‘whispering eyes’. Bon Appétit!” He winked and hurried back to the kitchen.
Cat smiled after him. Java Perk represented one of many things she would miss about Metropolis, but there were always new places to explore and people to meet.
“Hey Red!” A familiar voice broke into her train of thought.
“Hey yourself, handsome!”
Sitting down with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, George chatted amicably with his fiancée, happy to talk about their upcoming nuptials and avoid conversation about work. Earlier that week Cat had asked him about the break-in at LexSolar, and George honestly told her the matter could not be discussed with anyone outside of work.
Cat was not pleased to hear it, but respected his request; taking unfair advantage of their personal relationship for her column was the wrong way to begin a marriage.
They continued talking until George fell silent and his eyes intently followed something or someone outside the shop.
“Babe, what’s wrong?” Cat asked, following his gaze.
“Across the street,” he pointed his chin toward Aykira. “Lex Luthor’s personal assistant and some time media liaison. She looks to be in a hurry. From the tone of his voice, Cat detected a mild undercurrent concern directed at the other woman. It took all her self-control not to ask any questions. After all, Aykira was part of LexCorp and that was all part of work. No reason to get themselves bent out of shape over matters, which were out of their hands. She took the scientist’s face in her hands and spoke decisively.
“Earth to George. Come in George! We have seating arrangements for the reception to discuss, remember?”
“Oh… oh yes, you are so right, Red. Looking at Ms. Hallick reminds me of all the reasons I want to leave LexSolar behind. Seattle and my new job at the University, working on my book and most of all building a life with you are far more enjoyable prospects. Now, where were we?”
“You got the position!?” Cat squeaked.
“Yes indeed!” he said modestly. “I set my own schedule, so work on the book will finally get some decent attention.”
They talked about the future, split the wickedly delicious muffin, and simply enjoyed the pleasure of each other’s company.
***
Aykira had decided to walk home from LexCorp. She desperately needed to clear her head after the terrible clash with Lex. Such deep emotional outbursts were unpleasant and tended to drain her mentally. This was the second time in two weeks she had threatened to quit. Perhaps this time the billionaire would take the threat seriously and fire her.
As tired feet propelled her homeward, Aykira suddenly felt a familiar warmth on her right index finger. She looked down and noticed that the symbols on the ring glowed, a faint blue color. Excited, she stopped walking and stepped into the street and began waving her arms frantically to hail down a cab. She needed to return home as soon as possible.
A Metrocab pulled up beside her. She opened the heavy car door and threw her body into the back seat, she spoke breathlessly to the driver. “Please take me to the Lucerne condo building on Fortitude Terrace. The tip will be generous.”
“The man’s bland face split into a grin. “Done! Hold on!”
The vehicle lurched forward, its engines roaring. Aykira stomach flipped not once but twice. <Oh, no.> She thought. <Perhaps I should have offered him more to be careful!>
As good as his word, the driver pulled in front of the salmon-colored art deco designed building in under fifteen minutes. The dark woman handed over a twenty dollar bill for a five dollar fare. “Keep the change.” she announced while exiting the vehicle.
“Thank you Madame!” The driver gave a genuine salute and drove off. Aykira ran into the lobby and upon reaching the elevator instrument panel her thumb pressed hard on the up button. Her right index finger still tingled with the insistent warmth from the ring. <I don’t need to miss this contact.> The high-speed elevator car arrived at the lobby, disgorging several passengers. Once inside, the car, impatiently she tapped her foot, readjusted her briefcase strap and blew out a sharp breath. <Move it, you misbegotten, piece of engineering!>
Within moments the elevator stopped on the eighth floor and the impatient woman hurried off, keys in hand and high heels digging into the corridor’s thick carpet. She opened the door and stepped inside the spacious two-bedroom apartment. Her movements were automatic, even absent minded as the briefcase and purse were laid on the entry hall table and the keys tossed into a brown and black woven willow basket she had purchased some time ago in Brazil.
With rushed movements, she entered the study; which was tastefully decorated in soothing cream and sage green hues. The simple modern writing table had a black top. She removed a pencil holder, pencil sharpener and a small calendar. Lifting the edge of the desk until it stood erect and clicked into place, it had the appearance of a flat screen monitor. She removed the ring which by this time had ceased glowing, and touched it to the upper right hand corner of the monitor. The etchings on the side of the ring matched small indentations, worked into the monitor, they dovetailed nicely.
The screen went from black to grey, than the hazy outline of a man’s face appeared, sounds like a voice calling from an immense distance reached her ears. A moment or two passed, then suddenly the long serious face of a man in his late forties or early fifties appeared wearing stylish horn rimmed glasses. Aykira beamed happily; at Dr. Bernard Klein, her long time friend and partner in her plot to locate the harmonic crystals filled the screen.
“Bern!” She breathed with a mixture of delight and relief. “It is very good to ‘see’ you this day.” She collected herself and inquired. “Is all well? This is outside of our bi-monthly update. There is positive news, I am closing in on the person at LexSolar who should lead me to the crystals. Mr. Luthor stole them to further his ambitions of putting his own space station into orbit. By apprehending his subordinate, it should be a simple matter of extracting the whereabouts of the crystals from them. It might be dangerous, but after all I have been through this challenge is minor.”
The scientist looked at Aykira with sad grey eyes, his long face only made the expression all the more somber. He started to speak thought better of it, sighed and started to speak again. “We knew your foray into this alt universe and world was a tremendous gamble and would take time, we are very patient. But…”
Alarm crept into Aykira’s voice. “Bern, did you contact me about Alexander? Is he well? The treatments have slowed down his brain tumor’s growth correct? I thought there was more time…”
The scientist smoothed down his black tie in a nervous gesture, then ran his fingers through thinning brownish gray hair. “No… no his condition has stabilized, the medicine is doing its job, the tumor’s growth has slowed. His doctors are very pleased.”
Breathing a sigh of relief and closing her eyes, Aykira gratefully murmured thanks. “Then what is it Bern? Forgive me my friend, but are *you* all right?”
“I am well, Aykira. I am contacting you to tell you news… “
Outside of Bern’s office, happy voices were heard, shouts of congratulations.
“What is the occasion? It sounds like a full blown party has erupted over there. I wish I could be there…with Alexander.” She said wistfully.
Looking extremely uncomfortable, Bern spoke, his words forlorn. “He’s the one I wanted to tell you about. His medical condition has improved so dramatically he decided to…”
The conversation was interrupted by an insistent knock at the door. Bern turned his back on Aykira and shouted, “Come back later.” But whoever was on the other side refused to listen and the door swung open. A smiling tall handsome man with black curly hair and obsidian eyes entered the room; he wore a crisp white shirt and relaxed cut blue jeans. Aykira mouth spread into a wide grin. She was about to shout a greeting at the handsome man over the link. Suddenly a petite blonde haired, green-eyed woman raced into the room and up to the tall man, slipping her hand into his.
“Bern, you really must tell this person to contact you later. The entire lab staff is throwing us a party! The only person not here from your original team is Aykira. She must really like the land of ice and snow.” The blonde woman said without looking at the monitor. “Surely whatever conference this is can wait a half hour?”
“Yes, come join us,” the tall man said placing a hand on Bern’s shoulder. “It is not every day that a confirmed bachelor such as myself proposes to the woman of his dreams.”
“I was absolutely thrilled! Imagine me…Mrs. Lex Luthor!” The blonde woman extended her left hand to show Bern a sparkling diamond.
A strangled cry of shock escaped her throat and Aykira nearly severed the link with her world. Before the happy couple realized who their fellow scientist was talking to Bernard Klein hastily shooed them out of his office. He provided the excuse that the call was both highly important and confidential. Once the office door was closed and locked, he returned to the monitor and a saddened Aykira. “Please accept my deepest apologizes. I wanted to tell you myself that Alexander…Lex… is marrying Toni Baines. You have a right to know immediately, not upon returning from this mission.
Aykira fought hard to control her devastation. Such feelings must be expressed later in private. “Bern, so many years spent here in an alternative Earth waiting for the crystals to be invented, terrified of discovery at any time. Working for someone who looks exactly like Alexander, but *not* him. All of my sacrifice and Antoinette just twists him around her finger?” She wanted to cry, but fought hard to control herself. There was more at stake than saving Alexander’s life. The crystals were desperately needed as an energy source for her world.
Bern’s face displayed great sadness, he placed a hand on the monitor attempting to reach out and comfort his friend. “Aykira, I wish you had revealed your feelings for him.
“Ah yes, my silence has damned me. Bern, remember how Alexander was when he first heard the diagnosis? He was angry and in shock, if I had told him then my feelings he would have thought I was doing it out of pity. Not love. Time, it seems, is always my enemy.” She sighed, fought back more tears, not wishing to waste precious moments of tenuous contact with her own world on such a private matter. She steered the conversation in a completely different direction.
“So my friend; how stands the energy crisis on our world?”
“We are working to radically improve and upgrade the few nuclear power plants remaining. The high council is not keen on the idea of using such a dangerous energy source. As you know improper maintenance and old age has lead to a large number of horrible accidents. Extensive drilling for natural gas reserves has been stepped up. Even offshore oil drilling is greater than before. But all this is only weakening the planet’s resources. Harmonic Crystal technology is the key to mankind’s future.”
We are of course addressing the use of solar panels as well, but they work best with the crystals. The research into re-discovering the crystals continues but it is a very slow process.”
“No one besides yourself and Alexander know I am here?”
“As per our initial decision. We don’t want to build any false hopes. The very fact of Alt-Earth discovery of the crystals validates our transporting you there despite the council’s orders against it. Only six months have passed here since your departure. The cover story of you working in a solar energy research station in the Alaskan wilderness is holding up nicely.”
“Six months on your side, Bern, yet six long challenging *years* for me. It is fortunate the people of our Earth have such long life spans. Physically, I have only aged three years. Let us just hope no one from the council requests my presence anytime soon.”
“The scientist looked very uncomfortable. Aykira, it was my fault that miscalculation was the most costly scientific mistake I have ever made, but you have paid the price.”
“In more ways than you can imagine…”
Bern’s features molded into a desperate pleading appearance he said. “Come home. Let me take your place and finish the mission.”
“No.” She whispered with a watery smile. “The gesture is more gallant than practical. I have everything in place here. As I mentioned earlier discovering the identity of Lex… Mr. Luthor’s confederates will lead me to the crystals. You would have to start at zero. Besides,” she sighed sadly. “There is no reason to rush home now.”
***
It was close to six o’clock that evening as Lex strode confidentially into the Kepler Neurological Center lobby and announced his name to the receptionist. The older woman’s mouth shaped into a counterfeit smile and told the billionaire to go straight upstairs. “Dr. Kassaten is expecting you, sir,” she said crisply.
It took only a few moments for him to arrive at the doctor’s office suite. Lex cast a critical eye over the bland office décor and faded couch used for seating patients. He thought brusquely. <Considering the cost of this doctor’s visit the man should invest some capital into making the room more accommodating to his patients.>
A nurse, one with a more compassionate manner, escorted him into examining room and told him Dr. Kassaten would be there shortly. Lex looked around the room. A number of diplomas from different universities were on the wall and an impressive ink depiction of the human brain was on the right side of the diplomas. There was a long examining table, two uncomfortable looking gray plastic chairs, but not much else to recommend the room. <I will contact Candace and ask her to give this place a design makeover. She can forward all the expenses to me.>
Lex thoughts were broken when a short, owlish looking man wearing a white lab coat entered the sterile examination room. Dr. Kassaten’s clinical, even cold demeanor always reminded him of an owl about to attack a frightened mouse. Still he was not paying the highly trained and talented neurosurgeon for his personality. All Lex cared about was results and in this situation he hoped they were negative ones.
“Thank you for seeing me with on such short notice this evening, Dr. Kassaten.”
“Not a problem, Mr. Luthor. It is understandable; the anxiety of waiting on tests results is easier said than done. Your personal physician, Dr. Baxter, forwarded the scans here, he wanted my expert diagnosis.”
“Yes, even though he is the best general practitioner in Metropolis, neurology is not his forte.” Lex drew a deep breath and said, “Doctor, as you can imagine I am a busy man. What… what were the test’s results?”
“The MRI scans we performed last week yielded an outcome that is conclusive Mr. Luthor. I am sorry to inform you that your brain has an astocytoma. There are many types; unfortunately, yours is called glioblastoma, which is highly aggressive and remarkably difficult to treat. Without radical surgery, the chances of survival outside of a year are minimal. But with the surgery, your symptoms will be alleviated and allow you to enjoy a normal – albeit with limits – life for a couple of years longer.
Twisting angrily in the hard plastic chair to cover his disbelief, Lex remarked. “There must be some mistake Doctor Kassaten. I feel perfectly fine.”
“That’s the worst part about this particular type of tumor. Its ill effects sometimes appear to vanish, leaving the patient symptom free, but when it is least expected they return, stronger than before.”
“Doctor, I assure you I am not some *patient*. My money helped build this place. I had intended to provide your office with a free makeover from one of the country’s best designers. But now such a favor is out of the question.” Lex, his temper frayed, voice grew louder.
“Who are you?” The billionaire sneered. “I intend to get a second opinion and a third. I will prove you wrong.” Lex stood up from the chair, pulled one of the diplomas off the wall and threw it to the floor. Shattering the frame’s glass into several large pieces.
Dr. Kassaten stoically watched and listened to the billionaire’s tirade. He quickly held Lex by the shoulders and with surprising strength forcefully sat him back down into the chair. Lex was in too much shock to fight back but stared at the surgeon in utter surprise. The atmosphere in the room was tense, but Dr. Kassaten responded in an oddly soothing manner. “I am sorry sir, but these are the facts. If you wish to pursue another opinion that is of course your right, but the conclusion will unhappily be the same.”
Lex looked carefully into the man’s eyes and accepted their genuineness. He knew without question, his life had changed forever. The billionaire; leaned back in the hard plastic chair and running trembling fingers through his hair, reluctantly accepted defeat. “Go on Doctor. What kind of surgery is it?”
“I want to schedule neuroendoport surgery for this Friday. It is a minimally invasive procedure for deep-rooted tumors. A narrow tube or port allows me to access the gliomas through a tiny incision in the skull. Such an approach Mr. Luthor offers the benefit of minimal scarring, fewer side effects, complications, and a fast recovery time.”
Dr. Kassaten’s conversation turned to other matters, such as strict regimen of drugs and prescriptions. Proper diet. Plenty of the correct exercises. Complete and utter avoidance of cigars and alcohol. He wrote out three prescriptions to help Lex deal with the seizures. He informed the billionaire to clear his calendar and come in for surgery at the end of the week.
Lex heard only five words for every ten; his mind could not comprehend the affront that was happening to his body. However, there were other considerations, ones which, must be addressed immediately.
“Dr. Kassaten. What if the procedure is postponed for a couple of weeks? Ten days at the most? LexCorp is a major worldwide conglomerate. I am its head. Literally thousands of people depend on me for their livelihood. It is imperative I legally put my temporary replacement in position, otherwise the financial repercussions will be considerable.”
Mr. Luthor, your conditions is quite serious. Delaying the operation would be most unwise. By rights I should be arranging for your surgery immediately.”
“Yes, yes… Doctor Kassaten, just answer the damn question!”
Shaking his head in defeat, the neurologist responded. “It is against my better judgment, but yes, ten days at the most. Nevertheless, take the medicine and avoid any unnecessary stress. My nurse will provide all the proper forms and information.”
***
Twenty minutes later, Lex Luthor, third richest man in the world, emerged from the Doctor’s office a broken, frightened man. All bravado in the examination room had vanished. His hands shook and his eyelids continued blinking uncontrollably. He stepped onto the elevator, which was thankfully empty. Somehow, perhaps through sheer will alone, his body moved through the building reception area in a stiff, mechanical fashion. The indifferent receptionist, seeing his distress called out to him, with real concern in her voice. However, the billionaire ignored her question and slowly walked through the revolving doors outside toward the waiting black limousine.
“Where to next Mr. Luthor?” the driver asked.
“What?” He looked up distracted. “Oh, it…it doesn’t matter. Take me for a drive around the city.”
<How did this happen? I ignored the hand spasms and headaches for months; thinking it was due to a build-up of stress. How ironic, I fought up through the streets to amass immense wealth to better my life and now it is about to end. Dr. Kassaten said my affliction has entered the final stages, even with exposure to the crystals I am doomed.>
Luthor looked around the sumptuously appointed vehicle, felt the exquisite leather of its seats, one of his many possessions - it gave him no comfort. He mentally thought of all of his numerous paintings, houses, stock and bonds.
All the business contacts, acquaintances and ex-lovers who had passed through his turbulent life and realized a glacially bitter truth; despite all the wealth he possessed and people he knew… Lex Luthor was the poorest and loneliest creature on the planet.
What of Space Station Lex? His greatest building achievement to remain undone. A most bitter pill to swallow, he wanted the space station to be the highest manmade object in the heavens. Gazers into the night sky had to think of him whenever they saw it. His own ‘Wonder of the World’ was over before it started, for who would tackle such a project once, he was gone?
For the first time since his parents’ death, genuine tears sprang to his eyes and threatened to roll down freshly shaven cheeks. He fought to control this uncharacteristic, emotional tumult. Searching in his jacket pocket for a handkerchief, a meeting reminder tumbled out. Annoyed, he crushed the note in his hand, than he opened the paper, it was written in Aykira’s elegant hand.
Aykira. He wanted - needed to see her.
“Mr. Bolton,” he said to the driver. “Take me to Fortitude Terrace Drive, the Lucerne building. Miss Hallick’s apartment, I believe you have dropped her off in the past?”
“Yes sir. Right away.”
Lex eased back into the dark leather seat. He prayed she was home.
***
Aykira sat curled up on the plush cinnamon sofa reading in her living room about the successful Antarctic crossing of Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team. In her world, Sir Shackleton’s expedition had failed miserably. It was one of several striking differences between her world and the one she now inhabited. Light reading such as this relaxed her; it took a concerted effort not to dwell on Alexander and his fiancé. Her mind began to drift, when her doorman called upstairs over the intercom.
Walking barefoot over the warm wooden floors Aykira responded. “Yes Ken?”
“Ms. Hallick, there’s a gentleman here by the name of Lex Luthor. Shall I send him up?”
<Lex? Here? What on earth for? Was it too much to imagine the billionaire might want to apologize? Truly she did not want to see Alexander’s doppelganger this evening, she had already dealt with too many painful emotional upheavals for one day.>
Gently laying her forehead on the wall’s cool surface, she took a slight breath, than spoke into the intercom. “Yes Ken, please send him up.”
Concerned over her messy appearance, she hastily changed from baggy sweats to a soft navy cashmere pullover and blue jeans. Quickly she ran a comb through her long hair, checked her appearance in the hallway mirror and opened the door.
The shaken and disheveled man who entered her apartment was barely recognizable from the urbane and confident billionaire she had left at the office that morning. Lex Luthor’s eyes were red and swollen…from shed tears. However, it was much more than that. His very demeanor had undergone an abrupt transformation. As if the invisible steel cables, which enmeshed and shaped his life were brutally severed, abandoning him adrift in pain. With concern etched deeply across her features, she bid him sit down.
“W… would you like something to drink?” she asked, barely recognizing her own voice, Lex’s altered behavior deeply disturbed her.
“No.” Bowing his head, he angrily racked his hands through the dark curly mass of black hair. Suddenly those hands began to shake violently. A harsh, tortured whisper escaped from the depths of his throat. “It’s all over… everything for nothing. Vanity, tis all vanity; striving after the wind...” He threw himself aggressively onto the couch, sobs escaping his throat. Years of pent-up emotions burst free.
Wrapping her arms around him she pleaded, “Lex, please talk to me.”
He looked up, crying. He gently took her slim brown hands in his; the ever-present engraved silver ring glistened delicately and in a rough voice filled with passion, said unhurriedly. “I… I hardly know where to begin.”
“Then let me hold you until the words come.”
No words were spoken as the frightened man took this strong, supportive woman in his arms, this was so much better to hold her. To ease the emotional tumult and calm his frightened heart.
“My behavior for the past few weeks has been odd, to put it mildly.”
“That,” she responded while stroking his hair, “is a definite understatement.”
“Yes, well that yelling match, in my office this morning was definitely not the real me.” Lex smiled sheepishly and bowed his head in genuine humility.
She held her tongue, revisiting that incident was an exercise in futility. Despite Aykira’s own painful revelation that morning she needed to put that aside and listen to him.
He spoke in halting terms about the painful headaches, which started months ago; he had thought they were brought on by relentless work stress. “The matter did not concern me until the seizures began in earnest. M… my hands would tremble horribly, than my legs – for brief spans were incapable of supporting me. The final straw came when my eyes grew sensitive to light…especially in the early afternoon. It was all very frightening.”
“Lex, you should have told me about it. There was no reason for you to hide anything from me. Are we not… friends?”
He held her hands to his chest, drawing strength from her touch. “I know that now. ‘Pride goeth before the fall’. I thought I could handle everything… anything on my own.”
“Lex, there must be something we can do… a procedure to be tried. We cannot just give up!”
“Dr. Kassaten said the tumor has grown too rapidly for that. It is in the advance stages; quite frankly, he’s surprised I’ve lasted this long without treatment. Even unconventional cures are out of the question.”
<Have you thought of *everything*?> Her mind questioned. She could not tell him all she knew about the harmonic crystals theft. What those cursed manufacturer gems were capable of?
Surely, he had to be aware of their medicinal abilities? Still, she hesitated. To reveal her mission would undermine everything, but letting him die? <There must be another option!>
“Long ago,” Lex began. “I once told a reporter that my greatest asset was character assessment. The first day we met; the qualities of integrity, strength of will, and most of all loyalty were a key part of your character. Over time, those are qualities, which I have come to lean upon… and cherish. In the past few weeks as we have drawn closer than ever before. I… I did not truly appreciate the depth of our relationship. It sickens me to think I almost squandered it for selfish, carnal gain.”
He stood up and paced the living room floor, straightening his tie and smoothing down the black wavy hair. Lex’s comportment and appearance steadily reverted to a man who had once again regained his focus and center. She watched as he stopped in the middle of the floor and gazed lovingly at her face, than continued. “I carved out an empire, determined to make my own way in life. A man is the artisan of his own future. I very much want to spend that future…albeit, no matter how short, with you, dearest Aykira.”
“Lex, whatever happens, I promise you we will face it together.”
He walked back to the couch, sat down and took her hands again. “Then stay by my side… as my wife.”
The unexpected words roared in her ears. Releasing his grip, Aykira stood up rapidly from the couch and walked away from him, her bare feet suddenly icy on the warm wooden floor.
“Marriage? I… I don’t know what to say. All of this is so sudden Lex.”
Shaking her head in confusion, she continued. “Remember, it was less than twelve hours ago we were yelling at each other. Because in the back of my mind I was convinced you were with another woman.”
The billionaire stood up as well, all pretense of the suave cosmopolitan was gone, leaving only a man desperate to press his argument. He walked toward her tall and straight, emanating a sense of nobility so powerful, it threatened to overwhelm her. “I was mistaken to demand intimacy after our brief kiss. So many women have thrown themselves at me, wanting only what my money and power can provide. Not for myself as a man. But you… you Aykira from the moment we met never cared about such things. Throwing you in with that crowd was arrogant and demeaning.”
She watched him and listened spellbound as he verbally tore down all of his defenses.
“You may find this hard to believe, but I wanted us to have a full courtship. That day you hesitated to be interviewed by Lois Lane, I realized the importance of having Aykira Hallick in my life. If there was time, I would cherish you as no other woman in my life. But my sweet, time has caught me out. You once said loyalty is a commitment, so is love, one to last a lifetime. Sadly, we only have a short here and now.”
Tears filled hazel eyes; than tumbled down her cheeks. She wiped them fiercely away; this day had been full of bitter news hard to comprehend. The confession of his love for her… and his proposal was a happy surprise. Nevertheless, she still needed time. Taking a deep breath, she spoke. “No one should go through such a terrible ordeal alone, but Lex I must have time to meditate. Please, tonight is all I ask.”
He bowed his head in sadness. But ever the gentleman to this mysterious woman he agreed.
“Very well. I should let Mr. Bolton know I’m coming downstairs.”
“I will be at the office first thing tomorrow morning with my answer.”
“It is all I ask.” Lex held her face in his hands and first kissed the tracks of tears away and than her warm, luscious lips. They embraced each other with a fervor that once again frightened but thrilled them. His voice whispered into a delicate ear, “Don’t ask me to sleep alone too long. I pray your answer is yes.” His lips slide down her exposed throat and gently the tip of his tongue traced the length of her left collarbone. “Goodnight my sweet.”
Their bodies separated. Aykira’s knees trembled with the shock of denied passion. Before she realized what had happened, Lex was gone.
“Oh my… “ her voice quavered, the sound of an excited, tumultuous heartbeat pounded in her ears.
