Part Fifteen
In high spirits, Clark Kent tapped a happy shave-and-a-haircut rap on Lois Lane’s front door.
Looking through the peephole she said, “Clark you’re here already?” With the inevitable sounds of locks turning and bolts drawn back, she clumsily opened the door and welcomed him inside. Her partner stepped into the familiar apartment and waited for her to finish getting ready, which was taking a little longer than usual with only one arm.
“Of course I’m here! Hey, this is my favorite partner’s first day back at the job. Nothing and no one is going to stop me from escorting her to Java Perk and then the Daily Planet.” Clark stepped back and really looked at what Lois was wearing. Despite the ugly blue sling holding her arm in place, his partner wore a shimmering burnt orange dupioni silk wrap jacket which looked stunning next to her creamy skin. The matching skirt was long but tapered nicely against her hips and the simple side slit displayed a hint of shapely legs. The sight of those legs caught his breath away - Lois Lane was truly a beautiful woman.
“Wow the suit looks fantastic on you!” Her partner stood transfixed at the door, thoughts were running through his mind that really shouldn’t be there….
Lois rewarded his compliment with a genuine beaming smile. He had a sneaking suspicion she really wanted to appear special today – for him. “Thank you.” She responded graciously to his compliment, not a prickly comment in sight. “It should only take a moment to get my briefcase.”
Before she could step away, Clark touched her arm and gently, oh so gently drew her to his chest. “No. Thank you Lois for being more than my work partner… so much more than a friend.” He surprised himself and bent down, kissing her tenderly.
After the kiss, they stepped apart their breathing a little harder than a moment before. Lois touched a forefinger to her lips than spoke first, whispering. “I need to get my casebrief… ah briefcase.” Then she reluctantly slipped out of his grasp in pursuit of the bag.
Minutes later, they excited Lois’s apartment quietly holding hands and wishing they could spend the day with each other exploring the wonders of the world rather than heading for the Daily Planet.
Self consciously Clark tentatively took hold of Lois’s right arm and the attractive young couple walked down the broad sidewalk of brownstone lined Carter Avenue. The tree limbs and branches were bursting with green leaves gently swaying in the morning breeze. He noticed owners of several of the houses had medium-sized colorful spring potted plants on the stairs, giving the stately old buildings a welcoming almost garden-like flair.
They crossed a wide main thoroughfare and walked pass stately Hyperion Avenue. The houses on this block were gracious three story townhomes. At one time seriously neglected, but several determined renovators were purchasing the buildings to restore these architectural gems to their splendor of a bygone era.
Clark always loved this particular part of Metropolis not just because it was where Lois lived, but because the Nayland Heights neighborhood said…home.
He felt just great, walking with Lois close by, as more than a friend or her work partner, they were finally a *couple*. This was just the type of relationship he had dreamt about for years, but many times thought might never become a reality. Yet here they were. The young man smiled to himself thinking of the days and perhaps years to come when as husband and wife walking to the Daily Planet every morning became routine.
The stray thought came at him out of thin air, startling him so much he almost stumbled.
“Hey flyboy! Better be careful, otherwise I might need to call Superman and ask him to fly us to work.” Lois’ voice rang with merriment.
Warm chocolate eyes gazed intently at the lovely brunette and he whispered, “Someday soon I will.”
***
Radames Perez entered his small office within LexCorp’s IT department, ready to start the morning routine. First, he bumped the computer out of its sleep mode than checked his voice-mail. The terse message from his Supervisor, Levi Tobin, caught him off guard.
“Listen I hate to dump this job on you first thing in the morning, but check on Dr. Frederick Scott’s computer at LexSolar in the LIP. Don’t bother driving over there. Use the autopilot program to check over the hard drive wipe I performed a couple of nights ago. Apparently there are critical files in there he does want anyone to see. The idiot wouldn’t leave me alone for a second, so the defrag program might not have been as conclusive as he liked. So wipe out any sub-folders if they appear. Leave an e-mail update. Thanks partner. I owe you one.”
<Jeez, like I don’t have enough computer forensic work to do today. Let me run a quick diagnosis on this guy’s hard drive. Assure him all is well, than I can get back to my *real* work. Checking the scientist’s printer logs for Aykira.>
Within thirty minutes Radames had completed a thorough background and diagnostic check of Scott’s computer. Seeing nothing out of the ordinary he was about to wrap up when a sub-folder appeared within one of the main folders which had been missed by Tobin.
Radames was about to delete the sub-folder when he noticed the time stamp of its creation… the day before the break-in. Something told the programmer accessing this file might contain the material Aykira was looking for.
Clicking on the icon, he opened the sub-folder, picked a file marked ‘Crystal Extraction team’ at random, opened it and started reading. The man’s ears perked up and suddenly his heart beat faltered than increased with alarm. This was serious grand larceny stuff! There was a fully detailed plan for high jacking the freighter Shackleton, along with names of the men who did the crime. Not to mention a navy official who ‘loaned’ these men a mini-sub.
Whatever reason Aykira needed this file and its contents he wanted no parts of it. With practiced movements the programmer downloaded the entire file onto a flash drive, than erased it from Scott’s hard drive.
Radames used the autopilot program to skillfully erect a backdoor out of Scott’s computer leaving no trace of his efforts. If Levi Tobin asked him whether or not the work order had been filled he intended to deny it. As a member of the hacker elite admitting to knowledge of the kind Scott was concealing could only land him in jail… or worse.
Bending down over his phone, Radames contacted a courier service and requested they send a person to his office to pick-up a package. The courier’s final destination would be provided upon arrival at LexCorp.
The programmer shook his head and thought worriedly. <Whatever special project Aykira is involved can only lead to trouble… the kind a person does not ‘recover’ from. Perhaps I should be looking into another place of employment?>
***
Lois peeked hungrily into the pastry display case at the Java Perk, wondering what whimsical muffin name Jason had concocted this week. Than the owner put a small white cardboard sign in front of a tray of carrot walnut raisin muffins newly emerged from the oven. The orange colored ink boldly stated the name ‘Canker Holler’.
The reporter rolled her eyes and shook her head, chestnut colored hair flowing easily. It did not make any sense! Still it’s how the muffins tasted that mattered.
“A double mocha latte with whole milk *and* whipped cream? Where is the real Lois Lane?” asked the startled shopowner.
“Jason, once a year a girl is entitled to ‘walk on the wild side’! This is my first day back at the Planet and I intend to celebrate!” A happy Lois smiled with profound pleasure while sipping the comforting brew. “Oh, don’t forget to put the double fudge crunch bars my briefcase.”
“Your wish is my command. Good to see you back. Jimmy told me about the accident. When does the arm come out of the sling?”
<Accident? Must be the cover story Clark told everyone.> “Probably tomorrow. My doctor has to see how the stitches are healing.”
“That’s great! Hey Clark, I’ll bet you are really glad to have Miss Lane back in action?” Jason called out to the reporter as he expertly grabbed donuts and napkins to fill out their standing order.
Clark, beaming from ear to ear with his breathtaking grin, could not contain himself. “You bet! Working solo all the time was no fun at all! He took the crisp white bags from the Java Perk’s proprietor. Placed his hand on the small of Lois’ back and said over his shoulder. “We both are looking forward to working together again. See you later.”
They exited the coffee shop, full of hectic early morning imbibers of the marvelous brew. The partners were delighted to be settling back into their comfortable pre-work morning routine. Metropolis looked bright and sunny, the day full of happy opportunities.
Within moments, they were entering the lobby of the Daily Planet. Lois’ stomach did happy little butterfly twirls, returning to her second home at last. Sid, the taciturn old newsstand owner came around from his traditional spot and instead of a hug, the old gentleman presented her with two double fudge crunch bars. “On the house,” he mumbled, and then returned to waiting customers.
“Wow. Sid never gives me anything when I come back from sick leave!” Clark quipped as he pushed the elevator button.
“That’s because you are *never* sick…Flyboy!”
“Lois.” Her partner looked around nervously. “You might want to keep the ‘flyboy’ reference to when we are alone. Everyone knows flying planes is not something I do. Who knows who might be listening?”
At first Lois wanted to laugh at what she felt was Clark being oversensitive. After all they were in the Daily Planet lobby, *who* was going to hear them? But then looking into his chocolate eyes, shaded with genuine worry and concern, the full import of his ‘other’ life hit her. This is what it meant to ‘hide in plain sight’ for Clark to always be careful not to reveal who he was. These precautions were in place to protect himself, his parents and now her. Placing an understanding hand soothingly on his, she whispered, “I’m sorry Clark, I wasn’t thinking…Farmboy.” This last was said with a mischievous wink.
His beaming smile broke through the worry and they boarded the waiting elevator. “Let’s get upstairs before Perry thinks you are taking another sick day.” The doors closed and the couple folded awkwardly into each other arms; Clark being mindful of the sling and bakery bags. Despite the hindrance, it was divine to spend a few private moments sharing a warm, adoring kiss.
They enjoyed the brief respite of togetherness, than reluctantly separated only seconds before the elevator doors swung open. Smiling joyously, Lois thought. <Hello Daily Planet, newsroom! I’m back!>
As Lois and Clark walked over to the ramp, the air was punctured with greetings from the newsroom staff.
“Lois! Welcome back!” the normally shy Diane shouted while giving her a hug. “Today’s lunch is on me!”
“Ms. Lane, the place ain’t been the same without you!” Steve smiled effusively.
Jimmy ran up the ramp and gave Lois a brotherly squeeze. “This is great! The better half of the hottest team in town is back in action.”
“Lane, nice of you to come around and join the rest of the civilians? That must have been some party.” Cat put in while coming from the copy room, her arms loaded with folders, a few were plain manila, the others red.
“Ah, Cat you’re just jealous because you weren’t invited!”
“Umprh! Any party with you in attendance won’t interest me.” This was said without Cat’s former malicious edge. “Seriously, it’s good to have you back in the newsroom. Kent seems to be glad… even relieved.” This last was said while pointing her chin at Clark.
Lois looked into the other woman’s flashing green eyes and was immediately aware of Cat’s genuine concern. “Thank you.”
“Good. Since your arm is still healing, how about helping me go through my wedding RSVP’s? After all… you don’t have anything else to do.”
“In your dreams lady! Lois tossed back the comment without any heat.
“Ha! That’s what’s missing around here! It’s a genuine news room catfight!” Ralph leered as he walked down the red staircase. The obsequious ‘reporter’ might have said more, but was silenced by Steve and Eduardo’s matching glares.
Finally, the Daily Planet’s hottest news team reached their desks. Each booted up their machines and began the day’s work. Lois groaned loudly at the number of unopened e-mails awaiting her response.
***
Cat sauntered back to her desk and placed the numerous folders on top. With deft movements two piles were formed. The red pile was wedding related while the manila pile contained work items. The gossip columnist was preparing a packet of materials for her replacement, whoever that might be.
Briefly, a wave of trepidation moved through her body. Was she sure leaving the Planet and an active career in entertainment reporting a wise decision? Was getting married and moving to the left coast the right move? She thought back to the days of the Nightfall Asteroid and the deep loneliness she experienced. George filled that terrible emptiness and now together they were enjoying a full and loving relationship. <Nope,> she thought, <the time is right to make some changes and move into a new phase of my life.> Glancing over at the ‘hottest team in town’. Changes had taken place on that front as well.
She had seen the look on Lois and Clark’s faces upon exiting the elevator. Their easy companionship had taken a major turn, despite the prickly female reporter’s former standoffish behavior. Something had *finally* happened between them and she was secretly pleased. In a quiet inner voice, she commented. <Glad you finally woke up before it was too late Lane.>
With a contented smile and renewed determination, the striking auburn haired beauty went back to work… on her upcoming nuptials.
***
Work at the Daily Planet that morning geared up to its normal routine of headlines and deadlines. Only now, the atmosphere was gently tingling with contented blissfulness between its star investigative reporters. Lois and Clark bantered, exchanged notes, checked one another’s copy and generally were satisfied with each other in particular and life in general. For a little slice of time, all in the newsroom was good.
Despite having to type with only one hand, Lois furiously banged out a follow-up to the Stone and Mercantile story. She did not want to be late handing in her first assignment in nearly a week. Perry and Clark had covered for her, but Lois Lane was never known to have *anyone* pull her weight. Nothing, not even a gash caused from a bullet was keeping her out of the action. She could do with one final quote from someone within the Bank to give the story a proper weighty conclusion. With typical Mad Dog eagerness, she picked up the phone to call her source at the bank.
As soon as the follow-up story landed in Perry’s inbox, Lois began impatiently scratching the bandage. She could hardly wait for Pete Ross’ exam tomorrow to give the medical release for its removal. It was an annoyance and she hated it. The reporter was so deep in her grousing the sound of Perry approaching her desk was completely ignored until he stood between her desk and Clark’s.
“Uh, can I see both of you in my office?” This was not a command, but a quiet request.
Perry ambled off towards his office the two reporters stood from their desks exchanged mystified fleeting looks and followed in his wake.
Ralph, glanced up from his messy desk, whined. “Check it out, less than a day back from a long absence and already the chief gives them a plum assignment! What about everybody else?”
“Everybody else already has an assignment. Yeah, what about you loudmouth?” Jack snarled from his tiny cube.
Ralph snapped. “Mind your own business kid. I got seniority.”
Unfazed, Jack responded. “We’ll see how long that lasts. Besides, they are *real* reporters. I’m still trying to figure out what you do around here.” Without saying another word, the young researcher returned to his computer.
The older man was about to make a nasty reply at the youngster’s back when he saw Eduardo out the corner of his eye and decided to look over something on his desk.
***
“Come on in and shut the door please.”
The two reporters shared a look. Since when did Perry ever say ‘please’ something most definitely was happening. “Sure Chief what’s up?” Clark asked has he sat down on the plaid couch next to Lois. Out of reflex, he almost took her hand, thought better of it and listened intently to Perry.
The senior editor caught that minor movement and decided to ignore it. “Huh, in light of Lois’ return to the newsroom and with her arm in a sling, I thought this next assignment suited the situation to a tee.”
Lois’ eyes lit up with barely controlled glee and keen anticipation, fairly jumped out of her seat and asked. “What is it? The rumored downtown carjacking ring? A juicy major corporation tax fraud? Maybe an in-depth look at the proposed restoration of Suicide Slope by LexCorp? Who knows what’ll crawl out from under *that* rock! Come on Chief… spill!”
Their boss smiled, this was the reason why at twenty-seven years of age Lois Lane was the best damn investigative reporter in the business. The woman had newspaper ink running through her veins! On the other side of the couch her partner stiffened slightly wasn’t ’spill’ the same word which started the ill-fated Shackleton/harmonic crystal stakeout?
Before Clark could voice his objections, Perry continued speaking. “Nope, sorry to say it’s none of the above. You and Kent here will be attending the Metropolis Science and Energy Conference. The main topic is how energy conservation can save the Earth’s environment.”
The differing reaction between the two reporters was interesting to behold. One looked as if the wind had been knocked out of her sails while the other breathed a sigh of profound relief.
“Perry, you can’t be serious! What’s with the cream puff assignment? We are a team of *investigative* reporters! Not writers for that egghead magazine, Scientific America! “This is something Eduardo is better suited for or Myers. Send either of them.”
“Now hold on Lois! Today is ‘day one’ back from a serious injury. I’m only thinking of you honey.”
“Hey, I’ve suffered through worse injuries. Remember that ski trip when I broke my leg?”
“Humph!” Perry grumbled and turned to Clark. “That little fiasco happened the winter before you started working here. I had to listen to that woman yelling the whole way down the mountain. I haven’t heard such language since my days walking through Baghdad with the Military Police... “
“Never mind that! Why are you protecting me?” Lois said.
“Because I had to field a number of phone calls from Metro PD in general and Inspector Henderson in particular. He wants to know what you were doing at the hotel during the break-in and didn’t stick around to report the story.”
Suddenly Lois got quiet and said in a small voice, “Oh. Well, the officer on duty lied to me.”
Perry gave her a very pointed look and said. “Uh huh. Anyhow, until this whole LexSolar investigation is at an end, you need to lay low.”
“I still say send Eduardo. Besides, if we keep digging into the Shackleton hijacking, which is kinda sorta directly related to the break-in at LexSolar.” Than in an offhanded manner she added, “Clark discovered a new lead.”
The older man’s eyebrows shot up and fixed a stare at the younger one. “Kinda Sorta Huh? When did this happen? Why didn’t either of you mention it before?”
He watched as Clark, no doubt feeling acutely uncomfortable, fought hard not to squirm in his seat. He faced Lois and gave her a questioning look. Then turned back to Perry, choosing his next few words very carefully he spoke. “Hmm its nothing concrete, so talking about it right now is pointless.”
“Not concrete huh? Well if that’s the case, here are your press passes, tickets and whatnot for the conference. Give me a nice crisp story for tonight’s edition.”
“But Chief… “ Lois’ voice took on a nearly wailing tone.
“No buts. This will be a good way for you to ease back into the saddle… without calling attention to yourself.”
“More like walking into ‘Perry’s doghouse’.” She mumbled as they stood and departed the office.
The senior editor smiled to himself, <If nothing else it will give those two time together. More importantly, Clark can keep an eye on her.>
***
Once back in the newsroom Clark took Lois by the elbow and guided her into a conference room just vacated by a group of staffers. The remnants of an early morning meeting; half-empty cups of stale coffee and small white paper plates, half-eaten pastries and a still warm coffee pot were on the table. Neither reporter paid any attention to the mess, although Lois’ nose wrinkled slightly from the coffee. The Java Perk’s excellent blend had completely spoiled her tastes buds, the Daily Planet’s noxious brew no longer held any appeal.
“Lois, what were you thinking? Telling Perry *I* have a lead on the Shackleton case? We agreed any evidence obtained during the break-in could not be used in the story.”
“Yes, but what’s wrong with us using the information to get *at* the story? Look, I got that report from Dr. Scott’s computer, it stands to reason he’s the one who either plotted the theft or was carrying out orders from a higher authority.”
“Luthor.” Clark fairly spat out the name.
“Hmm, now I understand why you never particularly cared for him, you saw both sides of the man, public and criminal. If we go over the information together and with a little research help from Jack something is bound to turn up.”
“Good idea, it might work,” Clark said grudgingly.
“Thanks, but if my mind weren’t distracted by a certain Fly… Farmboy I might have remembered this lead a whole lot sooner!”
“Hmmm, I can send over the information to either Jack or Jimmy and have them work on it while we cover our assignment.”
“Rats!” Lois snorted acerbically while rolling her eyes. “Do we *really* have to attend a nerdy science conference?”
“Lo-is.”
“All right! But I don’t have to like it!” Lois groaned rolling her eyes.
***
Lex Luthor awoke from a deep sleep, one filled with dreams. He had dreamt about his life. He could mentally see his hard working parents’ struggle to raise their son decently amidst crowded slum conditions. Their totally unforeseen, premature and tragic deaths. His own rough and tumble youth on Metropolis’ bitter backstreets. His meteoric and successful rise within the business world. So many images, some pleasant, others terrible, flooded his mind, they threatened to overwhelm him. However, it was recent memories, which presented themselves one after another, with frightening clarity.
Doctor Kassaten’s diagnosis had been grim and final. He had managed to put a stay on his surgery, claiming to search for a temporary head of LexCorp while he convalesced from the procedure. There were a number of good candidates, some of whom had been with him for over a decade, but only one had his complete trust. He would discuss the matter and all its legal implications with Sheldon Bender before leaving for his honeymoon… if there was one.
It was understandable such a proposal had caught Aykira off guard, but as Lex had told her, time was at a premium. He originally wanted to savor their relationship, let it mature like a Bianco delle Venezie wine sipped from the finest crystal glasses. Now *everything* had to be done at an accelerated rate.
Still there were other more pressing matters, which required his attendance.
After departing from Aykira’s condo he contacted Dr. Scott at home and demanded two of the crystals be immediately delivered to his office via messenger. Naturally, the recalcitrant man argued against any of the crystals leaving his possession. He also stated the lateness of the hour. Of course, Lex prevailed and accepted no excuses. Within three hours of the phone call, a small metal box containing the precious rocks arrived. Delivered by a wound up Dr Scott, insisting to know what Lex needed them for.
The billionaire smiled to himself remembering their quick, but heated exchange.
“I am sorry, but *my name* appears on the paychecks. Thank you for bring the crystals over personally. Asabi will see you out.”
“Luthor, those crystals are pertinent to develop an efficient power source for Space Station Lex! Within the time-frame for next year’s launch! The secret development team needs every last one of those rocks in order to complete our experiments! They are going to want to know what happened to them, especially after last week’s break-in! At least tell me how long they will be in your possession?”
“I will have them for as long as necessary. I say again. Good night Dr. Scott.”
Dr. Scott stormed out of the office. Lex could hear the man’s voice cursing long after the door had closed behind him. Still the object of months planning and subterfuge were in his grasp. Tonight he would sleep with them by his nightstand and perhaps the crystals may improve his strength for the days ahead.
It was a little after midnight before the billionaire retired to his bedroom and removed the impeccably tailored Saville Row suit. The box containing the faintly glowing lavender and white crystals was placed on the nightstand, allowing their emanations to bombard his flesh. Shortly after his evening ablutions, Lex slipped between fresh ivory satin sheets. Surprisingly, sleep came immediately.
Now with the morning begun, he awoke to a hearty breakfast of eggs, blueberry pancakes and sausages, not his usual fare, but he decided to ‘live a little’. After breakfast, Lex anxiously awaited a call from Aykira. He suspected part of the reason for his dreams was anticipation of her answer. The thought of rejection never entered his mind. However could he handle it if she did?
At precisely 8:00am the phone’s sharp ring burst out loudly, its shrill sound interrupted any further thoughts.
“Hello.”
<<“Lex. It is Aykira. Can you clear your calendar for this afternoon? I need to talk to you outside of the office.” Her voice had a sad pained quality. “After hearing what I have to say, than you can decide if you wish to marry *me*.”>>
Aykira’s suitor, greatly puzzled by her words responded. “Of course my dear, where do you want to meet?”
<<“As we did on our date,” she paused. “On the steps of Greystroke Museum, at 3:30, if that time is suitable for you?”>>
“All right than… shall I wear jeans?” He strived to make his voice light.
She hesitated and responded softly. <<“Whatever you like… surprise me.”>>
***
In his tiny apartment cramped with books and file folders just off Centennial Park, Dr. Frederick Scott paced up and down in his living room furious with Lex Luthor. Whatever insipid game the arrogant billionaire was playing last night could not have come at a more inopportune time. He planned to hide, than remove all the remaining crystals today. His ‘associates’ wanted them this evening. With the huge payday they planned to give him, he could kiss gambling debts and academic toadying good-bye forever.
No more working for the likes of his previous supervisor, Dr. Toni Baines. The beautiful yet ruthless director constantly plagiarized his painstaking detailed shuttle performance reports. Upon her leaving EPRAD, he tried to claim credit for the reports, but all evidence had been destroyed. The only thing his abrasive efforts got him was a hasty dismissal from the program.
Now his intelligence and abilities were again being exploited for someone else’s benefit. While George Amundsen ran the ‘legitimate’ solar panel research, he was secretly leading the team working on using the harmonic crystals as an alternative power source for the station. W
Whichever team succeeded could expect worldwide admiration. Ambition burned beneath the man’s bland expression. At last, his labors would be the ones handsomely rewarded rather than shunted to the side and forgotten.
I
t was time for him to get to work… his last day working for LexSolar.
***
Across town, Lois and Clark were entering the large steel and glass enclosed Coates convention center. Neither reporter was happy covering this event; their preference was to remain at the Planet, leaning over Jack’s shoulder. The young man was proving to be a crackerjack researcher who could wheedle information from both computers and people. Perhaps as they walked through the tall glass doors of the center he might have unearthed a vital piece of information while they listened to long-winded speeches.
The duo worked their way through the bustling crowd to the voluminous coat check area; Lois handed over her pumpkin hued wraparound jacket and took the id medallion from a pleasantly smiling attendant. All the while, she acerbically derided Perry’s ‘editorial’ decision to send the investigative team on this particular assignment.
“Clark, this is ridiculous! Perry thinks he’s doing ‘us’ or rather me a favor, by giving me a ‘quiet assignment’! With the man who is my partner as my baby-sitter and protector. Not that I mind having you with me, but I’m an investigative reporter! We don’t do ‘quiet’. Jack might find the one critical piece of intel that links together everything we have been looking for.” She glanced with a reporter’s eye around the convention center. “Isn’t it exciting, about the possibility of picking up the scent of the guys who hijacked the Shackleton and stole those harmonic crystals?”
Her partner listened with happy bemusement as
Lois launched into full-blown babble. It was one of the many endearing qualities about her he cherished. The expansive main entry hall displayed three signs detailing the day’s events. In the Larson room was a Cardiac Surgeon’s convention, the Noel room was hosting an Astronomy meeting. The final sign listed the Science and Energy Conference in the Reeves Venue.
“Hmmm, the Reeves Venue? It figures, the other signs clearly mark the meeting location, but this sign doesn’t. Now where could it be?” She glanced over the directory carefully.
Clark surreptitiously lowered his glasses and looked around the convention center. “Come on Lois, the Reeves Venue is located on the upper level.”
Turning, surprised by his quick summation, she started to speak, looked at him and than a slow smile of dawning realization come to her face.
“You know partner, those extra special ‘qualities’ of yours are going to come in handy!”
“We aim to please Ma’am,” He said imitating a slow Texas drawl.
The couple boarded the escalator to the upper level. After a few minutes of walking through the busy crowd, they located the main lecture room adjacent to the Exhibition Hall. The seats were set in a U-pattern around the raised lectern for guest scientists to present their latest findings and techniques in the field of energy conservation. Behind the lectern was a large screen, no doubt to display color power point presentations.
Clark stood looked around the large room filled with scientists, their assistants and several attendees. A heavyset middle-aged man wearing a tweed jacket over a white shirt and tie approached the lectern. The audience upon seeing him approach began settling down to listen attentively.
“Hey Kent, let’s grab a seat over there.” Lois said in a whisper only he could hear. It amazed him how quickly she had adapted to his superpowers… especially when it came to helping them get a story no matter how mundane.
Quietly obeying his partner, Clark walked down a row of folding chairs, Lois following closely behind him. After stepping over the outstretched legs of other conference attendees already seated they found two empty places at the end of the row. The scientist began his lecture in a dry nasal sounding voice. Only five scant minutes passed before both Lois and Clark began yawning from boredom.
“Perry wanted nice ‘crisp’ copy for tonight’s edition from this drone and groan?” Lois rolled her eyes frustration.
“I admit it’s not the most exciting lecture, but at least we don’t have to stay for the entire day. Let’s take some notes and concentrate on the highlights.”
“Clark, the only way his lecture could have highlights is if we set off fireworks under him.” This last was spoken louder than a whisper. In response, the same man who equested quiet earlier, requested the reporters to keep quiet. Lois fumed silently, turned on her recorder, since taking notes by hand was out of the question. She desperately hoped to find a ‘hook’ for the story.
***
Aykira dressed slowly for her meeting/date with Lex. She had done a great deal of soul searching last night and had come to several decisions. Most of those conclusions had been reached while participating in an early morning kickboxing class at her gym. The previous day’s revelations and there resulting sorrow drained slowly into the background as her body’s sinuously movements worked to relieve the tension. A quick sauna and shower after the workout further eased her tensions as she prepared to meet Lex.
She had returned from the gym to her apartment building, she needed to get a couple of items. As she walked into the lobby a young man approached her with a package.
“Excuse me, Ms. Aykira Hallick?” The young man asked. He was holding up a photo of herself in one hand and a small package in another.
“Yes?”
“This is a package from a Mr. Perez at LexCorp. He asked me to give it to no one but you. Please sign here and it’s all yours.” The delivery person handed over the clipboard for her signature. Aykira did as requested then returned the clipboard. The exchange completed, the young man wished her a pleasant morning and departed.
<Radames must have thought this important enough to send via messenger rather than snail mail. Let us see what this package contains.>
Two hours later a rather disconcerted but determined Aykira departed for LexSolar and Dr. Frederick Scott.
