Part Nineteen
“Wait a minute Lane. You took out a two hundred plus pound man with your briefcase? What’s in that thing? Buckshot?” Henderson exclaimed.
“No, just my makeup case, binoculars, camera, etc… “
“Never mind.” Exasperated, the laconic detective raised a hand to stop her. “Kent told me about that particular bag, but I never believed him. Next time you come down to the station, leave that thing at home. Otherwise, I’ll have it registered as a lethal weapon. Hey, where is your partner anyway?”
“Uh, Clark? He’s huh..”
“Right here!” Clark slowly walked over to them. His usual easy smile absent replaced by a grimace. “Hello Bill.”
“Hello yourself! He looked the other man over through his glasses and grumbled in a well-meaning tone. “You look worse than the time that bum brought you in with amnesia.”
“I have felt better...” Clark began tiredly.
“Poor guy, it’s all this damp weather, you probably caught a chill. Henderson, don’t you flatfoots carry around a thermos of hot coffee?”
“No Lane, we don’t.” He responded tersely. Turning to face Clark, he continued in a kindlier tone. “Look Kent, come down to the station tomorrow and give your statement. Let ‘Ma’ Lane take you home. Oh, don’t forget, there’s a story behind all these special Ops guys being here and I want to know what that story is!”
Grateful for any excuse to get away, Clark allowed Lois to lead him back to the jeep. Only until he was safely sitting in the passenger’s seat did he allow himself to slump over and give into his pain.
“I remember your previous exposures to the deadly substance.” Lois remarked. “Its taking awhile to get over the effects to the kryptonite especially with such a small amount.”
“T…the size of the kryptonite doesn’t matter, only the radioactivity. Cameron left it right at… at my feet. Besides… need sunshine to strengthen… aura after an attack, otherwise it will be some time before my powers return.” Clark managed to say
At that moment, a man in paramilitary garb ran toward the jeep, waving his hands and calling out Clark’s name. “Mr. Kent! Mr. Kent! I need to speak with you please.”
Clark recognized the man as Captain Maynard. They waited as he came up to the passenger side of the jeep and spoke. “I wanted to apologize for arriving so late, if it hadn’t been for Superman, you and your assistant, Miss Lane might have been killed.” Part of Clark wanted to smile at the word ‘assistant’, but he knew Lois was bristling beside him so he quickly corrected the Captain.
“Lois Lane is my *partner*, Captain. As a matter of fact, if she had not pushed to follow some very thin leads, it is doubtful the crystals might have ever been found.”
Slightly discomfited the man faced Lois, nodded his head, and quickly uttered a heart-felt apology. Clark waited, knowing a prickly comment was coming, but surprisingly Lois’ words were smoothly gracious - for Lois.
“Apology accepted. Still, I’m surprised that a crack team such as yours was so late. What happened?”
Relieved to be off the hook Captain Maynard replied. “Well to be honest, I called the Daily Planet in order to double check where the stakeout was going to be held. A man answered Mr. Kent’s phone saying he worked with him and told me the location was Pier 19. We waited at that location from 8:00 onward. However, by 9:15 we knew something had gone wrong, I was about to order the men to stand down when we heard gunfire coming from Pier 17. The rest you already know. Good thing Superman arrived in time, otherwise the outcome might have been very different. Please let the big fella know the military really appreciated his help in this matter.”
Clark did not need super hearing, by the sound his partner’s sharp intake of breath to know, she was fuming in the worst possible way. He guardedly lay what he hoped was a restraining hand on her knee to stem the tidal wave of words about to strike himself and Captain Maynard. To forestall her, he responded in an even tone, “Thank you sir, I will tell him.”
“Oh… uh and one other thing,” the other man suddenly looked nervous and uncomfortable.
“Yes, Captain Maynard?” Clark sighed, he was desperate to get away from the damp surroundings and return to the warmth of his apartment.
“General Zeitlin has asked that no mention be made of the harmonic crystals in your newspaper. National security concerns… you understand?”
Ignoring the reporters slightly shocked faces, the Captain saluted and turned back to Pier 17 where the military and Metropolis police were loading the Intergang members into vans.
“What? After all we went through to find those crystals for those ‘Special Ops’ guys! Now they want us to *bury* the story!” Lois exploded. She pounded the steering wheel in anger.
“O…only the crystals.” Clark said tiredly. “Look, the military knows we are the ones responsible for finding them. In the future Captain Maynard will owe us a favor.”
Lois was ready to launch into full Mad Dog harangue when she stopped and stared at Clark.
“Ralph.” The name rolled off their tongues in unison without hesitation.
“I don’t believe that… that weasel! If it had not been for Superman, his lie could have gotten us killed!” Lois exploded.
Clark wearily nodded in agreement, weakened from kryptonite radiation exposure he was in no shape to argue with Lois or defend Ralph. Through half-closed eyelids, he observed Lois start up the Jeep’s powerful engine and drive in her take-no-prisoners manner. Giving in to exhaustion, he closed his eyes and tired to rest, so they drove in companionable silence. After dodging around Metropolis’ late night traffic, they finally arrived in front of his apartment on Clinton Street.
“Let me help you upstairs.”
“It’s no… no problem, I can manage.”
The reward for that last comment was a pair of explosive brown eyes boring into him like a laser. “Ha! I remember saying pretty much the same thing not too long ago. You need help Kent, I’m the only one around.”
“Is this an indication of… the future?” Clark said in a feeble attempt to tease.
“We’ll see, partner,” she responded in like manner.
So saying, she jumped out of the jeep, came over to his side, jerked open the door and helped him out. He placed his arm around her shoulders and they began the slow walk toward his building. Several minutes passed as the two of them walked or rather stumbled to his apartment. Lois gritted her teeth and was grateful to be in shape, Clark’s body weighted a great deal more than she imagined. Somehow, with his help, they mounted the metal outside steps, he gave her the key, and she opened the door. They managed to get down the stairs and entered his cozy home. She deposited him rather unceremoniously onto the couch.
“Whew!” she gasped. “Who needs to go to the gym tomorrow? That was a workout by itself!”
From the couch, Clark nodded and mumbled. “Okay Lois, I’m home safe and sound.”
“Meooow!” A flash of black, white and a little bit of brown hopped onto the back of the couch and cuddled up to Clark.
“Apparently the furball agrees with you. Seriously Clark, are you sure?”
She stared intently at the handsome young man, currently he didn’t look strong enough to lift up his head, much less make it to the bedroom and change into pajamas.
“Yes. I need a good night’s rest and plenty of sunshine tomorrow. Please tell Perry I’ll be in late. But the ‘Hottest News in Town’ team of Lane and Kent will write all about solving the case of the Shackleton hijacking.”
Lois eased herself onto his couch and proceeded to remove Clark’s shoes. “Even if we can only tell part of the story as per General Zeitlin’s ‘request’?”
“Yes.”
“Tomorrow at the Daily Planet is going to be very interesting Mr. Kent.” Lois bent down over her partner, and brushed his lips with a sweet, but brief kiss, she than stood up and walked towards the door. “Good-night Clark,” she whispered softly with a hint of regret, than let herself out of the apartment.
“Urrgh.” Clark groaned as he looked after her. “I *hate* kryptonite!”
***
Clark lay outside on the terrace wearing nothing but a pair of black swimming trunks. For the past three days, he lay in the sun re-charging his powers. Although they were not returning as rapidly as from previous, kryptonite encounters. His unique physiology had already provided subtle indications of healing itself. Lois informed Perry a nasty flu bug had attacked her partner while on the stakeout. Perry wholeheartedly agreed Clark should use some of his accumulated sick days in order to recover.
Lois was over every night, making sure Clark and Pepper were properly looked after. Neither man nor feline complained.
At that moment, he was talking with Martha and Jonathan reassuring them he would make a complete recovery.
“Now son, we can be on the next plane out if you say so,” Jonathan repeated for the second time in over fifteen minutes.”
“Dad, everything is fine. Lois takes very good care of me. We will be out there for dinner as soon as my strength comes back. No way will she miss out on a slice of Mom’s German chocolate cake!”
“So, Lois is coming to visit via Superman express? You two are moving along very nicely,” Martha interrupted; she tried and failed to disguise the chuckle in her voice.
“Mom!” Clark pretended to be upset, but he knew she could hear the smile in his voice. How great it was to chat about his girlfriend to them and not feel pain. It still seemed strange to consider Lois as his girlfriend. She was always his best friend, now there was something richer and deeper between them.
“Martha, stop teasing the boy about Lois. There are more important matters to be discussed. What happened to the vial of kryptonite Lois took from that crook… Axel?”
“Cameron Axelrod. Dr. Klein has it safely hidden in S.T.A.R labs. He says the distilled kryptonite in the vial was a purer form than anything else I have encountered before. That explains why my body is not at one hundred percent yet.”
“Oh dear, there’s no chance of somebody else getting their hands on it?” His Mother asked.
“No. Dr. Klein assured me he is the only one who knows its there. He wanted to study it and perhaps – someday – find a cure from the affects of kryptonite poisoning.”
“Now son, that sounds like good news, after all, until that rock showed up you were invincible.”
“Yes, but with Dr. Klein’s efforts I might return to that state. Although he’s not exactly sure how long before he can create the antidote.”
Abruptly Clark could hear the metallic scratching sound of a key turning the lock, than a familiar voice called out, “Clark! Are you on the terrace?”
“Yes! Come on back!” He called out. “Mom, Dad I have to go. Lois is here and from the smells of roast chicken, Uncle Mike has sent over another one of his ‘care’ packages.”
“All right dear. Give her our love,” Martha said. Again, she barely managed to conceal a happy chuckle.
“I will Mom. Bye, Dad.” Clark hung up just in time to see his partner storm onto the terrace and launch into a full-blown babble session.
“Blasted military! Who does General Zeitlin and ‘Special Advisor to the President’ John Cosgrove think they are making us sit on the story of the year! We broke this whole thing wide open. If it hadn’t been for us, those crystals would be in the hands of a foreign power. They never had a clue! Perry *and* Franklin Stern are trying to get them to see reason, but those two are as thick as thieves! Urgh! Sometimes I think I should just pack up my word processor and become a lounge singer!”
“Lois, what is this all about?” Clark asked in utter bewilderment.
She rolled her eyes is outraged disgust. “Honestly Clark, weren’t you listening? General Zeitlin does *not* want us to write the story if we even hint at the existence of harmonic crystals!”
“I thought we agreed with Captain Maynard that it was a matter of national security to keep knowledge the crystals existence and theft out of the papers?” He responded.
“Okay, so we don’t write about the theft, but the crystals existence? Come on, you knew about them when Bobby first came to us with the information months ago.”
“Yes, but that was within the scientific community it is not truly public knowledge. We need to stick with our agreement with the military in general and General Zeitlin in particular.”
“Oh I hope you didn’t mean that play on words mister!” His partner shot back without rancor.
“Pretty good for a ‘sick’ man,” Clark grinned. “Besides Lois, this article will have all the ingredients of a headline-grabbing, Kerth award winning story: International intrigue. A dangerous former KGB operative illegally on America soil. The notorious crime syndicate Intergang involved. Hey, there’s even a little romance.
“Romance? What romance?” His partner cocked an eyebrow and gave a very odd look.
Clark stood up from his deck chair, walked over to Lois, who was all too aware of his current state of near undress. “Why Miss Lane, I thought everyone in Metropolis knew about ‘The Hottest team in town?” He continued to approach Lois, took her in his arms and kissed her ever so gently on the lips.
“My, we are feeling better, aren’t we?” She answered grinning.
Slowly they swayed together, enjoying the intimacy of their embrace, when the ground gave way under them. They both looked down and noticed their feet were hovering off the ground.
“Clark! We’re floating! Your powers are back!” She squeaked in delight.
“Great! I thought they might never return!” Gently, with the ease born from experience, he lowered them to the terrace floor. “Now we can go into the newsroom tomorrow and write the finale to the Shackleton freighter hijacking case.”
“Why wait until tomorrow? We can discuss the outline over dinner and start writing the article. Just like before. Only, could you put on a pair of jeans… and a t-shirt?” Lois looked amused, but slightly embarrassed.
Her partner grinned, “I’ll be back in a jiffy.” A gust of air blew by Lois, within seconds Clark returned, wearing jeans and a white t-shirt.
Clark set the table while Lois opened the take out bag from Mike’s Americana Café, the savory aromas of Rosemary chicken lingering in the air.
“Please tell Uncle Mike thank you, but he doesn’t have to do this for me. I can cook.”
“Oh, its fine Clark. He likes to do this for us, especially since he knows we are going to be working on a story. Now listen, here’s the update on the Intergang members, they are all refusing to talk.”
“No surprise there,” he said.
“True, but the one thing they all do say is that Dr. Scott was the one who engineered the whole plot. Apparently the police search of his personal computer reveals he embezzled the money from LexCorp in order to finance the operation, and then sell the crystals to the highest bidder, using Intergang as a fence.”
“I take it Scott still hasn’t revived from his coma? To deny or confirm what the police found?”
“Nope. Apparently, he went into shock shortly before the paramedics arrived and despite efforts from the ER doctors, he slipped into coma. It’s not fair Clark, we were so close to proving Luthor was behind all of this! But without Scott to corroborate what we heard at the energy conference, Luthor walks!” Lois expressive eyes flashed in anger.
“Cameron Axelrod still won’t talk?” Clark asked.
“Not a word. Except he did admit to something very strange, evidently Dr. Scott took all the credit when things went well, but Luthor was the scapegoat in case anything bad happened. He truly believes Scott to be the Mastermind behind the hijacking. He embezzled LexCorp funds to finance everything. That’s pretty much what the police said. Is it possible Luthor is in the clear on this one?” She rubbed her chin while contemplating the matter.
“Wait a second. Lucky Leon was there!”
“Nope, sorry partner, more interference, this time from *another* government. General Zeitlin has him under wraps in a federal prison awaiting extradition to Russia. They want him more than we do. Let’s face it Clark. Luthor wins.
“Well, going back to your original interview with Ms. Hallick she withheld nothing from you. All the legal paperwork her assistant sent over checks out with our in-house counsel. Everything points to Dr. Scott as our man,” Clark sighed, as he poured some cat food in Pepper’s bowl. The hungry feline bounded out of the bedroom and into the kitchen, eager for his dinner.
“Yeah, but why not embezzle the money, pay your gambling debts, and leave town? Why get involved with Intergang in the first place? They are not known for being reasonable. Come on, let’s eat dinner before it gets cold,” his partner said, barely hiding the disappointment in her tone.
As if by silent agreement, any discussion of the case was on hold while they ate. Unbeknownst to them, this was to become a nightly routine. Have dinner, but stop all office discussions until the dishes were put away. In this way, they created a distinction between their lives at the Daily Planet and their new life as a couple.
The sun had sunk into the horizon and the apartment was getting dark, when Lois finished drying the dishes. She walked over to Clark’s small desk and looked over his shoulder while he began typing the outline of the story.
“You’re starting with our original stakeout? I don’t want people to think we missed an opportunity to bag the bad guys!” She squeaked.
“Hey, the story needs a beginning. Have the reader follow us on an investigative journey… ”
“Journey?” His partner responded stiffly, cutting him off. “Are we writing an article or a bestselling novel? We need to get to the facts! Let me sharpen my pencils and break out my yellow pad. I’m so glad to finally see a pencil sharpener in this apartment!”
“I still wish we could get some proof Luthor was the true mastermind behind this entire plan,” Clark muttered.
“I hear he’s in Greece attending a business conference with Ms. Hallick and some of his staff. Isn’t it just like him to be out of town when all of this blows up? The perfect alibi,” Lois sighed and shook her head.
***
The two young men impressed into service for that evening’s activities, opened the large sun-weathered oak doors. They led to a short flight of broad white stone steps onto an expansive stone and marble terrace. In the doorway stood a graceful Jane Connolly wearing a very pleasing-to-the-eye sleeveless and gathered-at-the-waist ruby red gown. She carried a simple bouquet of white roses, wrapped in baby’s breath. The small gathering of seated guests including her husband Jason, gazed upon her, all were smiling with approval. Asabi, standing in his place as Best Man, nodded to someone and Handel’s Water Music began to play. The Matron of Honor made her way down the stone steps and walked up the aisle toward the officiant. Behind her in the brightly lit passageway, stood the bride and groom, eagerly waiting to make their entrance.
***
<Has it only been three days since he proposed? It seems so much longer. I wish there had been more time to savor our engagement, but Lex is correct, time and the media is against us. Jane and I were able to get our dresses without Ms. Grant discovering us at Darcy’s. There were so many details to handle and all of it under the radar. Still everything came together perfectly. This is the happiest day of my life!> A hint of sadness fleetingly moved through her heart. Despite having a few good friends like Jane and Jason, she wished Bern could have been there. But of course, that was impossible. She did wonder about one other thing, Lex’s reaction when he discovered tonight would be her first time.
“Are you ready my love?” the groom asked, breaking into her thoughts.
“Yes Lex. Are you ready?” she answered, hazel eyes shining.
***
Once more Lex thought about his plan to blame her for the harmonic crystals theft. <How foolish to waste precious time! I should have been pursuing Aykira, not chasing a dream of building a space station - the highest manmade object in the heavens. Marriage to a good woman is a better monument to my parents. These past few days have been the real dream. Aykira by my side, making plans for this day and the seven perfect days remaining to us until the surgery has been heavenly. Afterwards… ah, afterwards must attend to itself.>
Lex put any further thoughts about his surgery aside and answered by taking her slim hand in his and kissing it affectionately. Since arriving at the island of Santorini, Aykira’s brown skin had deepened to a glowing bronze from exposure to the Mediterranean sun’s intense rays. Her wedding gown; a luxurious, double-layered white shirred silk creation with a bodice defined Aykira’s slender waist. The details of princess seaming with corset-inspired rhinestone embellishment visually sculpted her shapely, silhouette. Her bouquet was fashioned from majestic red anemone or ‘windflower’ which means undying love, accented by lush wild green ferns found in the Stone Villa’s garden.
Lex wore a simple collarless white linen shirt and pants with a red linen sash tied smoothly around his waist. The sash gave him an air of a swash-buckling adventurer.
She smiled, eyes glistening with unshed tears. How much she loved and cared for this man! No matter how long her life spun out, no matter what future trials they would face together, her mind would always hold today’s events forever etched in stone.
Jane arrived at her place by the railing; she turned around looking back at the couple, beckoning them with a slight nod of her head. Lex took Aykira’s arm in his and together they walked down the steps to the terrace where the officiant, Mayor Spyros Chiros awaited them. An impressive figure of a man in his mid-sixties with a shock of white hair, twinkling blue eyes and on his upper lip displayed a perfectly trimmed white mustache. He stood close to the black wrought iron railing, his back ramrod straight to the sea.
Aykira’s breath caught in her throat by the majestic view. The exquisite Mediterranean sunset played over waning light, reflecting off the mildly sparkling azure blue Aegean Sea. In the distance, hungry seabirds cried aloud for all to hear. Light gusts of air swirled around them, filling their nostrils with the scent of fresh flowers and ocean breezes.
Aykira and Lex halted, Asabi and Jane smoothly took their places behind them. The couple than stood serenely before the mayor listening intently as he bonded their separate lives.
“My friends we gather here on this day to celebrate the love and union of two people, blending their formerly separate lives into an unyielding woven tapestry of everlasting love and friendship. May they rejoice in their strengths and work with each other’s weaknesses. May they provide refreshment for each other at day’s end. May they remain in each other’s eyes eternally as they are today, forever beautiful, forever loved. May they remember to be each other’s shelter from the wind as times shall be good in their lives as well as difficult.”
The bride’s eyes shone with unshed tears. Aykira thought, <How sweetly true the Mayor’s words were!> They had pledged themselves to each other the day Lex gave her the engagement ring. This ceremony made it official in the eyes of God and man.
“Are there rings to be exchanged?” He asked the beaming couple.
A smiling Asabi, resplendent in a dark red silk jacket, reached into his pocket, and removed a small box, similar to the one, which held Aykira’s engagement ring. This one contained two rings; one was a diamond and gold band shaped to fit up snugly against her engagement ring. The other was a man’s gold wedding band, etched with a design very familiar to the bride. He handed the ring to Jane who turned and gave it to Aykira.
She looked at it and took in a quick breath; Lex’s ring matched her silver beacon ring. Mute acknowledgement to the world he understood her mission and appreciated the sacrifice she was making by remaining here with him. The gesture deeply touched a heart already overcome with emotion.
“Aykira, please place the ring on his finger.” When she had done so, the Mayor spoke again. “Aykira Kamaria Hallick, do you take this man as your companion in life – your husband?”
“I shall… with all my heart,” She responded in a trembling voice.
“Good. Lex, please place the ring on her finger.” With hands, slightly shaking he slipped the dazzling ring on Aykira’s finger. Her delicate long bronze fingers set off the jewelry perfectly.
“Alexi Anton Luthor… do you take this woman as your companion in life - your wife.”
“I shall... with all my love.”
“Than by the power vested in me by the people of Santorini and almighty God, I now pronounce you man and woman… husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
They turned to each other, faces wet with tears. Hearts engulfed in deep satisfaction. Lex gathered Aykira into his arms, kissing her with all the ardor he possessed. Behind them the guests stood on their feet, cheered and applauded happily.
After vigorously thanking the Mayor for performing an exceptional, yet simple service, in high spirits, the radiant couple moved back into the Villa’s large garden with their joyful guests to share their first meal as husband and wife.
Chef Andre’s crew had outdone themselves classically decorating each guests table with snowy white linens and red scented candles. In the center of the garden were square guest tables set in a u shape surrounding the bride and groom’s circular table. The newlyweds table had white linens with a red runner. Atop the linen were clear votive candleholders painted with metallic gold stripes around the base. Each filled with aromatic white candles creating a circle in the center of the table. Within the votive center, sat a low vase of white roses, there delicate scent wafted soothingly through the dining room.
As the guests mingled and looked for their seats, in the background, Mozart’s Night music played softly.
On each plate lay a placard, on hers it read in flowing golden cursive script: Aykira Hallick-Luthor.
“Mrs. Luthor,” Lex smiled as he indicated the chair.
Lex pulled back and held the chair, than pushed it in when she sat down. Both of them were excited and nervous, like a couple of teen-agers on their first date. Lex took a silken napkin from the table and lightly dabbed the tears from Aykira’s face. They both wanted time to slow down and allow themselves to enjoy this evening, imprint it into their memories to return and visit frequently.
Once the guests stopped mingling and found their seats, Chef Andre and his wait staff appeared from the kitchen holding meze appetizer platters consisting of olives, feta cheese chunks, hummus dip, carefully sliced pita bread and stuffed grape leaves. A smiling chubby young woman presented the bride and groom with a carafe of red wine and two crystal cut wine goblets. She poured the liquid with a flourish, giggled, and quickly disappeared back into the kitchen.
Several minutes later, the main course of lamb and roasted rosemary herbed potatoes were brought to the tables. Everyone acknowledged the sumptuous repast and soon only the sounds of silverware clinking on bone china could be heard over the softly playing dinner music. Lex turned to his wife and smiled.
“My darling, may I say you look ravishingly beautiful this evening.”
“Thank you Lex. This is like a dream. I love being here on Santorini at the Stone Villa with you tonight.”
He took her hands gently into his own, kissed them and whispered. “No. I should be the one thanking you. A better day in my life there has never been. I love you so much and look forward to showing you just how much… ”
Her face grew flush with warmth and not a little nervous anticipation. “We have each other and… the nights ahead.” She glanced at the beautifully decorated table, their happy guests, and the open space in the garden and smiled. In the background, could be heard the wonderfully romantic classic song from Casablanca, “As Time Goes By”. She looked at him and whispered. “Would you care to dance with your wife?”
Lex’s lips pursed into a wooing smile, “You need but ask.”
He took her hand and led her onto the floor. They came together in perfect unison, moving easily to the strains of the classic song. The guests smiled contentedly and softly sang along, watching them sway tenderly. Aykira laid her head on Lex’s shoulder listening to him hum the melody in her ear. All too soon, the song ended and holding hands, they returned to their seats.
In a turnabout of tradition, the wedding guests walked over to the bridal table, offering congratulations and well wishes. Mayor Chiros with his wife Anna and their sons who acted as ushers approached first. Asabi bowed deeply and clasped his hands together, profoundly moved to see Lex so at peace. Jane and Jason came next wishing them joy and a long life together. Jason wrapped a beefy arm around Jane and boomed out, “Lex, if you are *half* as happy as I am married life will be a very good thing.”
Sheldon Bender had hung back until the other guests had spoken than came over with his wife Grace. The two men exchanged pleasantries, shook hands, and smiled. “Look after the board while we are gone, Sheldon. Let them know about my marriage to Aykira as soon as you return.”
“Of course Lex, the board shall have a number of questions. This is quite a surprise.”
“Not as surprised as they will be.” Lex smiled tightly. Even Sheldon did not know the extent of Luthor’s condition. However, Sheldon did agree… reluctantly that Aykira was the perfect solution to whom should run the corporation while Lex recovered from surgery.
“Enough with business talk!” The petite Anna Chiros shouted good-naturedly. “This man,” she pointed emphatically at Lex. “Exchanged vows less than an hour ago and already talk turns to work! Shame on both of you, now is a time for music and laughter!” She pointed to the couple. “Come now; cut the wedding cake, yes?”
“Lex, my love, a wiser mind than yours has spoken. Come.” So saying Aykira took him by the hand and they walked over to a scrumptious white three-layer cake with delicate red piping, baked not by Chef Andre, but one of the local Santorini bakeries Lex was fond of. To happy shouts and enthusiastic applause, the couple sliced into the cake and placed thick wedges onto crystal plates, which glistened in the candlelight. They each took a plate and began serving to the reception guests. It was definitely not traditional and everyone thought it was very sweet.
***
Time seemed to move so rapidly. No matter how many photos they took with people, dances spun out on the floor or quiet chats with friends the evening drew to its inevitable conclusion. Guests began to drift away, calling out their congratulations to the bride and groom. Aykira gave Jane a final hug than thanked her for all she had done. Lex had a few words with Sheldon Bender than bade his lawyer goodnight.
They walked to the bridal table, Lex bent down and took a fork in his hand, he cut a small piece of cake and fed Aykira. She did the same to him. They both laughed and gave each other a generous hug, then sat down for a moment to listen to the quiet of the evening. Lex traced the line of her jawbone with his lips. The candlelight caught a wickedly mischievous glint in her hazel eyes as she gently gasped in pleasure. “Suddenly I do not feel very hungry for cake. However… I am rather sleepy. Care to join me?”
Her husband made no secret of the enthusiasm he felt. “My sweet, I thought you would *never* ask.”
They stood up from the table. Lex softly blew out the candles then came around to her side of the table, took her hand in his and together they walked up the white stone pathway and entered the Villa’s master suite. Aykira’s husband closed the heavy wooden door firmly behind them.
Chef Andre emerged from the kitchen, followed by the servant girl and others. He shook his head, but smiled happily. Tonight, he and the rest of the kitchen staff would work - than feast.
***
After nearly four days of battling with General Zeitlin, John Cosgrove and the federal government over the right to mention the harmonic crystals, they permitted Lois and Clark to write the story of the Shackleton hijacking from beginning to end… still omitting any knowledge of the crystals.
It was galling censorship at the highest level, but everyone on at the Daily Planet involved from Mr. Stern and the Board of Directors to Lois and Clark agreed it was the only way to get the story told.
***
It was very early the next morning as the reporting team emerged from the elevator. With quick steps, they jauntingly walked down the ramp and entered the unusually quiet newsroom. They were still intensely discussing the government’s censorship of their story.
“I still cannot believe you are so calm about this whole situation Clark. What about freedom of the press?”
He looked at the snapping brown eyes and the flush of emotion in her voice; at times like these, she stirred his heart more than he could bear. But the conversation was one of a serious nature, not a time for romance.
“Look it’s like this, all things should be recorded, but not all things should be reported immediately. The crystals are a completely proven energy source; unfortunately, EPRAD is afraid of adverse publicity about the new technology. The agency wishes to avoid the media embarrassment of failure.”
“You mean like the tiles falling off the old space shuttles?” She responded.
“Yeah, government funding might dry up if there is a problem and the public might point to the crystals as a ‘scapegoat.’” He said.
“Maybe, but the public needs to be educated. The people have a right to know. What better way than to learn from our article?” Lois answered, this time in complete dissatisfaction to her partner’s answer.
“Is this the best way to introduce something this important? Who knows? In six months, the gag order will be off and we can have an exclusive in our laps! Remember, Captain Maynard and his boss *owes* us. Consider them a future source.” They reached Lois’ desk and he laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I know you’re not happy with this arrangement, neither am I, however we have a story to write. Let’s give Perry our best. Show those guys on the Kerth committee a good, strong finish!”
He noticed the lines on her forehead slowly disappear as his words began to sink in. Finally, a small smile came to her lips. “Okay partner. One of these days soon, General Zeitlin, and his cronies better give us an exclusive on something worthwhile!”
“
Great!” Clark said, “Now let me…”
Before Clark could finish his sentence, they both looked up to see Franklin Stern herding Ralph into Perry’s office.
“I wonder what that’s all about?” Clark said into her ear.
“Whatever it is, it can’t be good. Mr. Stern rarely comes downstairs this early for idle chats. Ralph is in serious trouble, which I doubt he can wriggle his smarmy way out of,” she said.
Putting the incident to the back of their minds, the reporters busied themselves with their early morning work routines: Lois sipped on her low-fat mocha, thinking about how to weave a number of sidebars into the main article while Clark organized his notes. In a few moments, they were deeply engrossed in constructing the Shackleton story’s final outline.
Unexpectedly the morning quiet was broken when Perry leaned outside his office and called Lois and Clark for a meeting.
“Uh oh,” Clark said, as he nervously touched his glasses. “This could be another round of arguments with General Zeitlin and company.”
“Yeah, but why include Ralph?”
Her partner shrugged his shoulders and gently placed his hand on the small of Lois’s back as she walked ahead of him to the senior editor’s office. Off to the side, Clark noticed a morose Ralph stood by the window, trying hard to disappear.
“Lois, Clark, thanks for coming in. This won’t take very long. Clark, glad to see that flu bug finally let you go.” Perry’s smile gently faded as he turned to the Daily Planet’s owner and publisher sitting quietly. “There’s a matter Mr. Stern and I need your participation on before we can go further with any action.”
“Sure chief. What is it?” asked Clark as he sat down in his now familiar spot on the plaid couch.
Before Perry could speak, Franklin Stern’s booming voice filled the suddenly tiny office. “Excuse me Perry, but let’s forego the delicacies, we need to get to the bottom of this situation,” Turning to the reporting duo, he asked. “Did either of you inform Ralph of a change in location for your stakeout?”
Clark watched as Lois turned, eyes dancing with fury at Ralph. Her voice steely as the angry words lanced the air. “We most certainly did *not*.”
“She’s right Chief. I never had a discussion with Ralph about our stakeout’s location.”
Perry sat back in his chair, rubbing a stubbled chin, “Well, now. Ralph here just finished telling us something very different. Care to straighten matters out Ralph?”
The toadying man bolted from his position by the window, as if suddenly brought to life. “I thought it was Pier 19, so I told just this guy the same thing. I was just passing on the message. No harm. No foul.”
“But that does not explain why you lied to the caller. If it were not for Superman, Lois and I would be dead. Did you think about that?” Clark asked, his normally mild voice had a decided edge to it.
Uh, well no.” Ralph, sensing things were not going his way, changed tactics. “Besides, if it hadn’t been for that no-good snitch, Bobby Bigmouth, I would be the one with this story, not the ‘Hottest team in town!” This last was said sneeringly. As if, Lois and Clark owed him something. He continued by saying, “I just wanted to prove myself you know? Maybe get a little respect, like Eduardo or Steve.”
“Wait a second. You were the one who paid Bobby with a rotten Egg Salad Sandwich?” Clark fired back, his voice filled with surprise.
“Yeah, I was in a hurry, grabbed a day old sandwich from the mission shelter before I met him,” Ralph shrugged, “I didn’t think he would notice… ”
Clark could sense rather than see Lois roll her eyes in derision. ‘Mad Dog’ Lane was in full attack mode. She laced into him. “Ralph, Bobby may be a lot of things, but he does not lack taste buds or a keen sense of smell! No wonder he called us that night.”
“How was I supposed to know? He was just a snitch!” Ralph whined.
“The first thing a good journalist remembers is to respect his sources. That ‘snitch’ in the past has provided Lois with top grade information. How do you think she got that last Kerth? From a tip Bobby gave her!” Perry shook his head. “It’s the reason why Lois and Clark are exceptional investigative reporters. It is also the reason why Eduardo and Steve are highly esteemed for what they do in their particular fields. Jimmy Olsen, while collaborating, with Lois wrote his first story for this paper during the Nightfall asteroid threat. The story needed a polish, but he is a better reporter than you will ever hope to be.”
Franklin Stern sat in the big leather chair watching the interplay between the three journalists and their editor. When he spoke with his dark rumbling voice, all eyes turned to him.
“Ralph, apparently this Bigmouth fellow was treated in a rather shabby manner. The same slipshod attitude was displayed toward your fellow reporters. That seems to be a pattern. I spoke with HR and apparently, your file lists a couple of discipline and behavioral problems. At least two female reporters hinted at harassment.” Stern brought his cool gray eyes to gaze at Ralph. “Got anything to say about that?”
Ralph’s face grew flush and he stumbled over his words. “I… I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I see.” The big man stood up and walked over to the door with a prizefighter’s grace, belying his age. “Well, those days are over. This morning I had a little talk with your Uncle. If it were not for him putting considerable pressure on Perry, you’re sorry butt would have been tossed out of here ages ago. He is no longer on the board of directors at the Daily Planet. I figured it was time to clean house in the bullpen as well.”
Looking to Perry, the publisher said, “The executive suite is my neighborhood, this is yours. Miss Lane, Mr. Kent, please accept my apology again for interrupting your morning. I look forward to reading the Shackleton article from beginning to end.” With those words, Franklin Stern exited Perry’s office, closing the door firmly behind him.
Ralph turned to Perry, his mouth open. “Now wait just a minute. He can’t do this!
Perry grinned fiercely, like a hungry lion about to have a meal. “Oh he meant it all right. The Daily Planet stands for decency and honor. We expect our employees, *especially* the reporters to uphold that standard. On many occasions it has been painfully obvious you want nothing to do with those standards.
“By willfully lying about where Lois and Clark were they might have been killed. We cannot tolerate such behavior. As of this moment, Ralph you no longer work for this newspaper. I intend to make sure the other newspapers in Metropolis and the state of New Troy are aware you are not worth hiring. Pack up your desk now. A guard will be waiting outside and will remain in the bullpen until you leave.”
Ralph, in shock, stood trying to talk, but words failed him. Slowly, as if in a terrible nightmare he walked in a desultory fashion out of Perry’s office. A security guard escorted him to his desk.
Clark let out a slow, low whistle, looked at Lois and said, “What a morning, it’s not even seven thirty yet!
“Great shades of Elvis!” Perry crowed, “I’ve wanted to do that since the first day he walked onto the newsroom floor.”
“Obviously, it explains why he seemed to slip by all the rules. Chief, it must have been awful.” Lois said.
“His Uncle’s ‘subtle’ pressure was difficult to deal with, but now at last his meddling stops.” Perry’s face relaxed and a brilliant smile erupted. “What are you two sitting around for? Elvis is most certainly not coming into the building! We have a newspaper to run! I expect to read all about the Shackleton hijacking in the evening edition!”
Grateful to return to their work, Lois and Clark began to walk towards the door, when the sound of Perry clearing his throat stopped them. “Uh, don’t forget you two promised to tell Bill Henderson ‘the story behind the story’.”
“Right chief,” Lois squeaked in response.
***
“This is the best thing you two have written since… well since ever!” Perry exclaimed for the entire newsroom to hear. “Lane and Kent, the hottest team in town does it again!” Cheers went up as the latest copies of the Daily Planet front page made its way around the bullpen.
SHACKLETON HIJACKING SOLVED! INTERGANG MEMBERS CAPTURED!
Jimmy, Eduardo and several other co-workers came over to offer sincere congratulations, followed by hearty handshakes and in the case of Diane a warm hug to Lois. Even Cat came over, generous in her best wishes to the reporting team.
“That’s quite a coup, bag an international criminal, four rogue scientists, and several Intergang members, all of whom have outstanding warrants,” Jimmy shrugged, trying to be nonchalant. “Just another ordinary working day in the lives of Clark Kent and Lois Lane!”
Eventually the noise died down, well-wishers went back to work, and the Planet’s bullpen settled down. Clark stood at Lois’ desk talking with Perry.
“The only ‘fly in the ointment’ is Dr. Scott. I wish he would regain consciousness so we can establish a link between him and Luthor.” Clark complained uncharacteristically.
“I don’t believe it!” A familiar voice shrieked.
Lois, Clark, Perry and the entire newsroom looked over to Cat, the gossip columnist was standing up her animated face in shock. Lois responded. “That could cover a lot of ground Cat. What don’t you believe?”
After her initial reaction, Cat put down the receiver and began excitedly thumbing through her rolodex… snickering gleefully. She tilted her chin to the phone, “That was Anna, our correspondent in Athens. Lex Luthor got married - *last* week at his home, The Stone Villa, on the Greek isle of Santorini!”
The entire bullpen turned around. A group normally jaded from hearing just about any kind of story. How could something so completely newsworthy slip past some of the best journalists in the business, if not the world?
A chorus of voices rang out:
“Who did he marry?”
“Congressman Gregg’s daughter?”
“Arthur Chow’s niece?”
“A stripper?”
This last comment came from Eduardo. Steve quickly shut him up by punching him in the shoulder. Diane followed by tapping him on the head. “Eduardo. That comment is so unlike you!” she snapped.
“Sorry,” he muttered sheepishly, “but with Luthor anything is possible!”
“OK, who did he marry?” Lois asked.
“Lex Luthor’s new wife is his long-time assistant… Aykira Hallick.”
“When did they start seeing each other and how did we miss it?” Was the consensus in the bullpen.
“Yeah, can you believe it? There was not the *slightest* indication they were dating. Hey, I’ve *got* to call my source at LexCorp. *Somebody* has the dirt on this wedding and I’m going to find it!” So saying, Cat picked up the phone and furiously began punching the number to reach her source.
“Chief, this story is way too big for a gossip columnist to handle! I interviewed Ms. Hallick…uh Mrs. Luthor only a few months ago. She’ll talk to me!” Lois pleaded.
The Planet’s Senior Editor started issuing orders to the bullpen at large. “Find out everything you can about this woman!”
“Way ahead of you chief!” Jack answered as he produced a thick file and handed it over to a grateful Lois. “This is all the research on the former Ms. Hallick. Miss Lane asked me to work up the information a while ago. It should save us some time.”
“Great work Jack!” Jimmy beamed at his young friend and protégé.
Cat slammed down the phone, stood up, pumped her fist in the air, and shouted triumphantly, “I got a quote from the new Mrs. Luthor!” ‘My marriage to Lex is taking us on a sojourn, a magnificent sojourn. I have found my other half in him, my friend. In him, I have found my lover, my companion. The man I was searching for.’
Jimmy whistled, “That’s quite the quote. She must really be in love.”
“Or have a great speech-writer,” Lois mumbled under her breath.
“Come on Lois, even you can tell true love, especially now.” Clark said softly.
His partner blushed ever so slightly and placed a light hand on his. “I’m very surprised that Clark Kent, Lex Luthor’s greatest detractor is hoping his marriage is a success.”
Clark shrugged his shoulders and said, “As long as he’s not married to a certain beautiful reporter, I can wish him the best of everything!”
Suddenly the phone rang shrilly on Lois’ desk. She picked it up and after identifying herself, she listened to the person on the other end. Her eyes suddenly grew wide with astonishment and she grabbed a notepad and pencil, writing furiously. “She wants to meet us when? Ok. We’ll be there! Thank you!”
Lois’ smile was one of smug satisfaction. She leaned back in her chair and began to laugh very quietly. “Poor Cat. That was the new Mrs. Luthor’s assistant on the phone. Clark and I have been invited to her office for a two on one interview in a week.”
“Great Shades of Elvis!” Perry raised his clutched hands skyward and crowed, “The circulation is going to go through the roof!”
