Here I am back commenting on the "final" chapter of Tank's birthday fic. Hope you were all satisfied with this "happy" ending! I couldn't just let Tank die and leave it at that.
This idea first occurred to me in the shower shortly after reading Tank's epilogue to my epilogue to his epilogue. The idea just started growing and growing and growing until I couldn't resist the idea of writing this.
I swore to myself I'd never, never write a story with H.G. Wells in it, but I guess you never say never. He just fit far too well for this solution to the problem. Clark was devastated; Lois was devastated; Tank was dead. I couldn't just let that stand. There had to be more yucky stuff, followed by a happily ever after. Can't let a Wendyfic end on a WHAM, could I?
But naturally, things just can't be simple. I've said over and over again on IRC that I despise when Wells just swoops in and fixes everything (the deus ex machina) without any pain or sacrifice on the part of L&C. So, of course, things are never as they seem.
One funny thing about this is that my original solution to this problem was even more far-fetched and outrageous. I wanted to play on the "fact" that Tempus was always out to destroy Utopia in every timeline. Tank's nickname out of college almost became Tempus, because he was always late for everything. So in effect, Tempus would end up creating Utopia in this world. But the thought of pairing Tempus up with Lois would probably have gotten me in serious trouble with Elena, so I ditched that idea and just stuck with my "simple" solution.
Of course, Tempus could have fixed that by exclaiming at some point, "Lois Elena Wilson!" but that's another story.
KathyB wrote:
Roger, I am in awe of your brilliance. Totally, completely in awe.
I have to say, Kathy, that you do wonders for my ego.
(/me blushes)
KathyB also wrote:
And it totally explains why "Clark" could be so evil in his quest to win Lois. ROTFL!!
Sure does. And it explains why Lois would fall for Tank instead of Clark. I simply love these twists. You can't fight destiny, after all.
Yvonne wrote:
Uh, I've been told by a little bird that he lives in Greenwich.
KathyM wrote:
And truly, I think this is the ultimate revenge...the fact that they have to have children, Lois' hair back to its proper length, Tank running around in tights saving the world...
Revenge? I thought this would make Tank happy.
KathyM also wrote:
Kathy (who at this moment is trying to imagine Tempus solemnly pronouncing "Tank Wilson is Superman". Just doesn't have quite the same ring to it...know what I mean?)
I tried to picture this but just ended up ROTFLMAO!
Thanks to all who read this story. And thanks to KathyB, Yvonne, KathyM, Wendy, Jose, Tank, Tricia, and Merry for their comments.
And thanks again to Wendy for allowing me to participate in her fic.
P.S. I'm wondering if anyone caught my homage to "The Music Man" with this line:
...so it wouldn't hurt to find out what the gentleman wanted.
To which the response would be, "I know what the gentleman wanted. You'll find it in Balzac."
)
One way or another, Tank, you still won Lois... the question is, can you live with the manner of your conquest? 
