Newsworthy-An Elseworld Tale by Philip Mogul Rated: PG-13 Submitted: August, 2003 Started 5/28/2000 Standard Fanfic Disclaimer's apply I wish to express my Gratitude to Gerry Anklewicz for the assistance she provided during the development of my story. Her help occurred during a very difficulty time in my life. One that was full of pain and anxiety. It was most appreciated. Thank you, my friend. Again, many, many thanks to my GE, Jeanne Pare, for her invaluable assistance in making my current Superman tale more readable and interesting to the Lois and Clark community. If you have comments pertaining to this story, please contact me privately at phmogul@mindspring.com. ************ Spring came early to Metropolis, Clark Kent reflected as he briskly strolled toward the Daily Planet. As he trod through the city, he was conscious of the picturesque beauty that adorned the metropolitan area courtesy of nature's ever-changing panoplies. The children playing in the street made him keenly aware of the various creeds and ethnic diversities who called Metropolis their home. By his count, there were more than one hundred and forty discrete groups living in the metropolitan area. It was this vast human diversity, Clark believed, that gave Metropolis its vigor. As he continued to walk, Kent noticed that many children moved through the streets of the city. Children, Clark knew, were an essential part of any community for it was they who represented continuation and hope. As he saw the bright smiling faces of the frolicking tots and teens, Clark's confidence in the future of his adopted world was reinvigorated. These kids reminded him of his most treasured aspirations - love, an adoring life companion, and a home filled with their offspring. Clark was in love with the concept of love. "Love," he felt, "was the glue that held everything in the world together." As the breath of spring exhilarated Clark's fancy, a vision of a beautiful woman, a person he treasured, spread through his mind. Lois Lane was the woman of his dreams. She was brilliant and pigheaded and possessed an explosive temper, but she displayed a remarkable intuitiveness coupled with a superb analytical mind. Clark was smitten the first time he saw Lois. Cupid had struck during his initial job interview with Perry White, the celebrated editor-in- chief of the Daily Planet. Why he loved her, Clark Kent didn't know; he just did. Love appeared to be one of those words that didn't compute. It was sort of a special feeling. Perhaps fate and his Kryptonian heritage were somehow involved in his affection for Lois Lane - only the creator of all things would be able to enlighten him on this point. During the last eight months, Lois and Clark's rapport had evolved from antagonistic and reluctant partners to best friends. Gone were the days when Lois referred to him as the "hack from Nowheresville," or "Mr. Greengeens." Their journey to this point in their partnership had been arduous because of Lois' near Machiavellian experiences with men. Clark was quite aware that during their time together, no romantic entanglements had developed. He was aware and tormented by the reality that no intimate association could evolve between them because of Lois' infatuation with Superman, Clark's alter-ego. Superman was a facade, a cartoon caricature, which Clark created to maintain a private existence while helping the people of his adopted world. When Superman first appeared on the scene, Lois Lane became instantly enamoured with the superhero guy. She considered Superman to be the embodiment of a Greek god, whereas Clark Kent by comparison was relegated to the status of a cross between humankind's Cro-Magnon and his Neanderthal descendants. With her obsession for Clark's Superman disguise, who dressed in a flashy and revealing outfit clouding her reason, how could the man from Kansas hope to compete for Lois' affections. Sighing, Clark again assumed his mild mannered reporter guise as he increased his ambulatory tempo toward the Planet the place where he and Lois worked. As he entered the newsroom, he saw Lois peering at her monitor nearly oblivious to her surroundings. Before proceeding to his work area, which adjoined hers, he prepared two cups of coffee. After finishing his rather ritualistic and mundane task, he placed one of the cups on Lois' desk while walking to his workstation. Receiving no response from his partner, Clark began writing an article about a drive-by shooting which occurred earlier in the day. After completing his article, Clark LANned it to Perry. Then he began to daydream. As usual, Lois soon became the major focus of his reverie. Today, however, as he thought about Lois, Clark became somewhat annoyed. She hadn't acknowledged his presence although he had placed the cup of java on her desk. Shaking his head, Clark thought, "I guess she still has me relegated to the lackey class - a work horse fresh from the farm." In a joyless mood Clark focused once more on his monitor and started to compose another piece - this time a Superman story. Finishing his copy within a few minutes, like his first article of the day, he sent it to Perry via the LAN network. While waiting for Perry's editorial comments, Clark leaned back in his chair and again watched Lois with adoring eyes. Clark was well aware that Lois was his partner and friend, his best friend; the love he harbored for her was still only a one-way street. Kent shook his head as he realized that he should not anticipate any deep-seated affection from Lois while his rival and alter- ego, Superman, dominated her thoughts and dominated her emotions. He suspected that if their current association persisted, Clark's trek through life would be a long and a solitary journey. As Clark was about to ask Lois whether she wanted to lunch with him, Perry came storming out of his office. "Lane, Kent, Mayor Bernstein just called an emergency press conference. It must be about that fraud business in city's budget department. There may be indictments. Get your butts down there pronto," pointing at his star reporting team. Both Lois and Clark jumped up and started to move rapidly towards the newsroom exit. Following Lois' spirited dash for the door, Clark saw his partner fall as she stepped on Cat's satchel. The satchel was unfortunately protruding into the aisle. Before Clark could do anything to stop Lois from stumbling, his partner twisted her ankle stepping over Cat's small bag and went down hard. When Lois hit the floor, Clark scooted to her side, and in a flash she was in her partner's arms. Holding Lois, Clark noticed that there was a grimace of pain distorting her fetching features. Clark yelled, "Jimmy, get me ice, water, and a towel pronto." Clark's close friend, cub reporter, and resident computer whiz, sprinted to the paper's cafeteria where he filled a small bucket with ice. He returned just as Clark was carefully removing Lois' shoe and sock from her injured foot. As Jimmy Approached, Clark said, "Thanks, Jimbo, that was quick." Even Lois managed to give Jimmy a thank you smile. Although she didn't often show it, Lois was quite aware that Jimmy, like Clark, was very concerned about her welfare. Her feelings for them, although not often expressed, were mutual. While Lois regarded Jimmy as a kid brother, her feelings for Clark were on a deeper and more personal level. However, whenever she sensed Jimmy needed protection, Lois' behavior became combative. Although she'd never admit it, her maternal instincts would become fully operational. Her attitude toward Jimmy could best be described as a tigress shielding her cub. As she observed Clark and Jimmy at work on her contused foot, it became very clear to Lois that she, Clark, Jimmy, and Perry had somehow formed a Planet family - a clan so strong that it rivalled their own natural households. Watching Clark apply cold compresses to her injured ankle gave Lois an opportunity to again surreptitiously scrutinize her partner. Peering into Clark's face, she sensed deep concern and something else, something that she couldn't quite put her finger on. This undefined mood seemed to be a mixture of tender feeling which transcended their normal partnership. As Lois probed Clark's facial expression for a second time, she decided that she wasn't sure what she'd noticed. Her emotional swing was predictable. When Lois contemplated an emotional move, she would go into a defensive shell to guard against any amorous relationship from forming with a Planet associate. Her past lovers had taught her to be wary, especially of the men who worked in the newsroom. As Clark continued to apply the cold compresses, Perry nudged him to leave the care giving to someone else and head for the mayor's press conference. Aggravated by Perry's intrusion, Clark uncharacteristically verbalized his annoyance by saying, "Send Meyerson or Burns. I will not leave my partner until I'm sure she'll be okay." Perry growled at Kent for his apparent insubordination. Hearing Perry's guttural warning, Clark quietly remarked, "Perry, I will not leave her even if you fire me." Cognizant of Clark's undeclared deep feelings for Lois, Perry was quite aware that Kent meant what he said. Not wanting to antagonize one of his newest and brightest reporters, Perry yelled, "Burns, cover the mayor's conference for Kent." For effect, he added, "Now git." Then turning to Clark, he expressed his concern about Lois, saying, "Let me know how she's doin, okay?" Clark nodded as he continued ministering to Lois. As he watched the interplay between Lane and Kent, a knowing smile spread across Perry White's face. Sure that Lois was in good hands, he withdrew to his office, an oasis of semi serenity away from the chaos of the bullpen. As Clark continued to apply the cold compresses, Lois stared at her partner as though she were seeing him for the first time, really seeing him. He had put his professional life on the line for her by defying Perry. That took guts. Surprised by his fearlessness, she was also pleasantly aware that he hadn't teased her throughout this entire affair. Lois was also mindful that Clark hadn't hinted at anything in exchange for his pampered assistance. This kind of behavior was strange to Lois, but not unwelcome. All of her past liaisons were of the selfishly grabby variety. Her so-called paramours appropriated Lois' stories, her loves, and her friends at one time or another. They were the kind of individuals who grudgingly returned her sentiments and only on their terms. As each of her past intimate relationships ended, she was dispassionately tossed onto an emotional dung heap. Because of these disastrous affairs, Lois had vowed never again to get romantically involved. As she watched Clark, however, Lois started to seriously rethink her compact against amorous entanglements. As she contemplated her changing feelings, Lois began to reminisce about the beginnings of her partnership with Clark. Lois recalled that while she was attempting to quell the anguish in her soul caused by her ill-fated affair with Michael, her latest romantic disaster, Perry had thrust Clark upon her. While her unwanted partner was a gorgeous guy, Lois was sure that Clark, like any male, was driven by surges of testosterone. In the beginning of the Lane and Kent partnership, she treated Clark horribly. She did everything short of murder to drive him away. Because of his roots, Lois considered him a product of the swine corral and kept up a torrent of crass remarks about Kansas and his farm upbringing. To her amazement, in relatively short time, they became inseparable colleagues and the best of friends. As soon as they became comfortable with one another, Lois began to suspect that Clark harbored amorous feelings for her. That thought terrified her. So, using the famous Lane approach when confronting uncertain romantic problems she could not handle or was not ready to consider, Lois strived to keep any relationship with her partner on an intellectual and a platonic footing to keep him from developing any romantic notions where she was concerned. Not that she wouldn't consider a relationship with Clark; eventually, but, at the present, Lois was fearful that a failed love affair with Clark would destroy not only their partnership, but her career would most likely also be wrecked. Furthermore, Lois knew that her psyche could not survive another failed romantic fling. Lois was finally coming to grips with her romantic side. She was now aware that with all of her diverse experiences with men, she was still a naive practitioner in the passion game. Furthermore, when it came to recognizing true love, Lois was now firmly aware that she found it difficult to distinguish possible spousal material from the chaff. Today, however, Lois recognized something from her partner's actions; something that she long suspected. Kent had strong feelings for her - very strong feelings. Her discovery left her light headed and elated because Lois was finally learning how to differentiate true amorous feelings from lust; she was getting to understand the passion game. Smiling inwardly, Lois suddenly realized that the man from Kansas had been her learning module. Lois was beginning to suspect that Clark was more to her than just her partner and best friend. As she pondered her new awareness of Clark Kent, Lois began to look at her partner with new eyes. The way he cared for her, never thinking about the consequences to himself, and other affectionate little things finally made her come to grips with her deep feelings for Clark. While she watched Clark tend her injured ankle, Lois continued to reminisce about her partner. During the eight months they had worked together, Clark had never attempted to control her thoughts or actions. Their decisions, whether professional or social, were always decided by consensus. Clark never interfered with their professional activities unless he was convinced that Lois' schemes were half-baked and could place them in harm's way. He never took things from her. Clark was generally a giver, while Lois tended to be a taker - she was beginning to feel bad about that side of her personality. Lois also knew that since the day they were partnered, he never attempted to alter her behavior. She was also coming to realize that Clark delighted in his partner's shenanigans and all her rambunctious mannerisms. Smiling, she thought, "My partner enjoys who I am and not what he wants me to be." Then she murmured, "How refreshing." Realizing that the face of fortune was finally starting to smile upon her, she suddenly thought, good-G-D, I've been emulating the actions of my past sordid lovers where Clark is concerned. That kind of behavior must cease immediately. By his actions Clark had already exhibited many qualities she admired - intelligence, loyalty, gallantry and bravery. Such behavior she had heretofore only noticed in her superhero friend. After seeing and recalling how Kent had continually acted on her behalf, Lois, began, maybe unconsciously at first, to place Clark and Superman in the same category. Clark Kent, she could now admit, was turning out to be an extraordinary fellow. His altruism was not skin deep, but percolated from deep within his soul. She had been privileged to watch this gentle man as he showed compassion for individuals and the masses alike. She had observed him as he battled nearly insurmountable odds to help plain folks. From Clark, Lois learned that acquiring information didn't always translate into another story. Lois had become aware from her partner that people and their feelings were more important than just the facts. As Lois further thought about her partner, Lois realized that she had not been consciously aware of her escalating fondness for Clark until he had suddenly swooped into her private space to ease the pain of her injured ankle. Until today, Clark was just the guy with whom she worked - a colleague who was always there for her. Boy, she reflected, was she blind. She now sensed that Clark was like a river that meandered silently over her life scape and whose devotion to her had become a fundamental part of Lois' being. As the magnitude of her feeling for Clark penetrated her psyche, Lois became breathless. She then smiled and gazed at the gorgeous guy who was quietly ministering to her. After observing her partner for a few moments, Lois asked herself a life- altering question. Could Clark be her true love? Thinking about her question for several seconds, Lois, with a sigh, mentally shouted a resounding, yes, yes, he's the one. With the acceptance of her feelings for Clark came relief and a calm that seemed to cleanse her very soul. She felt an intrinsic contentment and a spiritual kind of peace course through her body. It placed the Planet top reporter in a frame of mind that had eluded Lois through most of her life. As the pain throbbed in her foot, Lois, to block out the hurt, mentally reviewed her developing romantic Kent scenario. Lois was well aware that over the last several years, the concept of a life partner had steadily encroached on her thinking. However, Lois' past disastrous intimate experiences with men had made her nervous. The thoughts of matrimony engendered both terror and joy within Lois' soul. Ultimately, her desire to love and be loved won the day. She also knew that her association with Clark had greatly influenced her decision. Because of a desire to share her life with a permanent partner, Lois had been discreetly and sometimes unconsciously searching for the right guy, one who would not be a celebrity - Lois craved privacy - but with whom she could be an equal in all things. She knew that with Superman, as a husband, her life would be like living in a fishbowl, and their home would be plagued by constant interruptions. Privacy would be an unfilled dream. Lois wanted to share an evening out with her soulmate - enjoy a walk in the park, go to the cinema or a concert - and not be mobbed by autograph seekers and sycophants. Being recognized as Superman's wife would probably place her and their friends at constant risk. If she and her husband were blessed with children, Lois knew that the safety of their progeny would take precedent over all things including her and her husband's lives, if necessary. Because of Superman's high profile, Lois was well aware that she and her super hubby would be in a ceaseless battle to protect their solitude, their lives and the lives of their offspring. It became tragically clear to Lois that as Superman's spouse, she would not be able to enjoy any of her long cherished dreams. Clark, on the- other-hand, Lois realized, had all the attributes of the superhero without the encumbrances induced by Superman's notoriety. As Lois watched Clark work on her ankle, she suddenly heard him yell for Jimmy. Hearing Kent's voice, Jimmy bounded across the newsroom to Clark's side in a few seconds. When the cub reported arrived, Clark placed his hand on Jimmy's shoulder and instructed him to keep treating Lois' ankle with cold compresses for another hour or so. Then Clark directed him to take Lois home and see to it that she stayed off her feet. Turning, Clark saw Perry who commented, "Good thinking, son. What are you gonna do now?" "If I hustle," Clark replied, "I can catch up to Burns and we could cover the Mayor's political morass together." "GO TO it," Perry hollered slapping Clark on the back. When he was about to leave, Clark bent towards Lois and quietly said, "Please take care of yourself. I need my partner." Pausing for a moment he quietly added, "And I need you in my life." He then tenderly kissed her on the forehead. As he stood, after caressing her with his lips, she saw both concern and adoration in his eyes. With their eyes locked, he squeezed her shoulder and headed for the newsroom exit. For the first time, since he met her, Clark somehow felt that a future with Lois Lane at his side was a strong possibility. While Lois watched her partner practically run towards the newsroom exit, she too was becoming aware of her changing feelings for a man raised several thousand miles from Metropolis. However, she thought, Clark may be moving a bit too fast for a guy who waited for over a year before his feelings for me became evident. As Clark hurriedly exited from the bullpen, Lois thought, "I can't wait to get better acquainted with my gorgeous partner man." She smiled as she continued to think about her impressive sidekick. Subconsciously, she had already staked a claim on him. Then, shaking her head, she mentally castigated herself for not recognizing how strongly he was attracted to her. She was now fully aware of the tragic consequences caused by her Superman fetish. Her gushing hormones had blurred reality and camouflaged the admirable and loving qualities of Lois' partner, her man from Kansas, Clark Kent. Exiting the Planet, Clark moved at a brisk gait towards City Hall and its adjacent horrendous looking plaza. The plaza was a concrete square that was part of the city hall complex. It had been dubbed by Clark and some of his colleagues as the garden of rhetorical fantasy and boredom. However, before Clark had arrived on the Metropolis scene, Lois had, in her inimical fashion, christened the same area "The Hogwash Commons." * * * As Clark strolled toward his destination, he contemplated the new political schemes of the City's mayor. He knew that his Honor and the spin doctors employed by the local government would again try to persuade the public that what was illegal according to the City's Charter was in reality legal because of the mayor's new interpretation of Metropolis' articles of management. Of course, the Mayor would be supported by those spineless toadies serving on the city council. If the city's foremost politician could subvert the City Charter again, a number of people living in the Hobbs' Bay area would be suddenly evicted from their homes and forced to wander aimlessly through the streets of Metropolis - sharply increasing the crime rate of the Metropolis. Soon after the forced evictions had been promulgated, Clark was sure that a section of Hobbs' Bay would become another shopping mall. Those that lost their modest homes would have been pushed aside for another concrete edifice. Kent fully understood the reason behind the Mayor's action. Greed. Hobbs' Bay land was cheap and the potential for enormous profits was great. Clark smelled Lex Luthor's hand in this dirty deal. The normally mild mannered reporter was becoming angry - very angry because defenseless people were about to be hurt. A few minutes after leaving the Planet, Clark passed the Metropolis Star, a rival newspaper whose daily publications he considered to be just a notch above the National Whisper. The Whisper's articles were yellow journalism at its finest. Although not as vile as The National Whisper, sensationalism was still The Star's major ploy. Salacious thoughts were the common threads which permeated many of the Star's sensual articles. Unfortunately for the public, many of their stories were not supported by strong documentation or, as Perry would say, hard facts. Because of the Star's cavalier attitude the authenticity germane to many of their articles had been challenged in the courts. While the resulting law suits had been costly, the Star still persisted with its melodramatic and often distorted approach to the news. As he continued toward the downtown area, Clark heard a familiar voice calling his name. The sing- song quality of the woman's verbalizations belonged to none other than Linda King, who had just exited the Star's publishing complex. As he watched her approach, Clark wondered if she, too, was headed toward the mayor's press conference. Linda King was Lois' rival both professionally and socially. To be fair, Clark thought, "Linda was a fairly good reporter, but unprincipled when it was expedient. She was clever at sniffing out spectacular stories and those that could be presented in a lurid context. Linda would be elated if both events occurred in the same story. A fundamental difference between this woman and Lois," he reflected, "was in the honesty department." Linda would bend the rules of good journalism to the breaking point and beyond. While the result could produce a spectacular story, it most probably would be tainted. In contrast, the journalistic community was well aware that Perry White's stable of reporters would not tolerate the slightest hint of mendacity in a Planet publication. "Thank goodness for the integrity of my associates," Clark reflected. While her journalistic judgment could sometimes be questioned, Linda was still a skilled reporter. Besides being a good newspaper woman, Linda King was socially very aggressive. "Boy," he thought, "Linda was not only rowdy but persistent - she stuck to you like super glue." Recalling some near social infractions with her, Clark mumbled, "Obstreperous, that's a good word to describe her." Then smiling, Clark whispered in a hillbilly twang, "That's for sure, that's for dang sure." "What did you say, Clarkie? Linda asked, "I didn't quite hear what you said." "It's nothing important," he replied, "I was just thinking out loud." Her aggressive nature and sexual innuendos had prompted Clark on a number of occasions to tell Linda that a romantic liaison between them was out of the question. He tried to convey this notion to her time and time again, but to no avail. She still came on to him like a predator on the prowl. In her stalking mode, Linda behaved almost like a robot with a two step program - seek and get. Soon after Linda joined Clark, she began her almost predictably amorous prattle aimed at her Planet colleague and some time rival. As Linda's provocative onslaught continued, he almost had to beat her off with a stick while telling her over and over that there could be nothing passionate between them. However, like many females with an amorous objective, she didn't listen to a thing he had to say, but she did scheme. When it came to Linda King, Clark might as well have been talking to the trees. Clark and Linda's skirmishing ended just as the reporters arrived at the mayor's conference site. As they entered Lois' hogwash square, Linda saw several male reporters she recognized and took off, saying she'd see Clark later and they'd walk back together. After Linda vanished in the crowed, Clark thought, she's still on the make. He smiled and thought to himself, all males beware female, Casanova hunting. Clark shook his head as he tried to understand Linda's behavior. As he looked around for Burns, Clark concluded that Linda was even more insatiable than Cat. Dismissing Linda from his mind for the moment, Clark finally located Burns and together they listened to the Mayor's political dribble. * * * After the Mayors' conference King and Kent again walked together toward their respective newspapers. As Clark anticipated, Linda again started to babble about her favorite topic, one Clark Kent. With her chatter came the same changeless questions. Why wasn't he interested in her? She was an intelligent attractive woman. Was there a possible future for them? Then, as usual, she added Lois to her rhetorical stew adding invectives which made him blush. He was about to admonish Linda for attacking his partner when Clark's super hearing picked up a series of cries for help. An orphanage was ablaze. He excused himself and rushed into a nearby alley. Sensing that something was afoot, Linda followed closely behind Clark. For some time, she had a suspicion that there was a Superman - Kent connection and Linda wanted that story. It would enhance her career, but more important were the accolades it would garner. Like Lois, Linda craved awards. In their quest for laurels the two L's - Lois Lane and Linda King - were joined at the hip. While she scampered after Clark, Linda mused, "Maybe this time I'll discover how the Kent - Superman rapport operates." She readied her camera as she entered the alley and beheld Clark starting to spin into his Superman garb. Although awed and nearly transfixed by the event, Linda kept her presence of mind long enough to capture part of the Kent to Superman transformation on film. Because of the impending life and death crisis, all that Clark could say as he began to levitate was, "Linda, we have to talk. Please don't do anything impulsive until we've had our discussion." He then streaked into the air and flew toward the orphanage whose lower floors had already been engulfed by the conflagration. After rescuing the children and helping the fire department extinguish the blaze and prop up the structure, Clark proceeded to the Metropolis Star. As he flew toward his destination, he was painfully aware that his future and the future of all those he loved hung on a conversation with a woman who cared only for herself and garnering accolades - the fools' gold of humankind. His psyche murmured inwardly as he flew, "How can you have a discussion with a very self-centered woman with few scruples and whose ambition knows no ethical bounds?" To say the least, Clark was very concerned. Working in concert with her moral deficiency, Linda's knowledge could prove to be a devastating combination, especially for the continued existence of one Clark Kent aka Superman. While Clark was busy in his Superman guise Linda King rushed back to the Star where she very quickly composed and submitted an article on the Mayor's press conference. With that chore out of the way, she flew to the dark room and developed the film that showed Kent changing into his alter-ego. Staring at the pictures which revealed Superman's secret identity Linda's imagination began to fantasize about the honors the news media would heap upon her. A Kerth, Pulitzer, and a Meriwether award all flashed through her mind. She would be the reporter of the year... decade... hell, she thought, the journalist of the century. Her story would be one of the greatest of all time. As her mind celebrated her good fortune, the glow of her coming triumph washed over her like soothing hot bath water and she felt content. Entering the Star, Clark quickly located Linda who was working at her desk. Scanning her monitor Clark became painfully aware that she was in the midst of writing her Superman expose. Walking to Linda's workstation, Clark put a hand on her shoulder and softly said, "Can we talk?" Looking up into Clark's face, Linda nodded and pointed toward an empty conference room behind the Star's bullpen. Clark waited as she shut down her computer and then accompanied her to one of the Star's meeting rooms. As Clark closed the door, Linda headed for a chair and seated herself and gave him a smug look. Clark moved a few feet into the room and remained standing, waiting for her to initiate the conversation which he knew would greatly affect his future and the future of his parents and friends. After a few moments Linda stated sarcastically, "What do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Superman, sir?" Ignoring her caustic remark, Clark quietly went straight to the matter and said, "As a friend I'm asking you not to divulge my secret to the world. Your article will hurt and maybe cause the demise of people close to me. The disclosure of my alter-ego will also remove Superman from the world stage. With his disappearance, many innocent people will become vulnerable to the forces of injustice." Linda snickered at his appeal and remarked, "There's nothing new in that statement, Clark. The strong tend to devour the unwary and the weak. That's the way of the world." "No, it's not," Clark nearly screamed at her. "It may be the view of depraved or self- centered minds," Clark continued angrily, "but it's not the view of civilized folk." Linda appeared not to be flustered nor impressed by his emotional and angry retort. Getting control of himself, but still resentful at Linda's attitude, Kent continued his petition, but this time added a warning. He said, "When a surprising discovery is revealed, the changes it can cause often produce unexpected and undesirable consequences. As history has continually demonstrated, the effects of a sudden disclosure which can have world shattering results can result in a backlash that often consumes the perpetrator of the tumult." "That's an interesting piece of philosophy," Linda replied. "But as far as I'm concerned, Clark, your thoughts are nothing but bilge." "I see," Clark said, keeping a tight hold on his temper as his growing irritation with this very self- centered woman escalated. Continuing, he scathingly remarked, "According to the fiction and fact of Linda's King almanac, the history of this planet is nothing more than insignificant and questionable events." Looking her straight in the eyes, he quietly but fiercely stated, "You, my dear, are like a delusional fly who is convinced that flypaper can be overpowered and captured." After a slight pause Clark again appealed to Linda not to reveal his alter-ego persona. "Please," he said in a more conciliatory tone, "consider carefully what you are about to do. By disclosing my Superman disguise, the person known as Clark Kent will cease to exist. Clark Kent will vanish into the mists of time along with his alter-ego Superman. When I am gone, the criminal element will seek retribution and your story will provide them with ready made targets for their vengeance. My friends will be placed in jeopardy because I won't be here to protect them. Even you may be targeted." After a slight pause, Clark added, "If you publish your Superman expose, you, Linda King, will become an agent of death. Your disclosure will most certainly affect the safety of my parents. My family and I would be compelled to conceal ourselves, possibly for the remainder of our lives. I'm asking you as a friend and for the benefit of many blameless individuals, who will be slaughtered, to kill your Superman story." After Clark finished his appeal, Linda started to pace along the length of the conference room. As Clark watched her, he could plainly see she was in the midst of an emotional quandary. Linda suddenly stopped her ambulating, turned and marched up to Clark and looking him straight in his eyes said with an edge to her voice, "Marry me!" Linda's words struck him like a body blow from a kryptonite shillelagh. Her unexpected demand stunned him and paralyzed his voice for several moments. Recovering from his shocked state, he said, "Marry you? Are you crazy? Linda, I don't love you. Kryptonians mate for life and can only relate intimately with their soulmates." She replied, "Soulmates, smoulmates. Who said anything about love?" I'm in lust with you. Our marriage will be a political arrangement with a lot of sex. As your wife," she continued, "Superman's secret will be secure." Disregarding Clark's obvious psychic trauma, Linda impatiently remarked after a few seconds of silence, "I'm waiting for your reply, Clarkie dear." As Clark struggled to answer her, he recalled Lois' description of this woman. His partner had emphatically said, "Linda King is a bitch and a half." Clark now realized that Linda was more diabolical than Lois had imagined. This she-cat was quite adept at using her razor sharp wit to attack his psychological jugular, with her cerebral talons. Lois' characterization of this evil spirited woman was right on the money. He had a perfect slogan for Linda's self-centered attitude - all for me and me for moi. As he mentally and vocally jousted with Linda, the star's reporter proved to be a shrewd and conniving horror. Shaking his head, Clark recognized that Linda's mental spurs were shredding his sanity. Lord, his mind screamed, she's tearing my life apart and doesn't care. After composing himself, Clark looked her straight in the eye and said, "I can't establish a marital union with you based on lust alone. I would always feel unclean." Pausing for a moment, Clark continued, "I'm not a prude nor do I have anything against hankering after someone as long as the lust of which you speak is the servant of love, a love between sweethearts; a lifetime kind of love. What you propose would be akin to a cocotte and her client engaging in sex without affection and then going their separate ways. There is nothing between their hormonal relationship except lust and maybe a monetary exchange. Think about it. Is that all you want of me - legitimized sex between a hussy and Superman?" Never-the-less Linda replied, "I want you anyway I can get you." When Linda finished her reply to his plea with her cold-blooded self-centered attitude, Clark nearly lost it. Struggling to remain a gentleman in the presence of this floozy, he quietly said, still attempting to dissuade Linda of her plan, "When I love someone, any intimacy between my soulmate and me would have a life creating purpose blended into our amorous relationship. Usage of the sexual drive just to satisfy your own physical needs is abhorrent to me. I hail from Krypton, not Sodom or Gemmorrah. My heritage will not permit me to enter such an unholy alliance no matter what the cost to myself." With a hard voice Clark continued, "Furthermore, Ms. King, the ethics and morals I acquired from my parents would prevent me from ever considering your... your... proposition." He couldn't stoop to her level and express what he felt in guttural terms. If Lois were here, he thought, "She'd give Linda King what for in such licentious terms that her expletives would make a sailor blush." His thought of Lois in action on his behalf brought a smile to his lips. Returning to reality, he heard Linda angrily declare, "So be it." She paused and then continued saying, "You have until dawn tomorrow, my bucco, to reconsider my marital proposal. If I haven't heard from you by that time, the Metropolitans will be treated to a Superman story that will toast their bagels." Linda then turned and strutted out of the room, slamming the door. Following Linda from the conference room, Clark hurriedly exited the Star and made a beeline for the Planet. It was late in the afternoon when the Kansas nurtured reporter finally reached his desk. He quickly wrote the Mayor's press conference article placing the Burns and Kent bylines on the feature. Clark then composed a story about the orphanage fire with the Lane and Kent bylines on his copy. He then LANed both pieces to Perry. As he waited for the chief's input, Clark Kent sat back and pondered his deteriorating social situation. Looking at the clock, Clark knew that his parents would still be awake. After delaying a few moments, he called Smallville. When Martha answered the phone he said, "Hi, Mom. How are things going?" She replied, "Fine, son. Anything special you wanted?" "Nothing, Mom, I just called to remind you that the man from Krypton will arrive just before dawn." There was a sudden gasp followed by a hush in their conversation. Recovering quickly from the shock of Clark's coded message, "THE MAN FROM KRYPTON?" She asked. "Are you sure?" "Yes," Martha's son commonly replied. After a short delay Martha remarked, "We'll be ready for his arrival, son." After a pause in their conversation, Martha remarked, "What prompted him to visit us at this time of the year?" Clark replied, "Linda King noticed certain things about his behavior and in our rather heated discussion about whether to expose certain of his characteristics we could not come to a meeting of the minds. So, Mom, it looks like things will come to a head very soon, and I'm afraid the information revealed will be harmful to many people." "That's all I can tell you now, Mom. See you soon." "Okay, son," Martha remarked. "I'll give your regards to your father. Love you. Bye." After Clark's phone call, Martha Kent remained motionless for a few seconds marshalling her thoughts. Clark's mother was a strong woman who could always think decisively and act quickly when the need arose. Now Martha knew was the time for action. She summoned her husband and quickly apprised him of the situation. Although somewhat astounded by the unfolding events, Jonathan smiled at his wife of thirty plus years and quietly said, "The thing we've feared all these years has finally happened, dear." He then embraced his wife placing a tender kiss on her lips. As they parted, Martha remarked, "Somehow we'll get through this." He nodded, and then Clark's parents silently prepared to vacate their home of many years. Plans for just such a contingency had been made long ago. Wayne Irig would be the trustee of the Kent estate until Martha and Jonathan returned to their homestead. If Clark nor his parents never returned, the Kent property would pass to Wayne's children twenty years after he passed on. When Clark had completed the phone call to his parents, he felt like Judas Iscariot; a betrayer of the only people on Earth who had loved him without any qualms and nurtured an orphan from across the cosmos with all the love they could muster. With the knowledge of his alter-ego becoming public in a few hours, the threat to him and his parents would become never-ending. As tears sprang into his eyes, Clark vowed to himself that during the remainder of their lives his parents would never fear the terrors of the night nor the evils that pervade the day. His sobbing became a torrent of tears as Clark's anguish burst through his emotional gates. As the sun was setting, Clark Kent booted up his computer for the last time at the Daily Planet. He had decided on a course of action. He would compose an interview between Lois Lane and Superman. During their discussion, Clark would reveal his secret identity telling the world the superhero was in reality a cartoon caricature invented by Clark Kent - a mask to conceal the special abilities of a mild mannered reporter so he could have a normal life. In this way, Lois would not be thwarted from her long sought after prize, a Pulitzer, by a serendipitous event that would be exploited by Linda King for her own personal gain. After emotionally agonizing over his Superman story for several hours, Clark placed Lois Lane's byline on the expose and LANed his last and most difficult story to the Planet's editor-in-chief. He felt good. A promise had been fulfilled, and a good friend would benefit from his misfortune. With his writings now complete, Clark Kent, with a heavy heart, cleaned out his computer and began to remove his personal effects from his desk. Within the hour, these rather traumatic tasks were finished. Placing his belongings in a large canvas bag, and with an ache in his heart, Clark Jerome Kent began to saunter slowly towards the newsroom exit. As sunrise approached, the man from Kansas was all too aware that his book of life as a mortal from Kansas was closing. With the coming of the dawn, Clark Jerome Kent's existence would vanish like the wind. Sometime in the near future, he would create a new identity; one that would protect his parents without the incumbrances of Superman. He had learned that lesson well. There would be no superhero in his future nor any love. Clark adored Lois with such passion that he knew that this strange emotion would never again be replicated within his being. It was a pity that Lois would never truly know nor understand the depths of Clark's love for her. She just lusted after a flashy costume. A cartoon caricature that was the creation of his mind and the product of his mother's sowing machine. When the coming hubbub over Superman eventually subsided, Clark knew that his works and exploits would eventually slip out of focus and be relegated to history. Smiling, Clark wondered what future academicians would write about him? He then snickered and murmured, "I wonder if the people of that future time would believe that such a person as Superman ever existed?" Out of curiosity he thought, "I'd like to be around to find how my super persona was perceived." "Maybe I will," Clark chuckled. "With my unique abilities, I just might live long enough to find out." Shaking himself out of his reverie, Clark was just about to leave the Planet building when Perry charged out of his office and bellowed, "Kent, I gotta see ya right now." Clark hesitated for a moment, then retraced his steps and entered Perry's inner sanctum. As he stepped into the chief's office, Perry closed the door and gestured for Clark to sit down. As Clark tried to make himself comfortable Perry said, "I know you like to tease Lois from time to time and your funnin' tends to ease the tension between ya'll. This game you two play," he continued, "is good therapy and seems to have joined both of you at the hip so to speak. But, son, you and Lois never horsed around with your stories." As Perry was talking, he held up a copy of the Superman interview. "Clark," he added, "I know both yours and Lois' writing styles. Why in the king's name did you create this piece?" "Because it's true," Clark replied quietly. As he spoke, he stood and moved to the window drawing the curtains which isolated Perry's office from the rest of the newsroom. Clark then levitated and floated around the office. Staring at Clark, a stunned Perry White murmured, "Judas Priest, it's true. Clark Kent and Superman are one and the same." When Perry calmed down, Clark related the fiasco that unfolded when he left the Planet to cover the Mayor's press conference. After Clark completed his woeful tale, Perry commented, "I think Lois should hear this story from your own lips and anyhow, read your copy." "Do you think Lois' presence is really necessary?" Clark remarked. Perry nodded affirmatively. "Then by all means let's call her immediately," Clark replied in a somewhat apprehensive tone. "Remember Perry, I must be out of Metropolis before dawn to pick up my parents, find a secure hiding place, and settle in before both Linda's and Lois' Superman's stories hit the street." Without hesitation, the chief picked up a phone and called Lois. After a few rings a male voice answered the phone. "Hello, Jimmy," Perry said, "Bring Lois to the Planet post haste. I know Lois is in pain, but tell her it's important, Jimbo - very important." After he hung up, Perry told Clark, "They'll be here in about twenty minutes or so." As Clark waited for his partner, he placed his head in his hands and became mute. To curtail the tomb-like silence which settled over the office, Perry prudently asked, "What's your plan, son?" Raising his head and giving Perry a quirky smile Clark replied, "The first order of business, of course, is the protection of my parents. I'll collect them in a few hours, and we'll go into hiding. In the fullness of time, when the ebb and flow of their lives have run their course, I'll probably leave the Earth and explore the universe. The jeweled vault of heaven always beckoned me," he added, "And I would like to see some of the cosmic wonders up close before I too became part of the basic fabric of the universe." After a brief pause Clark said, "That's about as far as my thoughts have progressed, Perry. When my parents are secure, I'll probably consider other options." Before Clark could expand on his thoughts, Perry chimed in, "Son, I want you to know that I always considered you and your folks family. I'm not only very upset about your current dilemma, but I'm greatly concerned about your future. So please consider what I'm going to say very seriously." Pausing to catch his breath Perry said, "Clark, Singapore in recent years has become one of the two or three financial and news crossroads for the entire Asiatic region. While other news and monetary centers also serve the Asian orbit, Singapore seems to be one of the lynch pins which maintain the flow of vital information from the Far East to the rest of the world. Not only does the Daily Planet maintain a news bureau in Singapore, but the paper also owns two luxury condominiums on that isle." Hearing a noise Perry paused and looked around. Seeing only the janitor traipsing through the newsroom, the chief continued. For some inexplicable reason Perry told Clark, "Alan and I seem to be the only Planet personnel who are aware that those apartments exist. At present," Perry added, "Alan Jacobs is the chief of the Planet's Singapore news bureau and occupies one of those condos. The other suite," Perry remarked, "is currently vacant," emphasizing this fact by the tone in his voice. Opening the bottom drawer of his desk, the chief retrieved a small package which he placed in Clark's hands. "In this parcel," Perry declared, "are the keys to that empty condominium of which we spoke." As Clark started to protest, Perry interrupted him and said, "Son, where would be the best place to hide?" Before Clark could reply, Perry answered his own query by saying, "Amid a multitude of people. You demonstrated that point admirably with your Kent - Superman disguise. Lois, Jimmy, and myself to say the least, couldn't connect your two personas." When Perry finished speaking Clark thanked Perry and graciously accepted the keys to what would be the Kent family's new residence. Taking Clark's hand, Perry quietly and emphatically said, "Son, we take care of our own." As they continued to wait for Lois, Perry mentioned to Clark that he'd need something to occupy his time in Singapore or he'll eventually stick out like a sore thumb. Scratching his head, Perry suddenly smiled and said, "I'll tell Alan Jacobs that the Planet is sending him a seasoned editor. He's been screaming for an American trained journalist to head up his burgeoning editorial staff." Trying to stifle a giggle the chief remarked, "So Alan will get a super editor, you." Becoming more somber, Perry quietly remarked, "To make sure you guys are safe, I'll be the only one who knows where you and your folks will be living." "Don't you mean hiding?" Clark chimed in with a sickly laugh. Perry cuffed him on the arm for his barb and added in a serious tone, "In time you may want to include Alan in our little family. You'll find him, like yourself, to be the salt of the Earth." "Clark," Perry said solemnly, "you know I regard you like a son. Lois, Jimmy, and you are my heart. I may growl and yell at you guys, but inside I'm a softy when it comes to you three. Rather than hurt any of you, may my right hand lose its cunning and be parted from my body." "I know, chief," Clark replied, "I love you and Jimmy the same way." Then smiling, Clark added, "Lois I love beyond measuring. My adoration for her, as you would expect, is in a special category." Perry smiled as he placed his hand on Clark's shoulder and commented, "I've known how you've felt about her for a long time, son. If it weren't for that alter-ego of yours, I think you two would be a couple by now. Maybe even married." "That part of my life is over, Chief," Clark replied looking rather glum. "How can I ask someone my heart and mind worships to share the liabilities of a very uncertain future?" Looking him in the eye Perry remarked, "I remember what my mother said to me when I became dejected. She would quietly say, "Have hope. Hope may be a fragile thing, but oh it's so difficult to destroy." Now it's my time to tell you, Clark Kent, "Have faith that you and Lois will weather this storm and be able to consummate your love." Shaking his head, Clark said, "Consider the Circumstances, Perry. Do you really believe that Lois and I can achieve a life together after Linda's story is published?" "I do," Perry earnestly replied. Clark just sighed. Then looking at Perry, Clark remarked, "I sure wish that I could continue to write stories exposing the bad guys even while I'm in limbo." Kent's statement gave Perry an inspired thought. Looking at Clark, the chief said, "You don't have to give up being an investigative reporter." "What?" Clark replied hope echoing in his response. "You'll just have to use a pseudonym," Perry added. Chuckling, he continued, "I'm sure you know how that scenario works." As Clark waited for the chief to gather his thoughts, he saw a smile spread over Perry's face. Grabbing Clark's shoulder, Perry asked, "What was the handle that your natural parents named you?" "Kal-El," Clark replied. "Hmm," Perry said, "how does Kal Ellis sound as a professional moniker?" "Sounds fine to me, Chief," Clark answered. "But, why would I want to take on another alias?" Perry cuffed him on the arm and said, "For your byline of course." Clark then stared at Perry and chuckled as he remarked, "A new investigative reporter has been born this day created by the wizardry of White and Kent." After a brief silence, Perry said to Clark, "We now have a new virtual associate - Superman undercover - Kal Ellis by name." After hearing Perry's remark, Clark laughed almost uncontrollably for nearly a minute. His chortling was like a cathartic tonic which he desperately needed at that moment. Getting control of himself Clark mused, "That new handle sounds A-okay, chief." The chief smiled and replied, "To me, too." Pausing a moment Perry also commented, "Clark, you can use your super powers and easily fly over the large areas of blue water and land which surround Singapore. Hell, son, you can probably cover the world from that isle." Rubbing his hands together in anticipation of the upcoming scoops, Perry said to Clark, "The Planet will publish your international stories under your Ellis byline." Then Perry became a little subdued and said, "There may be a fly in the ointment, though. I recall that you once told me, as Superman, that radar installations could track the superhero's flying trajectories." "I remember, chief," Clark replied, and then murmured half to himself, "A solid in motion will produce a signature on a radar scope unless it is cloaked with stealthy material. I wonder," Clark mused. "What are you thinkin', son?" Perry asked. Clark responded to Perry's question telling him, "Dr. Klein had given Superman some special stealth fabric and the formula to produce more if needed. Klein told the superhero that he developed the material for the Man of Steel's personal use - to fly undetected." "After producing and testing Klein's stealth material," Clark informed Perry, "I found it to be nearly one hundred percent efficient - Superman's RADAR signature would be nearly invisible. Furthermore, chief, the shape of a flying body covered with the stealth material did not seem to alter its anti-RADAR qualities." "Now, if Mom can incorporate the stealth fiber into my suit, then Perry, the Planet will have its clandestine global reporter." "What are the chances your mother can add that stealth stuff to your Superman suit?" Perry inquired. "Knowing Mom," Clark replied, "I would say pretty good, pretty darn good." After a moment Perry grinned and said, "Then our idea of a global flying journalist is still a strong possibility." If I were a betting man, Perry, Clark commented, "I'd put my money on Mom." Becoming more serious Clark suggested, "If we're going to communicate across the world, Perry, we'll have to be a sub Rosa operation via the internet." "First, we'll need a covert email address." The chief agreed but indicated that their internet correspondence should be triple password protected. Clark concurred. After some thought, Clark remarked, "How does an email address of foxy@yahoo.com appeal to you, Chief?" Perry reflected for a moment and replied, "A- okay son." With Clark's mind firing on all cylinders, he asked Perry, "How does 2LaRa8 sound for our primary cipher? This code will be used to unlock our internet mailbox." Perry again nodded his approval. Clark then added, "Notice I've also made our password case sensitive chief." Perry again shook his head indicating that he understood Clark's comment. "This alphanumeric arrangement will give us an added layer of protection and should help keep out the uninvited." After a few moments, Perry inquired, "I'm curious, Clark. What do the two and the eight symbolize in our password?" Kent smiled as he remarked, "Lois' current age." Perry started to laugh as he said, "Ah, ain't love grand." "How about we use a third set of passwords to unlock our messages once the mailbox has been breached?" Perry stated. Clark nodded his ascent. Perry then said, "How do the alphanumeric codes pwjimbo50 and loloke29, for White and Kent, appear to your logical mind, son?" Within the blink of an eye, Clark agreed with the chief's suggestion and composed the cryptic steps needed to used their special electronic mailbox. With their communication network established, Perry placed his hand on Clark's shoulder and remarked, "Son, we're gonna need every day aliases for you and your folks when ya'll arrive in Singapore." "You're right, chief," Clark said. Pondering for a few moments Clark asked Perry, "How do Louis and Rose sound for my parents' first names?" "They're good choices, Kent," Perry replied. Then he added, "I'm curious, why did you choose those particular handles." Clark smiled as he replied to his friend, "They are the names of Lois' aunt and uncle - they live in California. My nom-de-plume will be Ken - that's Kent minus the t." Then Clark asked Perry, "How does Curtis strike you as our family's clandestine surname?" Perry just placed his hands in a thumbs up configuration. So, Perry said, "The Planet's new Singapore family will be known as Louis, Rose, and Ken Curtis." After mulling the Kents' new names over in his mind a few times, the chief announced, "Those monikers do have a nice ring, son. More important," Perry added, "they're not unusual sounding appellations and won't attract unwanted attention." A noise just then caused Perry to turn and to look into the bullpen. As he gazed towards the news area, he saw Jimmy and Lois sitting down near Lois' work area. The chief immediately called the cub reporter into his office using the loudspeaker system. Hearing his name resounding through the newsroom, James Olsen made a beeline for the chief's office. As Jimmy approached Perry's quarter deck, Clark quietly disappeared into a small conference room behind the chief's inner sanctum. Lois, escorted by Jimmy Olsen had arrived at the Planet several minutes before Perry summoned the cub reporter to his newsroom oasis. As Olsen moved towards the chief's office, Lois elevated her still throbbing foot and waited rather impatiently to find out what in blazes was going on. Standing in front of the chief, Jimmy listened intently as Perry told the cub reporter what he wanted. The chief instructed Jimmy to employ his extraordinary computer hacking skills to gain entrance to the government of Singapore's central electronic data processing system and to create a new file in the residency section. When Jimmy first heard what the Planet's editor-in-chief wanted him to do, he was shocked to say the least and gave his mentor a funny look. Jimmy knew that Perry White was a scrupulously honest individual. This sub Rosa enterprise was just not his style. As if sensing the boy's nervousness and curiosity, Perry quietly explained, "We gotta do this thing, son. In a sense, son, the survival may depend on your skills." James Olsen looked his boss square in the eye, and then nodding his head, proceeded to his computer. Because of Jimmy's enormous love and respect for Perry While, the young man would do nearly anything for the chief, whom he considered his surrogate father. And that meant hacking into any computer system without understanding the whys and the wherefores of the request. Soon after Jimmy Olsen set himself in front of the computer, his fingers were gliding over the keyboard like a master pianist. In about twenty minutes, the young photo journalist- computer whiz had successfully entered the electronic processing facilities of a foreign nation. Cautioning the young reporter not to speak of this incident, even to Lois, Perry sent him back to the bullpen. When Jimmy departed, Perry summoned Clark, who then placed the Kent family's covert identity information into Singapore's central processing system. After Clark had completed the upload, he returned to the conference room. When Clark was out of sight, Perry again summoned Jimmy to his office. He directed the lad to close the computer link making sure no trace of their electronic intrusion could ever be detected. "Now," Perry thought, "it was time to see Lois and confront her with the Kent - Superman revelation." To this end, he asked Clark to collect his partner and escort her to his inner sanctum. Nodding, Clark started walking towards Lois' desk. Several seconds later, Clark arrived at Lois' workstation and asked her how she was feeling. Her terse reply ripped him like a slashing blade. She was angry, very angry that he hadn't joined her after the Mayor's press conference. Although Kent tried to explain, Lois refused to listen and became angrier and more irrational. Great, he thought. She's already mad at me. When she reads my Superman story, Lois will erupt like Mt. St. Helen - Mad Dog Lane will rise again. Trying to remain calm as he prepared for the impending battle with his soon to be ex-sidekick, Clark quietly told her, "Perry wants to see us both now, partner." "Don't partner me," she angrily retorted. Then she added, "A partner does not abandon his/her friend and co-worker when she's been injured." To emphasize her irritation still further, Lois would not allow Clark to help her to Perry's office. While Clark walked toward the Chief's sanctuary from the bullpen, he thought that Lois, as agitated as she appeared, should have acted like a professional and allowed him to assist her. Clark, on the other hand, was unaware of Lois' new affection for him. The combination of Lois' new sentiments toward Clark and her feeling of abandonment added to the Planet's top reporter's irrationality and her anger, and foolishly caused her to push Clark away. As Lois entered the chief's private office and hobbled toward a chair, she mentally cursed herself for being so moronic. Her ankle was again on fire. She knew that Clark and she were professional journalists, and despite her feelings, she should have allowed Clark to help her to Perry's office. Because of her emotional stupidity, Lois had limped across the newsroom and the consequence of her senseless shenanigans was pain - lots of ankle nagging pain. As Lois tried to make herself somewhat more comfortable, Clark again left the Chief's office and headed for the small conference room behind Perry's inner sanctum. While Lois sat in Perry's office waiting for the chief to speak, the pain in her ankle made her increasingly more irritable. For the "nteenth" time she mentally cussed herself for her pigheaded foolishness. Lois' lunacy had obviously greatly increased her suffering. Her refusal of help was now causing her extreme discomfort bringing tears to her eyes - someday, Lois knew, her irrational anger would bring her down. While Lois waited for Perry to speak, the Chief quietly dropped Clark's Superman manuscript on her lap. When Lois saw the headline of the article, with her byline, the pain in her ankle suddenly became inconsequential. As she avidly read Clark's Superman story, the soreness between the foot and her leg faded until it was no more than a trivial irritation. When Lois finished reading the piece she looked up and said, "Where's that double dealing two timing Kent!" "Are you sure you want to see him?" Perry asked his star reporter. "You bet," she shouted. "I want to tell that manipulative, prevaricating... alien where the hell to get off!" When Lois began to fume, Perry realized again how Lois could destroy something fine with her mouth when she let her emotions dominate her reason. "He's in the small conference room, honey, putting his house in order," Perry somberly told her. When Lois heard the phrase "putting his house in order," a sudden chill swept through her body. With her great intuitiveness, Perry's meaning became all too clear. As her perception and rationalization came into play, Lois' anger rapidly dissipated, and with its passing her pain was almost forgotten. To clarify Perry's statement, she asked the chief in trepidation, "What did you mean by putting his house in order?" Looking somewhat forlorn Perry replied, "After having read Clark's article, you should be aware that your partner must be out of Metropolis before dawn." When Perry finished answering her query, Lois jumped up and hobbled as rapidly as she could toward the small conference room at the rear of the chief's office. Perry, of course, followed in her wake. Entering the meeting room, Lois saw her partner scrutinizing some material and then placing it in one of several piles of paper. When Clark sensed Lois' presence, he rose and helped her to a seat. This time mad dog Lane allowed her partner to assist her. Perry, who was just behind Lois, sat down adjacent to the Planet's star reporter. As Lois was preparing to speak, Clark held up his hand and said, "I haven't much time so please allow me to speak my peace. Then, you can ask all the questions that my time frame will allow." Since Perry had already heard the details leading to this current crisis, Clark directed his remarks at Lois. When he completed his tale of woe, he gave Lois one of his folders. As he handed her a binder, Clark remarked, "Partner, you should be aware that Perry has several more copies of that info now in your possession. It has also been securely locked away in several concealed places known but to Perry and my parents." Then he continued, "Notice the label on the folder's jacket." As Lois glanced at the sticker, she recognized Lex Luthor's nom de plume. When she again looked at Clark, he remarked, "Over the past six months I have been gathering information about Lex. If my data can be verified, it will bring Luthor down and destroy his odious empire. Lois, if you decide to continue this investigation, please promise me that you will be extremely cautious. When dealing with Lex, you must control your daredevil attitude. Don't be like General Custer whose motto was 'charge to the sound of the guns.' That attitude not only caused his own death, but the demise of his troops during his final campaign. The reason I used Custer as my example, Lois, was because going up against Luthor will be similar to a military expedition. You always must be very cautious. If you do decide to continue my Luthor investigation, I don't want this inquiry to be your swan song. To tell you the truth, Lois, if you were killed, I would be devastated. Your death would kill me. My life would be meaningless. I would travel the highways of this world as a mere shell of a man." After a slight pause Clark continued, "I've learned - talking to Perry and you, too, Lois - that while many criminals may threaten reporters, rarely will they resort to murder as a tactic. When you read the Luthor file you'll discover that Lex often uses homicide as a tool to achieve his goals. What makes his murderous crimes even more repugnant is the fact that Lex murders without remorse. In fact, Luthor seems to enjoy the excitement of his butchery. While I can't say for sure, without a thorough psychological examination of Lex Luthor, I believe that the C.E.O. of LexCorp, Luthor, is a sadistic psychopath." Taking Lois' hand, Clark quietly said to her, "Aside from his felonious activities, Luthor is contemplating a new project." Holding her hand tightly to his breast, Clark remarked, "Lois, last week I found out that Lex wants to perpetuate his line - you know, Luthor kids." Taking a breath Clark added, "I heard a discussion between Lex and his two cronies, Asabi and Nigel, about Luthor's potential liaisons, wife material they called it, and it was nauseating." "Nigel and Asabi were administering this project whose aim was to locate the most suitable female to be Lex's consort. At present, they were limiting their search mainly to the Metropolis area. To accomplish their goals, Lex's confidants placed the names of all women they believed worthy of their boss into several huge data bases and compared them against what they considered to be the best wifely assets for Luthor - intelligence, of course was at the head of the list, disposition, creativity, ability to conceive, beauty, and the all important manageability factor. Lex, you should know, is a control freak." Lois then shook her head and whispered, "Shades of Nineteen eighty-four." "Do you want to guess the woman who won the Lexipoo stakes?" Clark inquired as he squeezed her hand. As he Looked into his partner's eyes, Clark said, "Lois Lane was the winner of Lex's computer draw." To soothe her anger and apprehensions, Clark spoke softly and very quickly in her ear saying," If that personification of evil tries to injure you in any way, G-D help him Lois, because, partner, only G-D could." When Clark told Lois of Lex's scheme, she placed her head on his shoulder as if trying to find shelter from an oncoming storm. To help ease her trepidation, Clark embraced her. Holding Lois, Clark felt her shiver, as she seemed to crush herself more tightly against his body. Then, placing his forehead upon Lois' and stroking her hair he quietly said, "In the next few weeks, you can expect Luthor to commence his courtship campaign. He'll use every psychological trick at his command to make you pliable to his will." "If you were seduced by his beguiling ways and married him," Clark continued, "in time he would reduce you to a pampered automaton and, in short order a walking incubator. Very medieval," Clark sarcastically spat. "Lex's philosophy," Clark added, "seems to favor keeping your spouse barefoot and pregnant and out of your business." "That's an old concept?" Lois mused. "Yes, it is," Clark remarked. I believe the original statement went something like "Keep your wife barefoot, pregnant, and ignorant to avoid marital discord." Looking in her eyes, Clark told Lois, "He's planning to use your insecurities as a major weapon to pull you into his matrimonial web where he intends to wed and bed you in short order." "Are you insinuating that I have insecurities?" Lois snapped, as she pulled away from Clark. "Lo-is," Clark replied. "Everyone I know has disquieted feelings." "Even Superman?" Lois caustically inquired. "Especially Superman," Clark replied pulling Lois against him again. After a slight pause in their conversation, Clark added, "Lois, you have a heart as big as all outdoors. You feel the pulse of the city and your deep concern for its people prompts you to ceaselessly battle on their behalf. Lois, your caring focuses your unique qualities to help others, which not only makes you a great humanitarian and reporter, but also an endearing person to me. Believe me, partner, your humanitarian escapades do you credit. As you are aware, the notoriety from your exploits makes you stand out in a crowd. Your matchless works and individuality have marked you as a target for envious people and their slanderous innuendoes. When you hear degrading statements about yourself, your sensitive psyche begins to wonder what kind of dishonest act you've committed. When that kind of thinking pervades your mind, you my lovely partner, can become emotionally vulnerable. Mistrusting yourself can weaken your resolve and make you skeptical of your self-worth. Doubting yourself," Clark continued, "will blunt your righteous anger and eventually give way to despair. Fight that kind of self deception, Lois. You have great intuitive and analytical skills. Use them to defeat the skeptics and the defamers. Use them to defeat Lex Luthor's desires for power and conquest. And especially for heaven sake, blunt Luthor's designs on you." Pausing for a moment Clark continued, "Lois, from my survey of the situation, Luthor's primary tactics in his capture the reporter game are designed to destroy your self-esteem while he attempts to recreate you into his kind of trophy woman and the companion which he desires. As I indicated, Lex will use all the psychological methods at his command to win the day. With his debonair mask, coupled with his many subtle and high-pressure techniques, Lex will first attempt to weaken your resolve with his charm. Then with his comforting and romantic gestures, Luthor will endeavor to lure you into his matrimonial maze. His primary mental ammunition will include your disastrous past liaisons, and your insecure childhood experiences which he knows were a product of your dysfunctional household. He'll use these painful episodes in your life to show you the caring side of his nature while hiding his crocodilian personality." Contemplating Clark's thoughts for a few seconds, Lois remarked, "Thanks, Clark for your timely warning and your confidence in me." Searching her face, Clark saw a hint of Mad Dog Lane emerge, as she added, "I think Lex is in for a big surprise." With her eyes flashing fire, Lois murmured, "I'll make Lexie's ploy work against him." Then smiling at Clark, she said, "Luthor's interest in me will be the instrument by which this reporter will infiltrate his organization and bring him down." "Lois," Clark cautioned her, with anxiety clearly evident in his voice, "Please be very careful. Remember Lex Luthor, as I view him, is Lucifer's number one boy. To him the destruction of life is like a tonic. When he kills, I sincerely believe that when Lex takes a life, his savage act invigorates the man's insidious spirit. I don't want you to become another victim of this psychopath, who enjoys spilling the blood of his quarry." After Clark finished talking with Lois for the moment, Kent turned toward Perry to discuss what he thought would happen to Linda King when her Superman expose hit the street on the morrow. As Clark and Perry began to converse about his aka, Lois started to analyze Clark's information about Luthor. The more she cogitated about Luthor's marriage scheme the greater her ire towards Luthor increased. After reading Lex's dossier for another few minutes, Lois concluded that Clark was right on the money about Luthor's evil machinations. Not only would his devious intrigues hurt her, but they would injure many others as well. Lois now began to view Lex as a piece of filth with a debonair facade, who in reality was the devil incarnate. From now on, Lois would think of Luthor with a new middle appellation, Evil; Lex E. Luthor. As Lois resumed her thinking about Lex's felonious business abuses and his audacity to woo her with a Machiavellian scheme of sorts, she became nauseated. Not only was his courting project an affront to her dignity, but his attitude and ploys mocked all of humankind. As she continued to ponder Lex's monstrous acts, her anger neared a critical point - a Lane rage event. To calm her temper, the Planet's resident dog began muttering invectives aimed at the heart of Lex E. Luthor. As Lois continued her mental bashing of Lexipoo, her fury didn't abate. Failing to ease her anger caused by Lex's irreverent view of her persona, the Planet's top reporter's agitated ranting became loud enough to be overheard by Clark and Perry. When this occurred, their talking ceased. From the type of vocalizations Clark and the chief heard, they were pretty sure that Lois' temper was about to erupt into a fine rage. Knowing that Lois was on the verge of becoming irrational, Clark and the Chief didn't want to hang around. So Perry and Kent quietly said their adieus, kissed a muttering Lois Lane on her cheeks, and moved toward the conference room exit. As Lois watched Perry and Clark move away from her, she sensed, even through her angry emotional fog, that Clark's kiss was a farewell caress. This realization snapped her psyche back to reality and cooled her anger. She knew that if Clark left her behaving like an enraged animal, Lois' behavior could result in an indefinite or maybe a permanent separation between them. She then quickly raised her head and with eyes now on the verge of tears said, "Clark, please stay for a while. We must talk." Trying to smile through misty eyes Lois added, "I have several questions which, I believe, will have an important bearing on our lives." Hearing Lois' plea, Clark was apprehensive about complying with his Partner's request. However, he stopped himself from leaving the room and turned again toward Lois. Seeing his partner in distress was the factor which succeeded in winning Lois the time she requested to talk about her Superman problems. Retracing his steps, Clark again sat down at the conference table. As Clark was retracing his steps, Lois was pondering how to deal with the man from Krypton via Kansas. Assail him for his Superman deception or ask him questions about their possible relationships. If the truth be told, Kent was all set to be mentally flayed by Lois' rapier wit in full assault mode. While Clark waited for the shoe to drop, Lois was studying her partner's demeanor and analyzing her feelings toward this man. As Lois was scrutinizing Clark, reality struck home. With the coming of the dawn her best friend would vanish, maybe forever. This revelation had a sudden chilling effect on Lois whose anger essentially dissipated. What good would yelling and making hurtful accusations at Clark do today? If their separation was, heaven forbid, permanent, she didn't want Clark's last image of her to be Lois Lane stomping on his emotions in full battle plumage, telling him repeatedly that she could never abide a liar. Not a pleasant departing scene, she realized and, not a pretty image for him to recall, perhaps, for the remaining days of his life. When Lois also envisaged what Linda's Superman article would do to Clark's life, her thoughts helped put a hold on any Lane temper tantrum and mellowed her disposition significantly. Linking Linda King's Superman article, which she knew would immeasurably hurt Clark, with a mad dog Lane attack would be devastating to her partner. She couldn't verbally abuse him. Taking a breath, Lois placed her hand on Clark's shoulder and quietly asked, "Why didn't you warn me about Lex before today?" Touched by her calm and tender disposition, Clark decided to unburden his soul. Lois should be told everything, especially how Clark Kent really felt about her. At least, he thought, she would know how much he loved her when they parted. Taking a deep breath, Clark remarked, "Lois Lane, I cannot keep my feeling for you bottled up any longer. There's no time for us to become better acquainted and perhaps become a couple leading hopefully to a more intimate relationship. Linda King has seen to that." Without hesitation Clark added, "I love you. I've loved you since the day you interrupted my hiring interview with Perry." Letting out a breath he continued, "How could I allow a suave practitioner of evil like Lex Luthor and all that he represents to destroy the most precious person in my life. A woman so dear to me that without her I would be but a shell of a man. Life would have no meaning for me and I would wish for death to end my anguish." Collecting his thoughts, Clark then remarked, "Why I didn't tell you about Lex before today, you asked, was mainly because I lacked hard evidence to back up my convictions. Luthor was a master subterfuge. He covered his tracks well. Before I could get my hands on tangible proof, the paper trail leading to the power broker would dry up." Shifting the conversation away from Luthor for the moment, Lois asked, "If you loved me, as you say, partner, why didn't you trust me with the secret of your alter-ego?" Smiling Clark said, "In the beginning how could I tell you of my superman creation when you considered Clark Kent, your reluctant partner, who you constantly tormented and ridiculed, no more than donkey dust. Remember how you compared Superman, a two dimensional cartoon cutout, to a Greek deity, while you viewed the real me, Clark Kent, as little more than a Neanderthal. Also Lois, at the outset of our professional relationship, it was all too obvious that you viewed the new superhero as a ticket to a Pulitzer, your cherished goal." Taking an another breath, Clark added, "As we slowly became closer and eventually, best friends, your attitude towards me did change to one of platonic familiarity. I must tell you Lois that I really enjoyed our time together, no matter how we interacted. Sometime after we became joined at the hip, so to speak, and became confidants, I decided to inform you of my part-time job - you know, moonlighting in tights. However, in all honesty, Lois, I didn't know how to tell you about my Superman persona. When I finally made a decision to tell you about Superman and inform you about me and 'Sups,' the situation had become a terrifying problem. I had waited much too long and the dread of losing you became a fearsome roadblock to the truth between us." "When I finally understood that my life would have no meaning without Lois Lane being an essential part of my existence, in a platonic or intimate way, I was deep in the valley of fear and just didn't know how to tell you about my alter-ego. I was afraid that, if you found out that Superman and I were one and the same, I'd lose you because of your fetish concerning prevarication. For me, it was a consummate Catch- 22 quandary - a no win situation. Fear was keeping the score, and I was losing hands down." "Look, Lois," Clark continued, "fear or no fear, I should have told you about me." Then the man of steel murmured, "Hindsight is a great what if, isn't it, Lois?" However, Clark added, "The foreboding that my psyche conjured up, turned me into a coward where you were concerned. So, while I was sure that I loved you, my mind told me that without informing you that I moonlighted in tights, the man from Kansas was heading one way on the highway of amour - Clark proceeding west while you, Lois, were on an easterly course. It didn't appear from my prospective that our paths would ever converge." "So, believing the fears created by my mind and avoiding the signals from my heart, I envisioned that you would tell me to get the heck out of your life, post haste, once you were aware of the connection between me and my flashy alto-ego. Since our relationship wasn't intimate, my mind made-up a scenario which portrayed an angry and hurt Lois Lane wanting her pound of flesh and lashing out at me. I envisioned an outraged partner who would have dumped me yelling there was no trust between us and retreated into a workaholic mode leaving me to wander from place to place for the remainder of my life, a lonely and unloved man. To defend myself against my apocalyptic images, I remained silent." "In another nightmare fantasy, I reasoned that if I told you about Superman and myself, you'd become mad dog Lane and cast me off and close me out of your life. The result would be the shell of a man you know as Clark Kent, and the dissolution of superman. In this dreamlike scenario of mine, both persona's would cease to exist, as if the Earth swallowed them." "Knowing how angry you can become and length of time you can maintain your ire, by the time your emotional storm had abated and you wanted to see me and talk about reconciling our differences, I would have been so disillusioned with our future relationship that I would have moved on, disappearing into the backwaters of this world." "I figured when you became more rational and found that I was no longer around, you'd retreat to the satisfying security of your job and eventually dismiss me as another one of your failed relationships. After a while, I would just become another episode in your life - one that terminated on another sour note." "Since my illusions didn't consider any kind of intimate relationship between us, I envisioned that you would eventually reveal my Kryptonian secret in series of hard hitting articles and earn that Pulitzer you so highly desire. That prize, Lois, has become your addiction. You are certainly aware to what lengths drug addicts would go to obtain a fix. I believe that they would sell out the friends, colleagues and...family. Would you, for a Pulitzer?" "Once in exile, I'm sure that my broken heart, over time, would have accepted its fate. After your superhero story, I and my folks would have sought and found a secure hideaway - mainly for their safety. You no doubt would seek a new associate and in time forget the hick from nowheresville. Such are the illusions my mind conjured up because of my fear. Fear of revealing my alter-ego to and loosing my best fried." "Am I correct about any one of my suppositions, Lois?" Clark asked his soon to be ex-partner. "If I told you about the Kent - Superman connection would you have told me 'to take a hike oh, friend of all the world'?" Lois was so stunned by Clark's images that her voice was paralyzed producing an intense silence like the crash of thunder. Taking Lois' silence as a yes to his question, he added, "So you see ,Lois, that my visions and their accompanying fears were right on the money. Now you understand why there's a second reason for me not to remain in Metropolis." "With Linda's Superman's article about to hit the streets of the city and your apparent disdain for me now that you're aware of my alter-ego, I believe it's time for me to move on." "So, Lois, with your apparent attitude toward me and Linda King's expose about to reveal my alter-ego, Clark Kent has no choice but to leave Metropolis and end his current existence. If you think about it, Lois, remaining in this city will place many lives in danger, with my parents at the top of the list. Leaving Metropolis will only be the first step in my odyssey. Most probably the Man of Steel will disappear from the world stage in order to protect his friends and colleagues." "In time," Clark continued his remarks, "Superman will just become just an another footnote in the unfolding saga of humankind." "To conclude my rather-rambling soliloquy," Clark added, "I felt when things were relatively normal for me that the price of telling you about my alter-ego was too astronomical to justify any attempt to do so. Losing your friendship was too high a price to pay for you to be told about Superman and me. Simply put Lois, I was just plain scared of the consequences of telling you my secret and was paralyzed by indecision." "It's rather ironic, my soon to be ex-partner," Clark remarked, "all my fears are coming to pass anyway." Pausing for a few seconds Clark said, "For what it's worth and maybe to satisfy your interest, Lois, we're soulmates. Creation has made it so." Then with a sorrowful smile Clark declared, "You should know that soulmates mate for life. The divorce rate among Kryptonian marriages is practically nonexistent. I never could locate a word for divorce in the Kryptonian language. Anyhow, we'll not be able to test the soulmate hypothesis. For your interest, I gleaned that bit of knowledge from my Kryptonian library module. It was sent with the infant Kal-El, when the child of Lara and Jor-El was transported across the cosmos to Earth." "Look back at what happened today," Clark said, "I could almost laugh, if I weren't terrified for you and Perry, my folks, and all others who are known to be close to me. If their anonymity could be maintained, I could leave Metropolis without a heavy heart and not worry about the possible deadly consequences of Linda's story." Clark then chuckled and said, "Now that I think about it, Lois, all my flights of fantasy and anguish about revealing my alter-ego to you were for naught. Linda King has reduced my petty fears about divulging my secret to an insignificant item. When her story hits the street tomorrow, Linda's expose will doom Clark Jerome Kent and his two dimensional flying creation to extinction. Any future which might have developed for Clark Kent in this great city will vanish with tomorrow's sun." Before Lois could get her two cents in, Clark said, "Lois, I would like you to know why Clark Kent never officially asked you out on a date." Lois nodded and remarked, "The date thing which I often tried to talk to you about." "Yeah, the date thing," Clark echoed Lois. Before I leave, you should understand the reason I haven't asked you out. And, from dating build a social, finally an intimate, relationship with you, the one person I adore more than life itself. Hesitating for just a moment, Clark said, "If you recall, Lois, during the first month of our association, I tried to ask you out to soothe our rocky partnership and because of my ever growing love for you." "Now that you mentioned it," Lois replied, "I remember you asked me out on two occasions." Clark nodded. "The first time," Clark said, "occurred after we published our space program story. You accepted my offer but later reneged citing business that had slipped your mind. I accepted your reason, since our rendezvous was a spur of the moment decision." "However, some weeks later, I asked you out for the following Saturday evening, which if I recall was five days away." "The Friday prior to our date, you cancelled citing a sick aunt who needed your attention that weekend. While I was naturally disappointed, I understood your commitment and our get-together was again put on hold. Since dinner reservations had been made at an exclusive restaurant I decided to enjoy myself and go as a party of one. The place was called Louie's Shore Restaurant. The food was delectable. Do you recall the place, Lois?" "While enjoying the ambiance and the cuisine of Louie's place, I saw you enter the restaurant with another guy. Later I discovered his name - Daniel Scardino. It was then that I knew that you didn't care for me beyond perhaps a platonic friendly association. So I stopped asking you out and being hurt by your two-faced logic." "Clark," Lois chimed in, "are you saying I lied to you?" "Yep," CK replied, "pure and simple." "Clark that's normal. I'm a big city girl and you're from the mid-West. You aren't supposed to lie. Our mores are different." Looking at Perry, Clark said, "I'm not going near that one, Chief. It's the most irrational statement I've heard in a long time." Perry just nodded. "Anyway," Clark summed up "that, Lois, is the basic reason I never asked you out again. From that point on, I figured you didn't feel the same way about me as I did for you. So I just settled for friendship. In that way, as we grew older both of us wouldn't be haunted by the specter of loneliness and you and I, at least, would still have ourselves to console as we entered our golden years." When Clark finished what he wanted to convey, Kent hung his head in despair for a few seconds. Shaking off his feeling of melancholy, Clark asked, "I'm curious, Lois, whatever happened to Scardino?" Smiling, Lois replied, "He turned out to be a rather dim witted jerk who could be charming when the mood suited him. Dan also had a habit that really annoyed me - rushing hands and roaming fingers." "Sounds like a person who dated and wanted bed and board following his social outing." "You got the picture, Kent." Nodding a few times at Lois' last comment, Clark then stared out of the window, in silence, at the coming dawn. As she looked at Clark, Lois somehow knew that her partner had said all that he intended to say. When Lois thought about what Clark had told her, she could synthesize how her association with Clark Kent had become her best friend. A relationship which was safe and platonic. An affiliation which she wouldn't change out of fear. Lois realized she was blind. Not only did the Plant's top reporter work along side the fabled superhero, but her partner was the one man who loved her for herself, warts and all. What had she done? The great Lois Lane had again screwed up royally. Then Lois, out of desperation, grabbed her partner's shoulders and shook Clark declaring, "It's not over between us. You must believe that! We'll work this crisis out, somehow." "No," Clark replied, shaking his head rapidly from side to side, "Our future together has been shredded. Can't you see the handwriting on the wall? You pride yourself that you look at information with a no-nonsense approach. Now, Partner, practice what you preach." Before Lois could reply, Clark said, "The era of Superman is over, and when the morning edition of the Star hits the streets Clark Kent vanishes. Only Kal-El born out of the house of Lo into the House of El persists. And even he will have to hide from the people of this planet." "Although you may be my soulmate," Clark added, "my biology will not allow me to form an intimate relationship with another individual unless my life partner has perished. Being human, you have another option. You may be able to find another male with whom you can share a life. That relationship may not be one of monumental passion or undying love, but it could be a fulfilling relationship with commitment and deep devotion. Try to find someone from whom you can receive unfettered attention, consideration, with a strong sense of fidelity. Throughout your life I'm sure that such a partnership will provide you with a measure of security and contentment." "As I told you, Lois, there can be no such thing as a contingency mate for me. Because of my Kryptonian heritage, Clark Kent's journey through life must now be a solitary trek. Kal- El's lineage will force the man from Krypton to endure a long and lonely existence." As Lois attempted to reply, Clark, clearly now in a dark mood, cut her off saying, "We're really running out of time. Please, Lois," he said, "let me finish what I want to say." Reluctantly Lois agreed. "Partner," Clark continued, "I wrote your Superman interview so that Lois Lane would have a shot at a Pulitzer, which you so crave, and I know deep in my soul that you undoubtedly deserve. I also wrote the Superman article to help maintain your reputation within the journalistic community. Being my partner and not being aware of my super hero persona would not bode well for you among your colleagues. Without my story, you would drop a notch or two on their rather cynical rating system. My article should serve to prevent that from happening." "As far as Linda King is concerned," Clark remarked, "she'll bask in the public spotlight and garner a plethora of accolades for her Superman feature. Actually for my faux pas," Clark berated himself. Pausing for a few seconds Clark said to Lois, "Linda's notoriety will be like a meteor which has a short but brilliant existence as it streaks through the atmosphere." Lois finally chimed in and asked, "You think her fame will be that fleeting?" Clark replied, "Yep. Do you recall what you told me several months ago about one's reputation in our business?" Answering Clark's query, Lois said, "You're only as good as your next story." "Precisely," Clark told her. "Linda King doesn't have a next story, let alone a follow up on her Superman expose." Smiling at his partner, Clark added, "Lois, your articles have been, are, and will continue to be superb. In my judgment the writings of Lois Lane will always be magnificent. Your works will stand the test of time. You and your works will be remembered long after we've both become less than dust. Most of Linda's publications are mundane. It is my humble opinion her stories will not endure and will eventually disappear from journalism's mainstream." Lois replied, "Clark, do you really think that I'm that good? Don't you think that your emotional attachment to me has made you somewhat biased?" "Nooooo..." CK declared. "Lois, you are one of the most consummate journalist of our age. You are fearless and like me, you fight a never- ending battle for truth and justice. Of all the reporters I've seen, you are unique. In analyzing the anatomy of a story, you are simply amazing. Your intuitiveness is already legendary. You often guess at a solution to some intrigue or other before my rational approach to the same problem produces a similar result." Caressing her hair, Clark said, "Lois, I wanted to thank you for improving and honing my investigative and writing skills. Your efforts encouraged me to become a good reporter." "A great reporter," she murmured. "Thanks for that boost," he quietly said. After a moment, Clark continued, "In time, I probably would have produced articles that would, with much effort, have equaled the quality of your work, but I doubt that they would ever have surpassed the excellence of your stories." "My beloved partner," Clark said to Lois, "I, like you, chose to be a reporter for several reasons. First, I enjoy investigating and writing about puzzling issues. So I followed my bliss and became a journalist. Second, reporting afforded me a window on the world so I could rapidly locate trouble spots and get there quickly and help people who were or could be in harm's way." "As I review my short tenure in the news business," Clark further remarked, "I often marveled at my successes." "Why are you surprised?" Lois asked. "You have those exceptional abilities which make you a great investigative journalist." "Thanks for that plug, Lois. It makes me feel good in this my hour of need," Clark told her with an adoring smile. "However, you must know that when I studied the space craft which carried me to this world, I had an odd feeling that I possessed other natural talents. I strongly suspect that the physical sciences might have been my bailiwick, if I had lived out my life on Krypton." "If my birth world hadn't been destroyed," Clark further remarked, "I probably would have become a natural scientist like my biological parents. I must tell you that I get the same kick from studying atomic theory, observing a nova, or seeing the birth of a child as I do from our investigations and their resulting publications." "The mental abilities and the questions that are asked in the hard and soft sciences appear to be very similar to the drives that motivate our journalistic endeavors. You know them, Lois. They are who, what, where, when, and why which aid our intellectual curiosity to learn." "I believe," he added, "these five simple words are most likely the foundation of most human investigative activities." After reflecting for a moment, Clark remarked, "In the natural sciences, a practitioner searches for laws that govern the universe. While journalism also acquires facts and shapes ideas the practitioners strive to comprehend human behavior. I think that all people who aspire to understand either their own habitat or the universe beyond our world will be directed in some way by those five powerful catchwords." After Clark finished explaining some of his philosophical thoughts, Lois asked, "Do you mean that you were considering another field besides journalism?" "Not after I met you, partner," Clark replied. Upon hearing Clark's response Lois Lane's heart melted as she gave her best friend a grin akin to a Cheshire cat. When Lois and Clark ended their tete-a-tete about journalistic abilities, particularly their own, and other possible research areas, there was a moment of silence before Clark continued to emote. "Lois," Clark resumed, "I'm quite sure you are aware that many dubious actions can produce unwanted consequences. This may sound strange to you, partner, but I am concerned about Linda King's future." "What?" Lois cried out. "Now hear me out," Clark retorted. After Lois quieted down, Clark said, "Linda's initial success, for her superhero story, could easily become a source of torment for your rival, especially when all the hullaballoo over her expose dies down. Then, if the fall out from her article causes social unrest, she'll be targeted as the cause." Shaking his head Clark further added, "And Lois, I have a strange feeling that my views will come to pass." "So you're a prophet too," Lois chuckled. "I hope not, Lois, particularly in this case," Clark replied. "With Superman gone," Clark told Lois, "the criminal element will be unfettered and will probably run hog wild over Metropolis until they're contained when the police and the National Guard join forces and subdue their rampaging excesses." With a concerned expression clouding his features, Clark turned toward Perry and added, "If there is a backlash against Linda King, please do me a favor, chief, and offer her a position at the Planet." When Lois heard Clark's petition, she exploded, yelling at Clark saying, "That's the last straw, partner. You're too damn compassionate. That hussy doesn't deserve one iota of help. In my eyes, Linda's behavior toward you has been abhorrent. I'm revolted by the way she's treated you, and I'm particularly disturbed by her remarks after you begged her to preserve your secret." After catching her breath Lois further remarked, "I also can't stomach emotional blackmail, especially when a forced marriage is involved. Her actions are those of a nefarious individual. Such a person is not deserving of mercy in my book." Lois then hobbled around the room hurling epithets at the ceiling. After calming down somewhat, Lois said, "If I had my way, Linda King would be flung on the dung heap of life." After her outburst, Lois started to cry. Her anguish tore at Clark's heart, and he clasped her to him to help curb her physical and emotional pain. As he held her, Lois looped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, nestling her head into the hollow between his chin and shoulder. In their embrace, Clark gently said, "Lois, even a morally bankrupt person deserves mercy. Mercy is one of those magnificent qualities that lifts humankind above the other species of the animal kingdom. If you want proof, search the religious works of every major persuasion on this planet. They all describe numerous accounts of merciful events. If push came to shove, I don't think you would refuse any soul grace, forbearance, or mercy. Compassion should not be withheld from any person in need. To behave as you have suggested would be an ungodly act and you, Lois, are one of the good gals. After all your railing against the King woman you would still offer her succor. I believe, no I know, that you would behave in a merciful manner." A few seconds later, Lois took a deep breath and said, "Okay, if Linda needs help, I promise to support the Planet's offer of assistance to that woman. I want you to know Mr. Goody-two- shoes," she declared punching him in the shoulder, "I'm still not one hundred percent in favor of your idea. I guess," Lois commented, "I still feel that I still need my pound of flesh." Clark smiled and kissed Lois lightly on the lips, as he remarked, "I know Lois, I understand your feelings, but if everybody felt as you do our world would probably consist of blind, toothless, and bleeding people with huge gashes covering their bodies." "Now, Mr. Moonlighting-in-tights, let's return to your statement where Clark Kent avowed his loved for me," Lois said grinning and then kissed him on the cheek. Before Clark could get a word in edgewise, Lois babbled on. "You know it's difficult for me to accept that the mighty Superman was loath to tell me of his feeling for 'moi.' I'm having some difficulty with your remark implying that you, Mr. Sups, were scared to reveal his alter-ego to little old me because your best friend might tell you to get lost." Shaking her head, Lois remarked, "Your thought processes concerning our relationship are absurd, you know that, Kent? If I had wanted to dump you - bake up our partnership - I would have done it long ago. To justify such a move, I probably would've told people that your bizarre moods got to me and were the predominant reason for our separation." Placing a finger on Lois' lips, Clark replied, "To you my reasons may be preposterous, Lois, but you must realize that I'm not a mind reader. I may possess certain uncommon abilities, but mind reading is not one of them. With your explosive nature coupled to a compulsive obsessive disposition about lying and trust, I was simply afraid to take a chance about revealing my Kryptonian secret." Chuckling Clark remarked, "Right now I feel like a jerk, because I've behaved so foolishly." "When I consider what we both have been through in the past," Clark continued, "we both should have realized that taking a chance was really what we were all about. If I were really smart," Clark remarked, "I would have taken the risk and told you about Superman months ago. Then this discussion would be ancient history, and we could have moved on to more broad sunlit uplands filled with love." "You're not the only one who has been foolish, partner," Lois retorted." My behavior toward you and your alter-ego was less than noble. I shouldn't have held Clark Kent at arm's length and lusted after the big guy." Sighing, Lois continued, "I acted foolishly throughout my life because of my past lousy romances and the effect of my dysfunctional family. Clark, I should have told you how I felt about you months ago." Lois then added, "If you were aware of how you affected me, I believe that many of our problems could have resolved themselves." Lois then added sarcastically, "Of course, hindsight, as we all know, is perpetually twenty-twenty." After reminiscing quietly for a few seconds, Lois commented, "You know, Clark, I'm surprised and I'm also irritated by our senseless behavior. How many times during the past few months have we said that we needed each in our lives? I guess our declaration was more rhetorical than action oriented during those pronouncements." Holding her hands, Clark replied, "More fear oriented me thinks." "You also need to understand," Lois remarked, "I was terrified that becoming intimate with you would destroy our partnership and I would lose my best friend. If I lost you, Clark, I would've lost my soul and been destroyed in the process. Because of my fear," Lois added, "I did little to push our relationship beyond a working association." After a slight pause, Lois sighed and told Clark, "If you had told me of the Kent - Superman connection, I probably would've become angry - very angry. But with you, my ire, as always, would have passed in a short order and then, partner, we could have moved our relationship to the next level. Furthermore, Buster, if I knew your secret, maybe, just maybe, this Superman crisis we're facing could've been averted." Now that the air had been cleared of the philosophical and love issues, Lois could now concentrate on her deep pain brought about by Clark's past deceptive practices. Irritated by their miscommunication, Lois started to pace, mumbling to herself. Suddenly, she stopped and marched up to Clark and remarked, "What really galls me, partner, was your continued deception about your alter-ego even after we became best of friends. I can't seem to shake the hurt that your behavior has caused when I discovered that Clark Kent was also Superman." "Not only did you lie to me," Lois continued, "which annoys the hell out me, but I'm upset that you didn't trust me with your secret persona later in our working relationship. I thought that trust between us had become inviolate." "Except for the first few months into our partnership," Lois added, "When I did view you as a hick and a product of the pig stye, I entrusted you with very sensitive information about myself. Things I never told anyone else you knew. I guess the trust issue didn't cut equally both ways, did it super bozo." Remaining quiet for a few moments, Lois said, "Although I understand your reasons for hiding your alter-ego from the public, I'm still hurting and resentful of your deceptive practices. Machinations which indicate a mistrust of me concerning your Superman thing." Lois then wailed, "All those times you falsified your reasons for leaving in the lurch and telling me you had to return an overdue book, the cheese of the month club sent you a temperature sensitive order and you had to retrieve it from your mail box post haste, or an emergency dentist appointment... were all ruses. How could I've been so galactically dim- witted?" she lambasted herself and then fell silent giving Clark a very angry look. Lois' slashing words both exasperated Clark and increased his inner turmoil. He didn't want to argue with her any longer. They had already been through this stuff, and he thought it had been largely resolved. However, his assumption, he now knew, had been mistaken. Lois was still hung up on the trust issue and the hurt it had caused her. Apparently, she was still only looking at the hurt issue from only her point of view. In exasperation, Clark threw up his hands and began to leave the conference room. As he walked toward the door he heard Lois say, "Scared to face me, Kent?" Hearing her comment, Clark turned and replied, "No, Lois, I'm not scared to mentally fence with you, but I'm petrified of what's going to occur tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that. My personal cataclysm and my parents endangerment will make your illogical and petty harangue pale by comparison." Hearing Clark's assessment of her final comments, Lois screamed sarcastically, "How can dishonesty be unimportant, super bonehead? "Now you're getting nasty," Clark remarked. "Okay, Lois, I'll play your game for a while longer. At least, as long as my time line permits." The approaching dawn was evident in the eastern sky. "First," he said, "I want your promise not to interrupt my reply to your idiosyncrasies unless I agree to your interference." She nodded in compliance with his wishes. "Let me first enlighten you, 'Ms. know it all,'" Clark said. "Lying is not part of the Ten Commandments." Lois looked distressed at Clark's comment. "If you wish, you can check the veracity of my statement," Clark added. "Use the reference books behind you." Lois immediately jumped up and hurriedly retrieved the encyclopedia and checked out Clark's surprising remark. "Great Caesar's ghost," she gasped, "Clark's right." Before allowing Clark to continue, she commented, "How could they leave out Thou Shall Not Lie," she wailed. "Why don't you ask Moses and his friends?" Clark replied to her jokingly. "Ah, they're not here," Clark answered his own question. "I guess," he continued, "you'll just have to listen to an unworthy surrogate like me." "Are you ready to listen, 'Ms. always right about lying,'?" Clark again sarcastically remarked. "Can you listen and retain what I want to say? Can my words penetrate that pseudo self-righteous shield of yours?" He verbally jabbed at her. Looking at her partner, Lois could see the strength of Clark's alter-ego superimposing itself on his mild mannered persona. She realized for the first time that she was seeing a part of the real Clark. He was a blend of the two extremes, her quiet friend and his superhero character. Shaking herself from her reverie, she replied teasingly, "I'll listen, oh sage." After Clark had calmed down a bit, he remarked, "Suppose, Lois, you were informed that Perry would breathe his last due to the ravages of a heart defect within three months. His death would be abrupt and there would be no elongated period of suffering. You were also told that Perry's life would be unencumbered during the remainder of his life." Clark reiterated again, "Perry would function normally and feel great until the moment of his demise." Looking at Lois, Clark asked, "Would you tell him? Would you inform your surrogate father that he was terminally ill and had but a short time to live?" Staring at Clark, Lois meekly said, "To be honest, I couldn't tell him. I'd have to lie. I couldn't destroy his zest for life during his remaining days on Earth. Ah," Clark commented, "now you are getting an inkling of why the lying concept was not placed in the decalogue. That's not to say that all kinds of lying are acceptable or healthy. You see, Lois," Clark continued, "lying, like many codes that influence and govern our lives are two edged swords. How codes are used depends on the situation." "Let me give another less emotional scenario where lying can be used to your benefit and not injure the person hearing your comments." After gathering his thoughts, Clark said, "Visualize yourself at a party. As you are getting acquainted with the other guests, the hostess, let's say Ms. Stearns, approaches you with her husband to say hello. Out of the blue she asks, 'What do you think of my pantsuit, Lois?' She then proceeds to tell you that it was purchased from an exclusive boutique, and all the anguish she put up with having it altered to accommodate her figure. As you listen and focus on the garment you realized that her fashionable outfit looks atrocious on her frame. Like many 'zaftig' ladies who wear pant outfits, her garment reminds you of the lady who sings at the end of a circus performance. Ms. Stearns obviously is no exception. What do you do? To stay in the good graces of your boss and not offend his wife, I'll betya you'll say something like, 'It's a beautiful suit, Ms. Sterns, wear it in good heath.' Would using that kind of rhetoric make you a liar and a reprobate? Because of what you said to the boss's wife, would you consider yourself a morally and ethically bankrupt person?" Shaking her head Lois said, "I don't think so." Clark smiled and added, "For once we agree." Taking her hand in his, Clark continued, "When I was living in Smallville, we had a neighbor who was about eighty-five. Her only son was living about half a continent away in Seattle. At the age of forty-four he had a stroke and died almost instantly. From that moment until that elderly lady's death four years later she was unaware of her son's passing. The people of Smallville understood that if she had knowledge of her son's loss, it would have ended her life in a heart beat. Does that make Smallville a town of liars? I think not. By your definition, Lois, the people of my hometown should all be classified as deceivers and, therefore, should not be considered trustworthy by the world at large." After Clark finished this tale, he felt Lois' tears on his arm. Producing a handkerchief, he wiped her face. As he did, she gave him a beautiful smile, one that expressed her love for him. In her smile, too, Clark recognized the beginning of wisdom - an understanding of the causes that shook their lives. Pausing for a few seconds, Clark added, "The reason for excluding lying from the decalogue is more subtle than the few examples I used to make my point. From a Hebraic scholar, I was informed that the lying event had to do with the conversation G-D had with Sarah and Abraham about the coming birth of Isaac. You'll have to seek a learned person in Hebraic studies, one who is an expert in biblical issues to understand the details surrounding prevarication and how it influenced the Ten Commandments." "Lois, I want you to consider Clark Kent as a person. Not a two dimensional facade that Superman represents. Clark has a desire for friendships and can even love, while Superman has just acquaintances, no friends and can never show any feelings. I know you can differentiate between the real person and the cartoon character, Lois. He once had a very trusting relationship with a beautiful young lady although he had to hide a big secret from her, a secret so huge that if it were revealed to the world, the man from Kansas could no longer exist and his parents' lives would be in great jeopardy." Then Clark added in a rather serious tone, "If you think about our association, Lois, could you trust someone who only equivocated about his Superman persona. Think, partner. Except for my super abilities, did I ever cheat or betray you in anyway? I don't believe so?" Continuing, he added, "Did I ever withhold other kinds of information from you? I believe you could answer never to that question. I always kept what you told me about your personal life and other things locked within my mind and heart. You know I'm not a part of the newsroom gossip club - like Ralph or Cat. What feeling you and I developed for one another was hidden in our hearts. It was locked away in our own trusting world, our private macrocosm in which we worked and lived. Through our subconscious stratagems, we were also able to keep envy and greed at bay in our part of the bullpen and keep the criminal element, gossip mongers, and the tabloids off our backs." "Lois, if you knew the Kent - Superman connection and someone discovered that fact, I would be terrified. At the moment you discovered my super secret, your life, Lois, would be in far greater peril than it is at present. Even now, there isn't a week that passes where Lois Lane is not the focal point of a kidnapping, at risk of being shot, or assassinated by some sort of an explosive device. If you were aware of my aka and the bad guys found out that you knew, they would do everything in their power to coerce that secret from you. If they were successful, my parents' lives wouldn't be worth a plug nickel. The underworld would attempt to utilize you, my parents or any of my friends as a lure to get at me." Now tell me, Lois, "Can you see the dire consequences which will affect our relationship because the Kent - Superman information will soon be revealed? Or are you still looking at the trust situation from your particular angle. An issue, which I believe has clouded your perspective concerning our current and perhaps our future relationship?" After a brief pause, Clark continued, "Lois, I am not advocating lying. However, as I illustrated in my stories, sometimes lying becomes a necessary condition for survival. I agree that lying and trust cannot be habitually linked if a close relationship is to be maintained between a couple. However, as I previously indicated, there may be extenuating circumstances, like the Kent-Superman connection that can't be avoided. Those people who lie for corrupt motives are those who should never be trusted - like Luthor and company or the intergang conglomerate." Finally Clark said, "Telling a five-year old that the stork brings babies by your definition, Lois, would be a lie. According to your view, the parent or adult who tells a child that kind of fabrication would not be worthy of trust. Do you think that most tots could possibly understand the entire birth process? I very much doubt it, and the consequences for some youngsters may be extremely traumatic. May I point out that many adults are still puzzled by the science surrounding the entire human reproductive process?" "Lois, if you can't fathom what I'm attempting to say, then I'm afraid you'll always be a puzzlement to me and we'll have a meeting of the minds and, therefore, no forever relationship." When Clark looked at the clock he remarked, "Lois I have several more things I need to get off my chest before I leave." Looking at the sky, Clark murmured, "Time grows short, sweetheart." "Sweetheart," she exclaimed, "I've been called many things, but never by that moniker." Quickly, Clark remarked, "You'll always be my sweetheart in my mind if not in life. That comment inadvertently popped out of my head. I'm sorry I upset you, Lois, by addressing you by that endearment. Please forgive me." There's nothing to forgive she retorted, "I love that term, especially from you." Lois smiled to herself as she realized that the man of steel possessed as many insecurities as she. That fact endeared Clark to her far more than the behavior of his aka; that super guy who rushed around in a flashy red, blue and yellow suit. Lois was brought out of her reverie when Clark said, "Thanks for allowing me to try to set the record straight, partner, or should I say ex- partner. I really enjoyed our last hurrah. Our tete-a-tete, at least gave us some closure and showed us there is no future for Lois and Clark as reporters or ... I was hopeful that in time we could create a life together. Unfortunately, that dream is over. Your trust issue has certainly clouded that possibility. Furthermore, because of Linda's story, my antagonists will soon be gathering to destroy Clark Kent and our future together that could have been. I blame myself for this calamity. I should have tooled you about myself sooner." "When you think about it, Lois, this entire Superman scenario is ironic. Think of it. Because of my deep seated need to help people, I was undone by a journalist who cares little or nothing for others. Now the lust of Linda King, who apparently has no scruples, will drive Clark Kent and his family into exile." As he finished, Lois put his head down and quietly began to sob. Witnessing Clark's anguish and feeling his despondency, Lois pulled him to her and pressed her lips to his in a fervent kiss, a mark of affection which only lovers share. The mutual caress of their lips was tender and full of promise. It was a kiss that they both would remember forever and beyond forever. As they broke their embrace, Lois remarked, "I'm not going to publish my Superman story." "Whaaat!" Perry bellowed. "Now hear me out," Lois said. "If only one Superman story hits the street, there is a good chance that it could be refuted or blunted at a later time." However, Lois added, "If two similar articles are published, then the possibility of challenging the Clark-Superman connection becomes more difficult, maybe impossible." Perry was about to chime in, when Lois waved him off. She then added, "I know what you're thinkin, chief. The press must be truthful always and tear away the veil of secrecy to maintain its integrity and inform the public. Like you, Perry, I agree with those notions most of the time. However, when the truth could destroy a good person and cause irreparable harm to countless others, then, I believe that this journalistic maxim is counterproductive." "As Clark pointed out to me, once-upon-a-time," Lois articulated, "lying is a two edged sword." Then- smiling Lois added, "Therefore chief, we'll use the deceitful side of that blade, the side that will protect my best friend, my colleague, and my lover from eternal damnation. We'll use falsity as a tool to secure the safety of our city, the world, and Lois and Clark's future together." Clark kissed Lois on the forehead for her support and said, "That's a brilliant plan, partner. I'll buy into it," Clark said euphorically. After a slight pause, Clark remarked, "You, my dear Ms. Lane, have just injected hope into my existence, maybe our lives." "No maybe's about our future, Mr. Kent, just certainties." Clark just nodded and smiled for the first time during the Lane and Kent show and tell dialogue. Then gazing at Clark with adoring eyes, Lois proclaimed, "By cementing our devotion to one another this day, you and I, partner, have touched tomorrow and all eternity." Embracing again, both journalists engaged in a spectacular display of emotion, causing the ever serious-minded Perry White to blush. Looking at the faces of his two star reporters, Perry relented and said, "Okay, Okay we'll go with Lois' unorthodox scheme." With all those present concurring, Lois took Clark's Superman article and destroyed it in the paper shredder. As the eastern sky displayed signs of the coming dawn, Clark shook Perry's hand and gave Lois another soul shattering kiss. Smiling to hide her pain, Lois watched as Clark opened a window. Then quietly and with tears welling in her eyes, Lois murmured to her soulmate, "Clark, I will love you for all time. Our aimer beaucoup is stronger than life itself and will endure. For some inexplicable reason, Clark, I know we'll be reunited and our interrupted journey through life will continue unabated. But, Buster," Lois said, giggling to remove the sting from her words, "we still have much to talk about and resolve." Clark again nodded with a grin. Holding Lois' hands, he placed his forehead upon hers. Clark then whispered, "I've squandered many days making plans to do many things. This day was not one of them. Because of my foolishness, what happened took me by surprise." After pausing for a moment, he added, "For all I should have thought and have not thought about us and our future, for all I should have said and have not said about my feeling for you, and for all that I should have done and have not done to bind us closer together, please forgive me." With tears pooling in her eyes she said, "With all my heart, beloved, with all my heart." As Lois and Clark finished their declarat