Fic: Man of Steel: A Risk Worth Taking (13/?)
Title: Man of Steel: A Risk Worth Taking (13/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Canon: Superman (MOS)
Pairings; Characters: Clark/Lois, Martha Kent, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor, Bruce Wayne
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,800
Summary: Lois couldn’t decide whether to ask him out or bombard him with questions hopefully to secure the ‘Story of the Century.’
Spoilers: None. It’s just speculation about hand touching in the trailer and what it could mean for Clois. The story continues with more speculation about Clois and the sequel.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Lex is not coping well after his slip at the news conference, Superman and Lois meet with her Father, Erica and Lena return to Metropolis, and lastly, Lex and Erica come face to face. Please read and review. Thank you! :D
X-posted: (FFN); (A03)
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)(Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)
Chapter 13: Not Built to Break
Lex Luthor's penthouse, minutes after the news conference:
An extremely agitated Lex Luthor entered his office truly shocked by his lack of control. Picking up the remote, he watched the video again fast-forwarding to his beautiful daughter then pressed pause. Hot tears sprang into his eyes, then the regret threatened to choke him. For one brief moment, his life mattered, he had something to be proud of, but it was never enough for him or his Father. He wanted more, always more, but now all he wanted in his useless life was to have them back. Stunned by his thoughts, he threw the remote across the room. He wanted to scream at the heavens, but all he could do was stare at her and wish with all of his blackened heart that things could have been different.
"Sir?" It was Janet, his assistant. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Janet had worked for Lex for a long, long time, years before Erica. She'd watched him marry again and again, but Janet wasn't an idiot. She saw through all of it. Mr. Luthor had fallen in love with his wife. It was the first time for him and for her if what she believed were true. It was truly a shame that their lives had predictably turned upside down, never to be the same.
His lawyer, James Stevens, was still fuming after Luthor's mistake. He was on the telephone with his office. His assistant had been taking calls all morning from reporters and television stations who wanted an interview from him. Sighing, he turned off his cellphone and watched Lex for a moment. Shaking his head, he thought about their strategy after viewing the video. It was clear, paint Erica as unhinged and needed to be confined to a mental hospital for her safety and that she was untrustworthy. Lex had gone along with that strategy. Now, everything had to be changed. Maybe they could plead temporary insanity. It may work. Lex could be treated for a few months and probably released.
He walked over to him. "Lex, we need to talk." No answer. "Did you hear me Lex?"
"I heard you," Lex replied, still staring at the video.
James sighed and glanced at Janet. "Lex, our strategy has to change and after your little 'speech,' we need to make sure that everyone knows that you didn't hate your father and that it was an accident. The sooner we clear this up, the sooner the authorities will have no choice but to ignore Erica's lunatic ravings."
Lex turned to him, and he couldn't believe he would say that. He stood up and went over to the bar and poured himself a stiff drink. It flowed like fire down his throat. He closed his eyes and thought about his lawyer's words. "It's too late for that. I'm the one who lost it on national television. She was the one that was calm and collected." She shook his head still amazed by his former wife.
James sighed again. "Look, Lex …" He began, but he was interrupted.
"I need to talk to her. I can convince her to change her statement."
James tried not to laugh. "Lex that is not going to work. You saw her. She's determined to see this through. She never saw her daughter, she believed that she was dying, and she's a witness. She's not going to change her mind about this."
Lex took another sip of scotch. "Oh, she'll change her mind. You'll see."
And with that bold statement, James and Janet stared at each other and couldn't help but think the worst.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, in the Toronto airport:
Erica sat quietly in the airport, surrounded by family and a few armed guards. Her family's private jet would transport them to Metropolis within the hour. Pulling her daughter close to her, Lena still had so many questions for her mother. Erica had explained everything to her, leaving out a few pertinent facts. She was still so young, but Erica believed she was old enough to understand about hate and abuse, and what it could lead to.
"Mommy, will I meet my Father?" Lena asked, with a sad expression, then she thought about it. "I don't want to meet him."
"Lena …"
"No, Mommy, he hurt you. He hurt us."
Erica closed her eyes and pulled her daughter close. "Lena, remember what I said. Deep down, he thought he was trying to protect us." Erica didn't believe that, but why paint him as a monster. He was her father, and she couldn't paint him that way, she couldn't.
Lena wanted to believe her, but a small part of her heart didn't believe it. Lena understood about pain and suffering. She'd been sheltered by her family for so long, and now she didn't know what was going to happen once they reached Metropolis. Her little heart cried out for everything to be alright, that she didn't have to meet her Father after all this time and that her family would be together and happy. Lena wanted that more than anything.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, that same morning in Metropolis:
Lois and Clark had decided that they would arrive at the Army base separately. Lois drove over while Clark flew there and waited patiently for her arrival. Lois showed up within minutes, and they both walked up to the front gate.
Clark was behind her. "Superman is here as requested. Please inform General Lane that Superman and his daughter are here," Lois said.
The private swallowed and did as she asked. Minutes later, they were lead inside and escorted by one of the guards.
A few minutes later, General Lane came out to meet them. Sam was truly shocked to hear that his daughter was there, but now that he thought about it, she was his press agent after all. Shaking his head, he approached them.
"Superman, I do appreciate your coming on such short notice." He glanced at Lois. "I'm afraid you can't be there when he's questioned."
Lois' back went up. "Try and stop me Daddy. You are not going railroad him into anything."
Clark hid a grin. Sam shook his head at her. "Lois, now listen."
"No, you listen, after what you pulled in that warehouse, I don't trust you." As soon as those words escaped, Lois wanted to pull them back, but she couldn't.
Sam was truly hurt by those words. He thought they had reached an agreement of sorts, but then he couldn't blame her. He had tried to hurt him after all. "Alright, come with me."
They both followed the General, but instead of going to his office, they were led to another building, one that was far more secure than the officer's quarters. Once inside, they were led to an elevator that took them several floors down to a secure location.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. Clark x-rayed each lower floor, and they were lined in lead, probably because they were truly old, but then he saw numerous guards with loaded weapons. Sighing, he wasn't worried about himself but for Lois and what could happen if things got of hand.
Sam finally opened a rather large door and stepped inside. It wasn't marked, but Lois had some idea what it was. It was an interrogation room for suspected criminals with crimes against the United States.
Lois was so upset, she wanted to scream. She wasn't expecting this. There were glass walls, which she suspected, were see-through. There were also other generals and high-ranking officials standing around waiting to question him. She desperately wanted to pull Clark away from this place.
They were then led inside another room with a table and two chairs. Clark sat down, and Lois sat in the other.
"I'll be right back," Sam said then left them alone.
"I can't believe this," Lois muttered. "After everything you did to save us." Lois was losing it. "They still don't trust you." Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together.
"Lois, please calm down. This won't take long, you'll see," Clark said. He tried to be upbeat but inside his heart was pounding with dread. He glanced at glass wall. "You know they're watching us."
"I know." She stared at him, but her eyes were wistful and full of love.
Clark lowered his eyes then put his hands on the table and pressed his palms together. Her love for him for on full display. He needed to talk about something to wipe that look off her face. "Ms. Lane?"
"Yes," she replied as she shook her head to clear it. Taking a deep breath, she sat up straighter.
"I liked that story you wrote the other day about me." He grinned, but only a little.
"Oh, which one was that?" Lois asked and tried not to smile at him. It didn't work.
"The one about the …Ummm … " He hesitated but then he couldn't help his eyes as they roamed over her face.
Sam watched them closely with a dawning expression. Everyone else in the room was doing other things, watching monitors or gathering papers together. Oh, my, god, he thought. It can't be.
Lieutenant Jones suddenly entered the room with questions and couldn't help but notice what was going on in the interrogation room. It didn't surprise him. He remembered what had happened in the warehouse. "Someone's infatuated," he commented as he walked over to the General. "We're ready, Sir." Sam was still distracted. "Sir?"
Sam shook his head, still unbelieving what was right in front of him. "Oh, yes, yes, give me those." He took the sheet of paper from him. Closing his eyes for a moment, he looked over the questions and realized everything was different now … everything. Taking a deep breath, he walked inside the interrogation room.
They both turned to him at the same time, and Sam was truly shocked and realized that they were in love. It was finally clear to him. Everything made sense now, everything. "Well, I … Ummm … I have these questions for you, Superman, and if you wouldn't mind, read them over, and I'll be back in a minute with your answers."
Lois and Clark frowned and wondered what was going on. "Give me those," Lois said and snatched them from Clark's hands.
"Lois?" Clark was surprised by her actions.
Lois read the questions. "Daddy, what are you trying to pull? He can't answer these questions." Then she read them aloud:
1-Where do you live?
2-What's your real name?
3-Who raised you?
4-How old are you?
5-Do you have a driver's license?
6-Did you kill Zod?
7-Could you have saved him?
8-Are there more of them out there? If so, how do we stop another invasion?
9-Do you have a girlfriend?
10-Where did you get that suit?
Clark hid a grin, but Lois was furious with him. "Do you have a girlfriend? Really, Daddy?" Lois was truly amazed that he asked that question.
"Yes, really. We don't know if he's making babies out there, or if we'll be dealing with more flying aliens in a few years." Sam watched his daughter closely after that statement. Was she sleeping with him? He thought. Of course, she is. Oh, dear lord.
"Stop it, Daddy! Superman is an alien. He can't make babies with Earth women." Lois wasn't completely sure about that, then she watched him closely. "Who put this stupid list together? Was it you?"
He ignored her question. He turned to Superman. "Just answer numbers 7 and 8 and then you can go."
"Don't answer those questions, Superman," Lois said.
"Lois, we need to put an end to this. Sir, I'll answer questions 7 and 8," Clark agreed.
Lois fumed inside but held her tongue.
"Thank you, Superman," Sam said and couldn't help but feel impressed by his ability to get his daughter to keep her mouth shut.
"The answer to question seven is No. I couldn't have saved him. He wanted to kill me, you, Ms. Lane, the entire human race. No one was safe."
"I see and question eight?" Sam asked.
"Truthfully, I've thought about that question and it's highly unlikely that anymore Kryptonians are out there. I'm all alone as far as I know," Clark replied.
"But you're not sure?" Sam asked, needing to know.
"No, I'm not sure," Clark replied honestly.
"I see, but is there any way to find the answers. We need to be prepared."
"I'm sorry, Sir, but if any more of them showed up, and their intention was the same as before, and I'm the only one that can stop them." He glanced at Lois and his look softened. He couldn't help it. "I'll be here, Sir. You don't have to worry about that. I'll be here."
Lois had to duck her head at his 'affectionate' display.
Sam caught their exchange and then he also hid a grin. His daughter was happy. There was no denying that fact. "I'm glad to hear it. I'll take those." He took the list of questions from him. "You're free to go."
"Thank you, Sir." Clark stood up and held out his hand.
Lois slowly stood up and watched them as they stood toe-to-toe, praying that her Father would do this one thing.
Sam then glanced between Superman and his daughter and then he shook his hand.
Lois was so relieved. "Thank you, Daddy."
Sam was a bit emotional right now, so he turned and left them alone.
"That went well," Clark commented.
Lois didn't say anything as she watched the door close behind her Father, then whispered distractedly, "Yes, yes it did."
~o~o~
A little while later, Metropolis city center, a safe house:
Erica, her Father, and Lena were getting settled in when a knock came at the door. One of the guards opened the door, and Lois and Clark walked in.
Erica sighed with relief. "Come in, come in," she greeted them warmly.
"Mr. Kent!?" Lena exclaimed and ran to him.
Clark picked her up and held her close. "How are you Lena?"
"I'm OK, Mr. Kent." She then turned to Lois. "Who are you?" Lena asked. Clark set her down.
"I'm a friend of Mr. Kent. It's lovely to meet you Lena." Lois held out her hand.
"Hello, Ms. Lane." She cocked her head to the side. "You're pretty."
"Thank you, Lena." What a charming little girl, Lois thought.
They walked over to Erica and her Father. "I see that everything is fine here," Clark commented.
"Yes we made it here in one piece. Please take a seat." Everyone sat down, but then Erica thought better of Lena being there. "Father, it's nearly lunch time. Would you mind?"
Her Father understood. Henri del Portenza was a proud man and the fact that he was there for his daughter meant everything to him. There's no place else he'd rather be. Erica was with them now. He and Lena were undeniable ecstatic to have her there, and they could be a family just like it should have been over ten years ago.
"No, of course not. Lena, honey, it's time to eat. Are you hungry?"
"Oh, can we have some of those delicious burgers? I love those."
"Of course we can." Then they left them alone.
"She's adorable," Lois commented.
"Thank you, Ms. Lane, and thank you for helping us. I read your article this morning about Lex and his disgraceful plans to kill Superman." She shook her head. "Lex finally crossed that line. It's sad but true."
"I'm afraid so. It was the final straw. He withdrew from the race a little while ago," Lois told her the good news. They'd heard about it from Perry after leaving the base.
"I truly don't know what he was thinking," Erica said as she thought about him.
"Erica, I have more news," Clark said, dreading his next words.
"What is it?" Erica asked.
"Lex has put out a statement to the media. He wants to see you."
Erica shook her head. It was the only thing that she couldn't do. "I can't."
"But we'll be there for you," Lois told her. "You won't be alone."
"But why should I see him? It's not going to help us. He'll try and talk me out of it."
"We know that, but it's best to get this out of the way. You can do this, Erica," Clark said, hoping to encourage her.
Just then her Father came back inside. Henri sat down next to her and took her hand. "You're strong enough honey." He squeezed her hand. "You made it through hell, and seeing him again will make you just that much stronger. We all have faith in you. Just do this one last hurtle and then we can move on."
"You think so, Father?" Erica wasn't so sure about that.
"Yes, I believe it." Henri was sure of this.
"Alright, I'll see him," Erica responded, dreading her meeting with the devil.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the military base:
Sam was so furious; he was pacing back and forth and wringing his hands. He'd just received word that Zod's space ship and his body were missing from the top secret military warehouse in the outskirts of Metropolis.
"And the security cameras, what happened to those?" His lieutenant frowned, his meaning clear. "No luck, Sir."
"I cannot believe this. Was anyone hurt?"
"No, the guards are recuperating from being drugged, Sir," Lieutenant Jones replied.
Sam was putting things together in his head and then it hit him. Only one person would be so bold as to do such a thing. Luthor!
~o~o~
Later that day, downtown Metropolis, FBI headquarters:
After reading over her official statement and signing it, Erica, her lawyer, Lois, Clark and her Father waited for Lex to make an appearance. The FBI's security team were there to protect her. Lena was also there, but she was in a play room, with a few other children with adult supervision. The glass partition would enable Lex to see her but not to touch her or to speak to her.
Lois, Clark, and the prosecutor thought that this unexpected 'surprise' may cause a reaction from Lex, maybe even an impromptu confession. Erica was not keen on the idea, but it was their last ditch effort to avoid a long, drawn out murder trial.
Suddenly, Lex walked in with his attorney behind him. Clark stood up. He pushed his glasses up his nose and watched as Lex walked over to Erica with a look of total and inexplicable regret. It was abundantly clear to everyone.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other, not knowing what Lex would do. Then his eyes averted from Erica's sad and hopeless face and then he saw her. He wasn't expecting to see Lena, his beautiful Lena. He slowly made his way, hating it, but he also knew they couldn't be together. That didn't stop him from raising a hand as if finally able to touch her. "Lena?" Shocked, his eyes watered at finally seeing her in the flesh and she was even more beautiful, if that were possible.
James, Lex's lawyer, was not happy about this. "Whose idea was this?" James hurriedly walked over to Lex and touched his shoulder. "Lex, sit down. We need to finish this." No answer. "Lex, take a seat please."
Lex was in a daze as he turned from the window. Erica had her head down as if ashamed. Lois and Clark looked triumphant. That got Lex's back up. "You won't get away with this," Lex stated getting more and more upset.
He sat down opposite Erica. Her lawyer was beside her and Lex's lawyer sat beside him. It was if they were going through a divorce, but they were already divorced. Erica had been unconscious at the time of the dissolution of her marriage, having no say in it whatsoever.
"You wanted to see me," Erica said, hoping to get things started. She wasn't as terrified as she thought she would be. She felt stronger than ever before.
Lex took a shuddering breath and tried to calm his uncontrollable emotions. She was still as lovely as ever and after seeing Lena, his emotions were raw. "Erica, do you truly want to put your daughter's Father in jail for the rest of his life? It was an accident, nothing more. Please believe that because it's true. My Father tripped over the carpet and fell out the window. I explained this to you numerous times, but you wouldn't listen to me."
Erica closed her eyes for a moment. "Lex, I heard the argument. I heard what you said."
Lex's lawyer sat up straighter. "That wasn't in your video or in your statement."
Lois and Clark were just as surprised as everyone else in the room. Erica's lawyer, Donna Armstrong, also frowned not liking this turn of events.
"I know what I heard," Erica was stern in her announcement.
"This meeting is over," Lex's lawyer stood up. This changes everything.
"She's lying. She would have said something before now," Lex stated firmly.
"Oh, really? Do you want me to repeat it here and now? They'll lock you up for sure." Erica smirked at him. She suddenly felt powerful and stronger than she ever felt while in the same room with him. It was a glorious feeling.
James, Lex's lawyer, pulled his arm. "Lex, let's go NOW." He turned to the prosecutor. "We'll see you in court."
Lex stood up and watched Erica for a moment. The air was thick with tension. She finally raised her eyes to look at him, but surprisingly, she wasn't afraid. She felt nothing for him. "Erica, please, don't do this." He was pleading with her now.
"Goodbye Lex."
His lips thinned, and then he turned abruptly and left with his lawyer.
"Well, well, well," the prosecutor, Denise Barnes, commented gleefully. "Tell us what you heard."
"I don't remember," Erica replied.
"What do you mean, you don't remember?" Donna was shocked and highly suspicious.
"I heard them arguing, but I can't be sure what they were saying."
"I can't believe this. You lied to us?" She was incredulous. "
What else were you lying about?" Denise was not happy about this.
Erica suddenly leaned forward, closed her eyes for a moment, put her hands in a steeple position as if in prayer, and thought of her answer to that question. It was time to unburden her soul. "I'm so sorry, but Lex wasn't the only one involved with … criminal activities." Blinking back tears, she paused to gather her composure then she raised her eyes and made eye contact with a terribly disappointed Clark Kent. "I was too."
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: I Didn't' Know My Own Strength, Whitney Houston.
A/N: Oh dear. Ms. Erica is not as sparkling clean as everyone thought. And Sam figured out Clark's secret, and he didn't burst a gasket! But Sam's thoughts had me rolling on the floor! *dies laughing* And Lex, what can I say about Lex? It's sad but Lena is the only one who can make him cry. I didn't want Lex to be a complete monster. But the mind boggles at what he's capable of. Ok, please tell me your thoughts. Thanks for reading.
Author: Babette babettew54
Canon: Superman (MOS)
Pairings; Characters: Clark/Lois, Martha Kent, Sam Lane, Lucy Lane, Lex Luthor, Bruce Wayne
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,800
Summary: Lois couldn’t decide whether to ask him out or bombard him with questions hopefully to secure the ‘Story of the Century.’
Spoilers: None. It’s just speculation about hand touching in the trailer and what it could mean for Clois. The story continues with more speculation about Clois and the sequel.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Bros. Entertainment owns these characters. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Lex is not coping well after his slip at the news conference, Superman and Lois meet with her Father, Erica and Lena return to Metropolis, and lastly, Lex and Erica come face to face. Please read and review. Thank you! :D
X-posted: (FFN); (A03)
Previously:
( Chapter 1)( Chapter 2)( Chapter 3)( Chapter 4)( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)( Chapter 7)(Chapter 8)( Chapter 9)( Chapter 10)
( Chapter 11)( Chapter 12)
Chapter 13: Not Built to Break
Lex Luthor's penthouse, minutes after the news conference:
An extremely agitated Lex Luthor entered his office truly shocked by his lack of control. Picking up the remote, he watched the video again fast-forwarding to his beautiful daughter then pressed pause. Hot tears sprang into his eyes, then the regret threatened to choke him. For one brief moment, his life mattered, he had something to be proud of, but it was never enough for him or his Father. He wanted more, always more, but now all he wanted in his useless life was to have them back. Stunned by his thoughts, he threw the remote across the room. He wanted to scream at the heavens, but all he could do was stare at her and wish with all of his blackened heart that things could have been different.
"Sir?" It was Janet, his assistant. "Is there anything I can do for you?" Janet had worked for Lex for a long, long time, years before Erica. She'd watched him marry again and again, but Janet wasn't an idiot. She saw through all of it. Mr. Luthor had fallen in love with his wife. It was the first time for him and for her if what she believed were true. It was truly a shame that their lives had predictably turned upside down, never to be the same.
His lawyer, James Stevens, was still fuming after Luthor's mistake. He was on the telephone with his office. His assistant had been taking calls all morning from reporters and television stations who wanted an interview from him. Sighing, he turned off his cellphone and watched Lex for a moment. Shaking his head, he thought about their strategy after viewing the video. It was clear, paint Erica as unhinged and needed to be confined to a mental hospital for her safety and that she was untrustworthy. Lex had gone along with that strategy. Now, everything had to be changed. Maybe they could plead temporary insanity. It may work. Lex could be treated for a few months and probably released.
He walked over to him. "Lex, we need to talk." No answer. "Did you hear me Lex?"
"I heard you," Lex replied, still staring at the video.
James sighed and glanced at Janet. "Lex, our strategy has to change and after your little 'speech,' we need to make sure that everyone knows that you didn't hate your father and that it was an accident. The sooner we clear this up, the sooner the authorities will have no choice but to ignore Erica's lunatic ravings."
Lex turned to him, and he couldn't believe he would say that. He stood up and went over to the bar and poured himself a stiff drink. It flowed like fire down his throat. He closed his eyes and thought about his lawyer's words. "It's too late for that. I'm the one who lost it on national television. She was the one that was calm and collected." She shook his head still amazed by his former wife.
James sighed again. "Look, Lex …" He began, but he was interrupted.
"I need to talk to her. I can convince her to change her statement."
James tried not to laugh. "Lex that is not going to work. You saw her. She's determined to see this through. She never saw her daughter, she believed that she was dying, and she's a witness. She's not going to change her mind about this."
Lex took another sip of scotch. "Oh, she'll change her mind. You'll see."
And with that bold statement, James and Janet stared at each other and couldn't help but think the worst.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, in the Toronto airport:
Erica sat quietly in the airport, surrounded by family and a few armed guards. Her family's private jet would transport them to Metropolis within the hour. Pulling her daughter close to her, Lena still had so many questions for her mother. Erica had explained everything to her, leaving out a few pertinent facts. She was still so young, but Erica believed she was old enough to understand about hate and abuse, and what it could lead to.
"Mommy, will I meet my Father?" Lena asked, with a sad expression, then she thought about it. "I don't want to meet him."
"Lena …"
"No, Mommy, he hurt you. He hurt us."
Erica closed her eyes and pulled her daughter close. "Lena, remember what I said. Deep down, he thought he was trying to protect us." Erica didn't believe that, but why paint him as a monster. He was her father, and she couldn't paint him that way, she couldn't.
Lena wanted to believe her, but a small part of her heart didn't believe it. Lena understood about pain and suffering. She'd been sheltered by her family for so long, and now she didn't know what was going to happen once they reached Metropolis. Her little heart cried out for everything to be alright, that she didn't have to meet her Father after all this time and that her family would be together and happy. Lena wanted that more than anything.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, that same morning in Metropolis:
Lois and Clark had decided that they would arrive at the Army base separately. Lois drove over while Clark flew there and waited patiently for her arrival. Lois showed up within minutes, and they both walked up to the front gate.
Clark was behind her. "Superman is here as requested. Please inform General Lane that Superman and his daughter are here," Lois said.
The private swallowed and did as she asked. Minutes later, they were lead inside and escorted by one of the guards.
A few minutes later, General Lane came out to meet them. Sam was truly shocked to hear that his daughter was there, but now that he thought about it, she was his press agent after all. Shaking his head, he approached them.
"Superman, I do appreciate your coming on such short notice." He glanced at Lois. "I'm afraid you can't be there when he's questioned."
Lois' back went up. "Try and stop me Daddy. You are not going railroad him into anything."
Clark hid a grin. Sam shook his head at her. "Lois, now listen."
"No, you listen, after what you pulled in that warehouse, I don't trust you." As soon as those words escaped, Lois wanted to pull them back, but she couldn't.
Sam was truly hurt by those words. He thought they had reached an agreement of sorts, but then he couldn't blame her. He had tried to hurt him after all. "Alright, come with me."
They both followed the General, but instead of going to his office, they were led to another building, one that was far more secure than the officer's quarters. Once inside, they were led to an elevator that took them several floors down to a secure location.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other. Clark x-rayed each lower floor, and they were lined in lead, probably because they were truly old, but then he saw numerous guards with loaded weapons. Sighing, he wasn't worried about himself but for Lois and what could happen if things got of hand.
Sam finally opened a rather large door and stepped inside. It wasn't marked, but Lois had some idea what it was. It was an interrogation room for suspected criminals with crimes against the United States.
Lois was so upset, she wanted to scream. She wasn't expecting this. There were glass walls, which she suspected, were see-through. There were also other generals and high-ranking officials standing around waiting to question him. She desperately wanted to pull Clark away from this place.
They were then led inside another room with a table and two chairs. Clark sat down, and Lois sat in the other.
"I'll be right back," Sam said then left them alone.
"I can't believe this," Lois muttered. "After everything you did to save us." Lois was losing it. "They still don't trust you." Taking a deep breath, she pulled herself together.
"Lois, please calm down. This won't take long, you'll see," Clark said. He tried to be upbeat but inside his heart was pounding with dread. He glanced at glass wall. "You know they're watching us."
"I know." She stared at him, but her eyes were wistful and full of love.
Clark lowered his eyes then put his hands on the table and pressed his palms together. Her love for him for on full display. He needed to talk about something to wipe that look off her face. "Ms. Lane?"
"Yes," she replied as she shook her head to clear it. Taking a deep breath, she sat up straighter.
"I liked that story you wrote the other day about me." He grinned, but only a little.
"Oh, which one was that?" Lois asked and tried not to smile at him. It didn't work.
"The one about the …Ummm … " He hesitated but then he couldn't help his eyes as they roamed over her face.
Sam watched them closely with a dawning expression. Everyone else in the room was doing other things, watching monitors or gathering papers together. Oh, my, god, he thought. It can't be.
Lieutenant Jones suddenly entered the room with questions and couldn't help but notice what was going on in the interrogation room. It didn't surprise him. He remembered what had happened in the warehouse. "Someone's infatuated," he commented as he walked over to the General. "We're ready, Sir." Sam was still distracted. "Sir?"
Sam shook his head, still unbelieving what was right in front of him. "Oh, yes, yes, give me those." He took the sheet of paper from him. Closing his eyes for a moment, he looked over the questions and realized everything was different now … everything. Taking a deep breath, he walked inside the interrogation room.
They both turned to him at the same time, and Sam was truly shocked and realized that they were in love. It was finally clear to him. Everything made sense now, everything. "Well, I … Ummm … I have these questions for you, Superman, and if you wouldn't mind, read them over, and I'll be back in a minute with your answers."
Lois and Clark frowned and wondered what was going on. "Give me those," Lois said and snatched them from Clark's hands.
"Lois?" Clark was surprised by her actions.
Lois read the questions. "Daddy, what are you trying to pull? He can't answer these questions." Then she read them aloud:
1-Where do you live?
2-What's your real name?
3-Who raised you?
4-How old are you?
5-Do you have a driver's license?
6-Did you kill Zod?
7-Could you have saved him?
8-Are there more of them out there? If so, how do we stop another invasion?
9-Do you have a girlfriend?
10-Where did you get that suit?
Clark hid a grin, but Lois was furious with him. "Do you have a girlfriend? Really, Daddy?" Lois was truly amazed that he asked that question.
"Yes, really. We don't know if he's making babies out there, or if we'll be dealing with more flying aliens in a few years." Sam watched his daughter closely after that statement. Was she sleeping with him? He thought. Of course, she is. Oh, dear lord.
"Stop it, Daddy! Superman is an alien. He can't make babies with Earth women." Lois wasn't completely sure about that, then she watched him closely. "Who put this stupid list together? Was it you?"
He ignored her question. He turned to Superman. "Just answer numbers 7 and 8 and then you can go."
"Don't answer those questions, Superman," Lois said.
"Lois, we need to put an end to this. Sir, I'll answer questions 7 and 8," Clark agreed.
Lois fumed inside but held her tongue.
"Thank you, Superman," Sam said and couldn't help but feel impressed by his ability to get his daughter to keep her mouth shut.
"The answer to question seven is No. I couldn't have saved him. He wanted to kill me, you, Ms. Lane, the entire human race. No one was safe."
"I see and question eight?" Sam asked.
"Truthfully, I've thought about that question and it's highly unlikely that anymore Kryptonians are out there. I'm all alone as far as I know," Clark replied.
"But you're not sure?" Sam asked, needing to know.
"No, I'm not sure," Clark replied honestly.
"I see, but is there any way to find the answers. We need to be prepared."
"I'm sorry, Sir, but if any more of them showed up, and their intention was the same as before, and I'm the only one that can stop them." He glanced at Lois and his look softened. He couldn't help it. "I'll be here, Sir. You don't have to worry about that. I'll be here."
Lois had to duck her head at his 'affectionate' display.
Sam caught their exchange and then he also hid a grin. His daughter was happy. There was no denying that fact. "I'm glad to hear it. I'll take those." He took the list of questions from him. "You're free to go."
"Thank you, Sir." Clark stood up and held out his hand.
Lois slowly stood up and watched them as they stood toe-to-toe, praying that her Father would do this one thing.
Sam then glanced between Superman and his daughter and then he shook his hand.
Lois was so relieved. "Thank you, Daddy."
Sam was a bit emotional right now, so he turned and left them alone.
"That went well," Clark commented.
Lois didn't say anything as she watched the door close behind her Father, then whispered distractedly, "Yes, yes it did."
~o~o~
A little while later, Metropolis city center, a safe house:
Erica, her Father, and Lena were getting settled in when a knock came at the door. One of the guards opened the door, and Lois and Clark walked in.
Erica sighed with relief. "Come in, come in," she greeted them warmly.
"Mr. Kent!?" Lena exclaimed and ran to him.
Clark picked her up and held her close. "How are you Lena?"
"I'm OK, Mr. Kent." She then turned to Lois. "Who are you?" Lena asked. Clark set her down.
"I'm a friend of Mr. Kent. It's lovely to meet you Lena." Lois held out her hand.
"Hello, Ms. Lane." She cocked her head to the side. "You're pretty."
"Thank you, Lena." What a charming little girl, Lois thought.
They walked over to Erica and her Father. "I see that everything is fine here," Clark commented.
"Yes we made it here in one piece. Please take a seat." Everyone sat down, but then Erica thought better of Lena being there. "Father, it's nearly lunch time. Would you mind?"
Her Father understood. Henri del Portenza was a proud man and the fact that he was there for his daughter meant everything to him. There's no place else he'd rather be. Erica was with them now. He and Lena were undeniable ecstatic to have her there, and they could be a family just like it should have been over ten years ago.
"No, of course not. Lena, honey, it's time to eat. Are you hungry?"
"Oh, can we have some of those delicious burgers? I love those."
"Of course we can." Then they left them alone.
"She's adorable," Lois commented.
"Thank you, Ms. Lane, and thank you for helping us. I read your article this morning about Lex and his disgraceful plans to kill Superman." She shook her head. "Lex finally crossed that line. It's sad but true."
"I'm afraid so. It was the final straw. He withdrew from the race a little while ago," Lois told her the good news. They'd heard about it from Perry after leaving the base.
"I truly don't know what he was thinking," Erica said as she thought about him.
"Erica, I have more news," Clark said, dreading his next words.
"What is it?" Erica asked.
"Lex has put out a statement to the media. He wants to see you."
Erica shook her head. It was the only thing that she couldn't do. "I can't."
"But we'll be there for you," Lois told her. "You won't be alone."
"But why should I see him? It's not going to help us. He'll try and talk me out of it."
"We know that, but it's best to get this out of the way. You can do this, Erica," Clark said, hoping to encourage her.
Just then her Father came back inside. Henri sat down next to her and took her hand. "You're strong enough honey." He squeezed her hand. "You made it through hell, and seeing him again will make you just that much stronger. We all have faith in you. Just do this one last hurtle and then we can move on."
"You think so, Father?" Erica wasn't so sure about that.
"Yes, I believe it." Henri was sure of this.
"Alright, I'll see him," Erica responded, dreading her meeting with the devil.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, back at the military base:
Sam was so furious; he was pacing back and forth and wringing his hands. He'd just received word that Zod's space ship and his body were missing from the top secret military warehouse in the outskirts of Metropolis.
"And the security cameras, what happened to those?" His lieutenant frowned, his meaning clear. "No luck, Sir."
"I cannot believe this. Was anyone hurt?"
"No, the guards are recuperating from being drugged, Sir," Lieutenant Jones replied.
Sam was putting things together in his head and then it hit him. Only one person would be so bold as to do such a thing. Luthor!
~o~o~
Later that day, downtown Metropolis, FBI headquarters:
After reading over her official statement and signing it, Erica, her lawyer, Lois, Clark and her Father waited for Lex to make an appearance. The FBI's security team were there to protect her. Lena was also there, but she was in a play room, with a few other children with adult supervision. The glass partition would enable Lex to see her but not to touch her or to speak to her.
Lois, Clark, and the prosecutor thought that this unexpected 'surprise' may cause a reaction from Lex, maybe even an impromptu confession. Erica was not keen on the idea, but it was their last ditch effort to avoid a long, drawn out murder trial.
Suddenly, Lex walked in with his attorney behind him. Clark stood up. He pushed his glasses up his nose and watched as Lex walked over to Erica with a look of total and inexplicable regret. It was abundantly clear to everyone.
Lois and Clark glanced at each other, not knowing what Lex would do. Then his eyes averted from Erica's sad and hopeless face and then he saw her. He wasn't expecting to see Lena, his beautiful Lena. He slowly made his way, hating it, but he also knew they couldn't be together. That didn't stop him from raising a hand as if finally able to touch her. "Lena?" Shocked, his eyes watered at finally seeing her in the flesh and she was even more beautiful, if that were possible.
James, Lex's lawyer, was not happy about this. "Whose idea was this?" James hurriedly walked over to Lex and touched his shoulder. "Lex, sit down. We need to finish this." No answer. "Lex, take a seat please."
Lex was in a daze as he turned from the window. Erica had her head down as if ashamed. Lois and Clark looked triumphant. That got Lex's back up. "You won't get away with this," Lex stated getting more and more upset.
He sat down opposite Erica. Her lawyer was beside her and Lex's lawyer sat beside him. It was if they were going through a divorce, but they were already divorced. Erica had been unconscious at the time of the dissolution of her marriage, having no say in it whatsoever.
"You wanted to see me," Erica said, hoping to get things started. She wasn't as terrified as she thought she would be. She felt stronger than ever before.
Lex took a shuddering breath and tried to calm his uncontrollable emotions. She was still as lovely as ever and after seeing Lena, his emotions were raw. "Erica, do you truly want to put your daughter's Father in jail for the rest of his life? It was an accident, nothing more. Please believe that because it's true. My Father tripped over the carpet and fell out the window. I explained this to you numerous times, but you wouldn't listen to me."
Erica closed her eyes for a moment. "Lex, I heard the argument. I heard what you said."
Lex's lawyer sat up straighter. "That wasn't in your video or in your statement."
Lois and Clark were just as surprised as everyone else in the room. Erica's lawyer, Donna Armstrong, also frowned not liking this turn of events.
"I know what I heard," Erica was stern in her announcement.
"This meeting is over," Lex's lawyer stood up. This changes everything.
"She's lying. She would have said something before now," Lex stated firmly.
"Oh, really? Do you want me to repeat it here and now? They'll lock you up for sure." Erica smirked at him. She suddenly felt powerful and stronger than she ever felt while in the same room with him. It was a glorious feeling.
James, Lex's lawyer, pulled his arm. "Lex, let's go NOW." He turned to the prosecutor. "We'll see you in court."
Lex stood up and watched Erica for a moment. The air was thick with tension. She finally raised her eyes to look at him, but surprisingly, she wasn't afraid. She felt nothing for him. "Erica, please, don't do this." He was pleading with her now.
"Goodbye Lex."
His lips thinned, and then he turned abruptly and left with his lawyer.
"Well, well, well," the prosecutor, Denise Barnes, commented gleefully. "Tell us what you heard."
"I don't remember," Erica replied.
"What do you mean, you don't remember?" Donna was shocked and highly suspicious.
"I heard them arguing, but I can't be sure what they were saying."
"I can't believe this. You lied to us?" She was incredulous. "
What else were you lying about?" Denise was not happy about this.
Erica suddenly leaned forward, closed her eyes for a moment, put her hands in a steeple position as if in prayer, and thought of her answer to that question. It was time to unburden her soul. "I'm so sorry, but Lex wasn't the only one involved with … criminal activities." Blinking back tears, she paused to gather her composure then she raised her eyes and made eye contact with a terribly disappointed Clark Kent. "I was too."
TBC!
~o~o~
Song Inspiration: I Didn't' Know My Own Strength, Whitney Houston.
A/N: Oh dear. Ms. Erica is not as sparkling clean as everyone thought. And Sam figured out Clark's secret, and he didn't burst a gasket! But Sam's thoughts had me rolling on the floor! *dies laughing* And Lex, what can I say about Lex? It's sad but Lena is the only one who can make him cry. I didn't want Lex to be a complete monster. But the mind boggles at what he's capable of. Ok, please tell me your thoughts. Thanks for reading.