Dreaming the Wolf - Chapter 22
Title: Dreaming the Wolf
Rating: R
Category: Angst
Summary: After the events of Freak, Chloe finds herself changed more than she thought possible. A spin on the classic tale of girl becomes werewolf.
Spoilers: I haven't been actively watching SV for a long time now, so anything goes and I take liberties. This is set after the episode Freak and careens madly and gleefully towards AU.
Disclaimer: If I owned anything, then there would be no need for me to write fanfic or read it.
Chapter 22
“We tend to become like the worst in those we oppose.”
Frank Herbert, Chapterhouse: Dune
Mercy sat in Lex’s office. The office of his mansion. At the desk that that brimmed with his personality and his energy. Staring at the bullet proof vest that he should’ve worn, but hadn’t. It was inconceivable that she had failed so badly. Actually, she wished that she could blame herself. She wished that it had been her fault but it wasn’t. He was so damned arrogant. Of course he should be the one to go charging after his beloved. Of course he would remain unharmed. He was Lex fucking Luthor. He had his super-powered farm friend to protect him. Never mind that these people who opposed them weren’t Lionel. They weren’t going to pull any punches.
She snorted. Mercy couldn’t make him wear something if she wasn’t with him. She had been busy organizing and otherwise doing things to ensure the success of their mission. All he had to do was go with the men she assigned and wear a damned vest.
“Here’s to you, Lex. Death by stupidity,” her voice echoed in the empty room. She had no idea who inherited this place or what would happen to his business, and she didn’t really care. It didn’t matter now because he was dead. Of course, she was keeping his death under wraps for a bit. She needed time.
Everything was going smoothly. For the most part, their teams maintained radio silence; but Mercy had insisted upon updates. Lex should’ve given his, but he hadn’t. In its place was an explosion that rocked the building, which more or less destroyed the building. She saw her few remaining men staggering out, carrying the dead weight that was Clark Kent and Lana Lang.
Kent was in bad shape, but he didn’t matter. Only Lex did and he wasn’t there. Her man could barely meet her eyes when he reported seeing Lex’s body in a pool of his own blood. And that was it. That was the death of Alexander Joseph Luthor. It ended in a bang. Mercy never had any illusions that he would go gently into that good night. That was never in the cards for him; and deep down he must have known it.
Now she had business to attend. She would make them pay. And it all began with Clark Kent. It was at that time that she heard a knock at Lex’s office doors. Mercy glanced at the clock and steepled her fingers.
“Come in.”
Clark walked into the room. He was greatly improved. The night before he had looked like death warmed over. Of course, she couldn’t prove anything. Mercy didn’t bother standing. He didn’t have her respect.
“Chloe is still out there, which means the people who took her are still out there. You’re going to help me find them.”
Clark knew and understood her frustration, but there was no way that he would work with her. She was an outsider and someone Lex trusted. Clark had only agreed to work with them because of Chloe. No way was he going to continue the trend. He had already spoken with Oliver Queen about the situation. It was not difficult convincing him or the others of the necessity of working together to save Chloe. They all respected and liked her. And he couldn’t work with them and Mercy.
“You can’t do anymore. And I have other things to do,” was his response.
In reply, Mercy finally stood and threw pictures onto the desk. They were of Oliver, Victor, A.C, and Bart.
Her voice was cold, “You think that I don’t know about you? Or them? The Green Arrow, Aquaman, Cyborg, and Impulse. You think this is the first I’ve seen of you? Idiot children. All of you playing games best reserved for adults. You think you do the good work, but none of you have the strength of character to really make a difference. You play dress-up in hopes of actually mattering and I have no time for your deficiencies.”
Mercy had anticipated his refusal. She fired her previously hidden gun at him. Even as she pulled the trigger, Mercy knew that he wouldn’t even try to move. “Fool.” He remained unharmed, but the anger was visible on his face.
Her voice was patronizing, “Show us your pearly whites, Kent. You’re on candid camera,” she rounded the desk, “Everything that concerns Lex, concerns me. And you, Clark Kent, concerned him. Those tapes are on a live feed and are not in this mansion. No one has to see them, but you will help me and get your little friends too. There is similar evidence against each of them.”
The boy had no choice and it was written all over his face.
“Get them here by tomorrow. We have to move quickly,” she left the room.
“May you rest in peace, Lex, you son of a bitch.”
********
Samuel could honestly say that he was amazed by Serena Edgler. She didn’t yell or show any visible signs of anger or irritation as he gave his report. Throughout the time he had worked for her, the running theme was to make sure Luthor was in the dark, but still a piece on the board. As long as he lived, then the people responsible for Serena and her charges would remain confident. He had no doubt that killing Lex Luthor would put some kind of complication in her plans, but no evidence of that fact was on her face.
Serena turned from him to look out the massive window of her office. They were currently in a renovated building in Washington near the Canadian border. She knew it would end here. She needed it to end here.
“It doesn’t matter, Samuel. Go and make sure everything is in place. We should be done here soon enough.”
There was nothing more to be said, so he left. Serena let out a sigh of resignation when he left. At least this part would be done soon. Only two people knew the full extent of her plans. Serena wished that she could be enough, but it wasn’t. It never would be. Fate exacted a heavy toll from hero and villain alike.
********
As Serena walked to the lower levels to have a meeting with Dr. Benson, she heard him thundering down the hall in her direction.
He was out of breath and clearly excited when he finally got within his perceived earshot, “Serena, we have some news that you’ll find very intriguing. We know that everyone in Smallville is meteor infected; and we know that as a result, they are uniformly above average healthy.”
Serena nodded for him to continue.
“You and everyone like you are more than above average healthy. You actively heal more severe injuries and those energies conferred to you by the meteor rock mutation are powering your changes. You then replenish your energy by eating more than usual. Ricky is on the cusp of being above average and exceptional. The combination of that and his gorilla changes are making it slow for him; but he will be okay with time. Better than okay because his changes are far more entrenched than any of yours.”
Serena felt hope course through her. Ricky would be fine. He wouldn’t forever be stuck. There was a chance for him and everyone else here. She had to clear her throat twice before she could speak, “So Chloe Sullivan was the key? She can fix this?”
Benson smiled and nodded, “Yes, she was simply more stable before the change than any of you were; but that’s not all. Chloe Sullivan is more than exceptional. Preliminary studies show extreme levels of healing. I could almost believe that she could rise from the dead. We might be able to isolate some way to reverse the damage. We don’t know yet. It’s pushing the bounds of science so that it becomes more like magic than anything we can understand. Meteor rocks are just too alien for us, with our current technology, to understand,” he took a deep breath, “Serena, there’s more. I was designated to deliver this particular news.”
Just when everything seemed like it was falling into place; the other shoe had to drop.
Benson recovered, “It’s not anything bad. Your techs have reason to believe that Luthor would have eventually become a subject of his own project. Specific scientists not loyal to him were being added. Enough that would be willing to kidnap the man himself.”
Serena didn’t bother hiding her confusion over that new piece of news, “Why?”
“Luthor was in Smallville at the time of the first meteor shower. He was basically at ground zero. I’ve pulled his medical history and it is ridiculous. There are records indicating that he has severely over-dosed on various recreational drugs, but he’s fine. He’s been beaten and suffered numerous concussions. His medical records from Belle Reve were also examined. He suffered electro-shock therapy. Not to mention that there were numerous people who suspected that his father poisoned him while in prison. I’ve seen his current records. The man is healthier than you or I. It might be worthwhile to do a little testing on him. If Sullivan is capable of her level of healing then his should dwarf hers; but I don’t think he would respond the same way. Luthor doesn’t get sick because his immune system blitzes and solves the problem. You actually get sick and then solve the problem.”
The temptation was strong to order it, but she’d had enough. Lex Luthor was dead and his body was gone. To violate him in that way was something that Serena was not prepared to do. Besides, Benson just said that Chloe might’ve had the ability to come back from the dead had this not happened. As far as she knew, Lex’s body was still waiting to be buried. Chloe Sullivan was already in her grasp; and with time, what they learned from her would save the ones that most needed it. She held no illusions. Some of those tested on wanted only to be stabilized. They enjoyed their abilities too much. Others wanted it gone. Had the experience not been so traumatic for her, Serena might very well be in the camp of the former.
She met Benson’s eyes, “Will it help her?”
Benson knew that “her” Serena was referring to was Chloe Sullivan. He shook his head, “Her mutation is stable and fully integrated. There’s no reversing it for her,” Benson didn’t meet her eyes, “Neither is it reversible for you. You were also on that cusp, Serena. It took time, but you landed on the side of stability. I’m sorry.”
It didn’t really come as a surprise. Murphy had it in for her. She would’ve cried, but she forced herself to be strong, “I know…I know you did everything you could,” she gave a small smile.
Benson knew that she needed time to process everything. As he passed her, he squeezed her shoulder. Serena Edgler was ruthless and brutal. She pulled no punches and gave no mercy, but neither did she expect it in return. In any other life, she would’ve been someone to admire and respect for their character. In this one, she would be judged for the sheer brutality of the choices she made. Great people suffered a price no one could ever imagine. He would remember her until the day he died.
There was something else that had been bothering her, “Why do what they did to Lang and those other women?”
Benson stopped and faced her again. He was silent for a beat, “I can only guess,” at her nod, he continued, “Serena, the highest of circles acknowledge that Clark Kent is probably an alien, just like the meteor rocks; but none of them will make that acknowledgement in public that until he becomes a problem. It’s a “wait and see” game. No point in creating an enemy. At any rate, he’s an alien and despite what the movies say, studying him probably won’t give us a greater insight into our own biology. He’s far too different and our technology needs to catch up with whatever he his.”
Serena was following him. Everything made sense so he continued, “What we do know is that meteor rocks change us. It impacts life on earth in ways that don’t follow what science would have us believe. What I’m trying to say is that what has been done to Lana Lang and those other women should be impossible. What’s been done to you should be impossible, but it isn’t. The meteor rocks make it possible, but we don’t have any clue how and can’t make any guesses. They co-opted her reproductive system and made it into a factory for the mutagenic properties of the rock. She’s like a refinery; where the crude oil equals the meteor rocks and the product is the concentrated effects of the meteor rocks. That by-product was bonded to animal DNA, somehow, and then people with extraordinary healing were on the receiving end.”
Serena interjected, “It would then be possible to study the direct effects of the green rock; and then maybe use it to create genetically enhanced people. Maybe to cure disease, make crops better, or even for military application.”
Benson nodded, “It would be worth anything, Serena.”
There was simple brilliance in the goals of whatever entity was pushing this through. It would solidify American dominance. A better food source and the possibility of no longer being dependent on any foreign aid. Healthier and smarter people, who would live longer and would be far more capable. What was the terrorist threat in the face of someone who could survive a bombing? Or be smart enough and brutal enough to effect whatever result was desired in a military setting? A thousand Serenas or Chloes or Samuel Kales. Thousands of super men and women all geared towards one goal: American dominance. And what person wouldn’t want to be meteor infected if it meant that they would be better?
Serena grunted, “And they say I’m fucked up. This is depressing,” she continued, “I have probably never said this to you, but I appreciate everything you’ve done…for me and everyone. I do understand that some of that interest is purely selfish, but I thank you. No matter what happens here, you and the others will never have to worry. I’ve ensured it.”
She walked passed him and continued her trek to the lower levels. It was time to enjoy the company of Ricky. He was more special than anyone here knew.
As she continued her walk to Ricky’s room, a piercing howl thundered through the halls. It was enough to stop Serena in her tracks. It was anguish and pain and fear and anger given voice. It was a call that coursed through her bones and sinews. It called to the wolf. A moment of complete silence reigned and then the calls of her charges rent the air in a cacophony. She heard the drum beat of Ricky’s massive paws hitting his chest and his roar reverberate through the air. The ground beneath her feet trembled with the hoof beats of whatever the hell Lucinda was.
Serena closed her eyes and flung her head back. She felt them all. But even through that she felt the one she had helped the most and the one she had hurt the most. “Ricky and Chloe.” Ricky’s need and love for her. And beyond that there she was. Chloe’s needs and fears and grief. Battering at her. Demanding solace. Demanding more from her. “Protect. Guard. Comfort.”
The mental image was so clear. Chloe standing in the middle of her cell. Afraid. Defiant. Lonely. Angry. And then the moment passed and Serena was herself again. That was the bottom line. She would be alone and she only had herself to blame. But at this moment she could be with Ricky and she could take comfort from him because there was always more.
********
Samuel thoroughly checked and re-checked his security measures. On his last pass, Samuel’s phone rang. Not his work phone. His private phone. The number he only gave to Marissa.
His voice was cheerful when he answered the phone, “Hey, how is my favorite girl today?”
She should’ve said that she was his only girl and her voice should’ve held laughter, but she didn’t and it didn’t.
“I’m fine, Sammy. I was just wondering if maybe you could come back home? For a short time?”
She was uncertain. That never happened. Even on her worst days. He was alarmed and it was apparent in his voice when he answered her, “Of course. Anything. What’s wrong?”
Marissa sighed into the phone, “Sammy, I swear, nothing’s wrong. I…I just need you right now. I promise you nothing is wrong.”
The part of him that recognized lies heard it in her voice. Maybe it wasn’t serious and maybe she was trying to spare him, but there was something wrong. They said their goodbyes and he went straight to Serena’s office. If she wasn’t there, then he’d wait. As much as his work ethic screamed at him to finish this job, the gentle whisper of his feelings for Marissa could not be denied. He would do anything for Marissa. Even if it meant forsaking a lifetime of work. She would always and forever be the most important part of him.
********
In the end he only had to wait ten minutes for Serena to return to her office. Her body language screamed exhaustion. Samuel regretted what would come next. He saw her tense and train her eyes on him. They were intent and assessing.
“What’s wrong?”
His voice was full of frustration when he answered her, “I don’t know. Marissa called me. I need to go home. I’ll reimburse you the money you’ve paid me already.”
Serena smirked. Of course he would.
“No need, Samuel. Go and tend the home fires. Everything is in place. It’s idiot proof,” she smiled at him.
Samuel chuckled a bit. Of course she didn’t need his money. There really wasn’t anything more to say, so he turned to leave.
“Samuel.”
When Kale heard Serena call his name, he stopped. There was defeat and resignation in her voice. It was so utterly…tired. He had heard that tone before. Had heard it from good friends, from enemies, and even from himself. Serena was done and this would be the last time he saw her.
But he turned to face her. He needed to hear what she would say to him. What she would choose as her last words. Serena held up an envelope. “If you find yourself in a position that you can’t remove yourself from, open this envelope. It’s important that you don’t jump the gun, Samuel.”
Kale knew the defeat in her voice and eyes, but he still had to try, “Are you looking for death?”
Serena looked him in the eye and smiled. Samuel was the brother she never had and she wished that he was someone different. She saw so clearly all the potential that was stolen from him. “Yes. There are things that happen to you that you can’t change. Some people are strong and able to live through it and come out on the other side invincible. Others are weak and let themselves be destroyed. I’m…I’ve done things. I don’t want to survive this. This pain…it’s unbearable.”
She would do this for him. She would give him the words he needed to let this go. Serena needed him to act the way she wanted one more time. One more time she would reduce him to a tool to be used and discarded. It needed to happen this way.
For the first time since they had known each other Serena looked away and didn’t meet his eyes. There was a brief moment of silence and then she looked at him again, “It’s all that I deserve. Go home, Sammy. There’s nothing for you here.”
Samuel swallowed once and took the envelope from her hands. He shook her hand and turned from her. There was nothing more to say and he’d rather have the image of her standing strong in the face of her death. Only Marissa had ever looked as beautiful in his eyes as Serena did in that moment. He could only hope that he faced his own death with such an unflinching eye.
Samuel stopped at the door. His hand on the knob.
“Serena, you have been my greatest friend,” after a short pause, Samuel continued, “I wish you never needed to know me.”
Serena recognized it for the gesture it was. This was the closest he could ever get to admitting how much he cared for her. And in his unique and round about way, he was telling her that she deserved a better life. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that no one deserved anything. You got what you got and made it work for you to the best of your ability. She watched as he hurriedly left the room. Now the real work could begin.
Back to Chapter 21
Onward to Chapter 23 and Epilogue