Fic: Period of Adjustment (7/?)
Title: Period of Adjustment (7/?)
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Jason, Richard/Lana, Perry, Martha
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,700
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Beta: hanakt
A/N: In this next chapter, the syndicate can’t ignore the League, Clark is given a wake up call, and the family draws closer together. I hope you like it. Read on!! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously: Act I: Devotion
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)
Chapter 7: Intrigues
Previously:
“Thank you, Mr. Washington," the Mayor said. "Thank you everyone for coming today. Please give a round of applause for the Justice League of America as we look forward to a crime free city and a safer world!”
The League members turned, but instead of leaving the way they had came, the Green Lantern lifted towards the sky, extended his ring hand and lifted the non-flying members into his green sphere and the flying members followed him up into the sky!
The audience was stunned at first, but then everyone applauded, yelled and started chanting ‘Justice League, Justice League,’ as they applauded even louder, as flashbulbs went off and television cameras turned towards the sky.
~o~o~
Somewhere in Suicide Slum:
Morgan Edge used to be a very powerful and legitimate businessman, heavily into media and print corporations until he was exposed and convicted of conspiracy by Clark Kent. After being released from prison several years ago and finding out Luthor was currently in a prison psych ward, he concentrated his efforts on putting the syndicate back together, and it turned out to be perfect timing to take over Intergang.
As he sat in his office watching the Justice League news conference, he couldn't remember ever being so furious. He narrowed his eyes, flipped off the television and threw the remote across the room. It’s bad enough that I have to keep my eye on that flying alien, now he’s breathing down my neck with his league of fools! It was pretty obvious to me who was in charge up there. He got up from his desk, went to the window and couldn’t help looking up at the sky. Annoyed with himself, he started to pace trying to come up with a plan to get rid of that alien once and for all.
“Frank, get in here!” Edge hollered still annoyed.
His number one lackey, Frank, came scurrying into the room. “Yeah, boss, what’s up?” Frank knew exactly what was up, Superman and the Justice League of America. I know Edge will be in a foul mood for days if not weeks. He braced himself for whatever might happen.
Edge stared at him as if he didn’t have a brain in his head. Why do I surround myself with total idiots? “I’ll give you one guess,” Edge said hoping Frank had one functioning brain cell.
“Hum, Superman?” Frank tentatively replied.
“Good guess, Frank,” Edge replied pleased. “I have a very important job for you, Frank.”
“Yeah, boss?” Frank felt relieved.
“I want to set up a meeting with all the bosses in two days time.”
“Did you say all the bosses in two days?”
“I don’t like repeating myself, Frank. Now get a move on and another thing, I want everything you can get on the League, and I want it yesterday,” Edge instructed him and then he turned and went back to his desk.
“I’ll get right on it boss,” Frank said and turned to leave.
“And Frank, one more thing; hand me that disposable cell phone. I have an important call to make.”
“Sure, boss,” Frank said as he handed him the cell.
Edge continued to contemplate the news conference and what his next move should be. He then dialed a familiar number.
The DA, Sam Washington, was in his office wondering if he should hop on a plane and head to one of those places that didn’t have extradition laws. His cell phone rang. He didn’t recognize the number, and he was definitely not in the mood for wrong numbers. “Who is this?” He snapped to the unsuspecting caller.
“Well, we are in a mood. I wonder why that is.”
“Edge, why the hell are you calling me?” Sam demanded annoyed.
“Why do you think?” Edge said just as annoyed.
“I can’t help you. I have my own problems.”
“That’s not what I wanted to hear. What kind of problems?”
“Well, besides the Justice League, Lane and Kent are breathing down my neck again.”
“So what else is new?” Edge said bored with the conversation.
“You don’t know what a few hints in the paper can do to my reputation. There’s an election in six months.”
“So, silence them,” Edge said still bored.
“Are you crazy? I’m going to ignore that remark. Look, Edge, it was good while it lasted … but I think we should shut down operations, at least for a while. Let the League think we’re running scared. Yeah, it might work,” Sam said getting encouraged by the idea.
“Forget it. I couldn’t stop operations even I wanted to. There are too many balls in the air, too many people involved. We’ll have to ride it out for now.”
“Then what do we do?” Sam asked hating the desperation in his voice.
“I have a plan that just may solve all our problems.”
“I don’t want to know,” Sam said as chills went up his spine.
“Oh, you will in time, count on it,” Edge said and hung up.
Sam stared at the phone more terrified that ever.
~o~o~
Bobby, the informant, meanwhile, was headed back to Edge’s office in the Slums, but he had a call to make first. He pulled up in front of a restaurant and bar, one of the few places that still had land line phones, and called his contact.
“Hello, it’s me,” Bobby said. “Yeah, I was there. I hear you, but what do you think Edge might do?” He listened for several minutes. “Ok, I’ll keep my ears open, as always.” He hung up and headed back to Suicide Slums.
~o~o~
Watchtower headquarters:
Bruce hung up his disposable cell phone knowing that Edge would get a more detailed but distorted description of the conference.
“Bruce, was that who I think it was on the phone?” Clark could see whoever it was had Bruce distracted.
“Yeah, it was my informant,” Bruce replied still distracted.
“And, what did he say? What’s happening?”
“Nothing at the moment, but soon now, Edge will be all over us in one way or another, and we have to be ready for him.” Bruce looked around. “Where is everybody?”
“They all had their assignments, but as soon as we hear back from your informant about what Edge is planning, we may need to bring them all back here to rethink those plans.”
“Yeah, you may be right about that. I was just thinking about our next move. It should be something big, something that will cause Edge to loose it, make a bad move, or show his true colors.”
“You don’t think the conference was enough?”
“It was a good start, but we have to hit him where it hurts.”
“Oh, we will. The members are all over the country right now, putting the screws to his ‘legitimate businesses,’ and we should hear something soon.
Bruce decided now was as good a time as any. “Clark, we need to talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while now.”
“Make it quick. Lois called a little while ago. My mother and father-in-law are in town for a few days. She wants me home for dinner,” Clark replied distractedly as he worked at the computer.
Bruce couldn’t help chuckling at that statement. He shook his head amused. “This won’t take long.” He knew Clark wouldn’t like it. “It’s about Darkseid.”
That got Clark’s attention as he slowly turned from the computer. “Darkseid? Why are you thinking about him?”
“Well, he’s out there, Clark. He could come back here at any time. He could control you, make you do things you don’t want to do,” Bruce tried to stress his point.
Clark sighed and turned back to his work. “I know that Bruce.”
“Aren’t you worried? Edge and Darkseid have a history. They could rekindle their friendship and that could spell disaster for all of us. Edge is probably feeling threatened and there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
Clark sighed again. He stood up and walked over to the League meeting table thinking about what Bruce had said.
“Well, Clark, what are you going to do about it?”
There really was only one answer. “Look Bruce, I can’t do what I have to do if I sit around worrying about someone who is out to hurt me. I can’t live my life like that. Look, I’ll be careful. I’m always careful. If it will put your mind at ease, I’ll head to the Fortress in a few days and see if there’s been any outer space communications from earth.”
“Good, Clark. That will definitely put my mind at ease, and it should ease your mind too. I know you’re worried. I know you, remember.”
Clark shook his head. “I know. I’m headed for patrol now, then I’ll be at home. Good night, Bruce.”
“Good night, Clark,” Bruce replied hoping he got through to his friend.
Clark went to the door, just missing Diana who had just finished her rounds.
“Hey, Clark, are you headed home?” Diana asked.
“In a little while; I’ll see you both later. Good night.”
“Good night, Clark.” Diana came to sit beside Bruce. “He seemed to be in a hurry.”
“He had to get home to his 'family,'” Bruce said and couldn’t help snickering.
“Bruce, what is it with you? Clark is happy. We can’t fault him for that. Are you jealous of his happiness?” He didn’t answer her. “You know, you’ve had your chances. Why you let them get away from you is beyond me.”
Bruce sighed. “I’m not jealous, Diana. He has his life away from this place, and ...” He hesitated.
“And, what?” Diana pressed.
Bruce stood up and turned to face his friend. “Whenever I see his family or think about his family, I can’t help thinking … it won’t last; it never does. It’s going to end badly, I know it.”
She knew her friend and how cynical he could be about life, but it didn’t have to be that way. “Bruce, you can’t give up on love, on life. You’ll slowly die inside if you do. Yes, life is short and no one can predict the future, but Bruce, love is worth any risk, you must know that. Please tell me you believe that.”
“How can I, Diana? You know about me, about how I live. It’s just not in me to believe it. Look, I have to go.”
“Bruce, wait.”
“Good night, Diana.”
~o~o~
Later that evening at the Kent house, Lois was trying to convince Martha and Ben to stay with them instead of at a hotel. Yes, they were newlyweds, but they wouldn’t mind having them there at the house. Jason was doing his part too.
“Please stay, Grandma, Grandpa. Please, we miss you,” Jason said beginning to whine a little.
“Come here, honey,” Martha beckoned to her grandson. Jason sat on his grandma’s lap. Martha noticed how big he was getting. She kissed his cheek and smoothed his hair. It won’t be long now, but I won’t be able to do this much longer. She made up her mind after glancing at her husband. “We miss you too, sweetie. Alright, we’ll stay, but we have to go to the hotel and get our bags.”
“That’s great, Grandma, Grandpa,” Jason enveloped them both in a hug.
“Clark will be so thrilled, Martha. Ben, maybe you should head over to the hotel before it gets too late. We still have about a half hour or so before dinner.”
“Ok, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Ben said and kissed his wife’s cheek.
“Perfect!” Lois exclaimed.
“What’s perfect?” Clark asked coming into the house dressed in jeans, shirt and a jacket. “Hey, Ben, where are you going?”
“Martha and I will be staying here with you guys. I’m headed to the hotel to get our bags. I’ll be back before dinner is ready,” Ben replied. “Lois and Jason were very persuasive, but I’m sure you knew that,” he smiled and left.
“I do know that. Bye, Ben,” Clark said knowing he couldn’t deny his family anything. He stood inside the door watching them for a moment. I can’t let myself think about all the people out there who want to hurt me, but if anyone tries to hurt my family, then they will get my attention, more attention than they could possibly want.
Lois couldn’t help noticing Clark’s mood. They would have time to talk after dinner.
“Dad, you’re home!” Jason ran to his father.
“Hey, Jason, how was school today?” Clark picked up his son giving him a hug, and couldn’t help teasing him.
“You know we saw you on television today, Dad,” Jason smiled.
“You did? How was I?” Clark said and smiled.
“You were fantastic,” Jason said liking his father’s mood.
“I was? Wow, I wish I could have seen it,” he chuckled.
Martha and Lois were chuckling and shaking their heads at father and son.
“You’re silly, Dad, you were there,” Jason laughed.
“I was, wasn’t I?” Clark laughed and tickled his son.
“Good evening, Mom,” Clark set Jason down and kissed his mother’s cheek.
“That’s some mood you’re in. What brought this on?” Lois smiled as he came toward her, but she sensed something was up.
“It’s nothing,” Clark said trying to keep his mood upbeat. “Come here,” he whispered, as he kissed her cheek then pulled her into his arms holding her tight, just a little too tight.
“Clark?” Lois held him close worried now.
“We’ll talk later,” he whispered in her ear. “Go with me on this, honey.” He spoke louder for Jason and Martha’s benefit. “Do you see what I put up with around here?” He asked his Mom.
“Oh I see alright,” Martha laughed. “Are you hungry, Clark? We’re almost ready to eat dinner.”
“I’m starved.” And he didn’t mean food. He nibbled on Lois’s neck.
“Clark, stop,” Lois said unconvincingly as she watched his face for a moment. “Go and set the table. It’ll keep your hands busy,” she said trying to keep the mood going.
“Oh, alright,” he said pouting. “Jason, could you help me please?”
“Sure, Dad, but could we talk about the League? I really liked the Flash’s costume. It’s so … red,” Jason said.
“It is, isn’t it? You know, Jason, between you and me,” he whispered, “the Flash is faster than I am.”
Jason gasped, not believing it for a moment. “Really, Dad?”
“Yes, really, it’s true,” he smiled.
Martha watched her son and grandson. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so happy.” She glanced at Lois and she had a serious expression on her face. “Are you alright, honey?” Martha asked as she put her arm around Lois’s waist. “His wedding is right up there too, you know,” she said hoping to make her feel better.
Lois smiled accepting Martha’s support. “He’s not the only one,” she whispered watching her family.
~o~o~
Later that night, the house was quiet and Lois as sitting up in bed waiting for Clark to join her. After he came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, he stood at the food of the bed and watched her for a moment.
“Clark, it’s late. Aren’t you going to talk to me?”
“I don’t know where to start,” he sighed.
“Just say it. It can’t be any worse than what I’m imagining.”
He took off the towel, climbed into bed and pulled her back against his chest. “Honey, please don’t get upset, alright? We don’t know for sure at this point, but anything could happen. Now that Morgan Edge knows about the League, we don’t know what he might do.”
She turned to face him. “I haven’t heard that name in months. What are you trying to tell me Clark, and please don’t hold anything back. I can take it.”
He touched her cheek, closed his eyes for a moment, then he said, “Darkseid.”
“Oh, no,” she whispered. They both sat up then. “Why would he come back now? It’s the League, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Lois, the League being out in the open now will stir up a lot of criminals who don’t want the attention or their money train derailed.” He took her by the shoulders then. “Lois, we knew when we went public that we were stirring the pot, but we’re not worried, not really. We all have each other’s back. Everything will be alright,” he tried to convince her.
“If that’s true, why even bring it up? You are worried, aren’t you Clark?”
“Of course, I am. Darkseid did a lot of terrible things to me and the world, but he didn’t succeed the first time and he’s not going to again. Please try not to worry too much. I’ll be careful, everyone will be careful,” he stressed and pulled her into his arms.
Lois hugged him back trying to be strong for him. She pulled back after a moment. “I’ll try not to worry too much, but you have to promise to tell me everything, and I do mean anything that might put you or our family at risk. Promise me, Clark?”
“I promise,” he smiled and kissed her cheek and then his wet mouth closed over hers and then wandered down her throat. He needed her so much tonight.
“Hum, Clark we can’t.” Lois said needing to talk to him some more. “We have guests, remember?”
Clark continued to nozzle her neck making slurping sounds.
Lois giggled. “Clark, wait a minute, I’ve been thinking and I wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?” He dared to ask, still nuzzling her neck.
“Is Bruce Wayne Batman?” Lois asked and watched his face closely for his answer.
“What? Where in the world did that come from?” Clark asked truly shocked by the question.
“I know you heard us talking about him the other day and Lana works for him now. She told me he knows about you and me and that you’ve spoken to him on numerous occasions, and you have a friend who owns a private island in the Caribbean. It all adds up.”
Clark chuckled and shook his head and decided to play dumb. “Lois, I don’t see your reasoning. I don’t know who he is.”
“Really, Clark? So tell me who owns that island so we can thank whoever it is properly.” That should make him squirm.
“Sorry, honey, that person wanted to remain anonymous.”
“Um hum, alright, Clark, I understand you can’t betray a confidence, but I should tell you I have an interview with him next week.”
Clark inwardly groaned, but he knew Bruce could handle himself. “Good luck with that, honey. Now, where were we?” He said getting back to kissing her ear and her throat as he tried to move on to more enjoyable pursuits.
Lois chuckled at her husband’s antics. Mr. Wayne will definitely be in for a surprise next week.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, the League was busy with their assignments. In Miami, Florida, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Flash were busy locating and disrupting drug movements on the coastline. According to their informant, there were shipments coming into port very soon now. They had notified all the authorities in the area and it was only a matter of time before they made a bust big enough to send a message to Edge that they were not going anywhere and he would have to take notice of the League.
On the west coast, J’onn J’onnz and Green Lantern were busy infiltrating the Mexican border. The nature of narcotics trafficking changed as shipments neared the border. While Mexican cartels did have representatives in cities across the United States to oversee networks there, local gangs got involved in the actual distribution of the narcotics. Both J’onn and Hal were familiar with this type of distribution and were easily able to go about doing their business without too much trouble. Soon now, with the help of the informant, the Cartels and the local gangs would see that the League was on the trail and soon the authorities would be too.
Batman, meanwhile was busy in his own city, working with Commissioner Gordon on numerous crimes, including murder, also directly linked to Edge and his work in Metropolis. The Commissioner was ready and waiting for him when he arrived late one evening. “Hello, Commissioner, it’s good to see you,” Bruce said landing on the rooftop after receiving the Batman signal.
“Batman, it’s good to see you too. I saw the conference the other day. Congratulations are in order. I am very, very pleased to see you’ll be getting more help out there.”
“So am I, Commissioner, which is why I answered your call so soon. We need your help. According to a few of our sources, Edge has upped his narcotics distribution here in Gotham, in Florida and on the west coast. Our League members are busy at those locations, but we want to send Edge a message here in Gotham as well.”
“It sounds like you have a plan,” Gordon said curious to see what he had come up with.
“It is the oldest plan in the book. Hit them where it hurts, in the pocketbook. No drugs, no money, it’s as simple as that.”
“You do realize that Edge won’t sit still for it,” Gordon said.
“That’s exactly what we’re counting on,” Bruce said liking their plan more and more.
TBC!
A/N: Tell me what you think! The next chapter will end this first Act, and then we get into the meat of the story. Thanks for reading, everyone. Reviews are love.
Author: Babette babettew54
Category: Superman Movie-verse
Characters: Lois/Clark/Kal-El, Jason, Richard/Lana, Perry, Martha
Rating: M
Word Count: 3,700
Spoilers: None.
Disclaimer: DC Comics/Warner Brothers owns. No profit is being made from this story. This is strictly for my own amusement.
Beta: hanakt
A/N: In this next chapter, the syndicate can’t ignore the League, Clark is given a wake up call, and the family draws closer together. I hope you like it. Read on!! :D
Banner by hanakt
Previously: Act I: Devotion
( Chapter 1) ( Chapter 2) ( Chapter 3) ( Chapter 4) ( Chapter 5)
( Chapter 6)
Chapter 7: Intrigues
Previously:
“Thank you, Mr. Washington," the Mayor said. "Thank you everyone for coming today. Please give a round of applause for the Justice League of America as we look forward to a crime free city and a safer world!”
The League members turned, but instead of leaving the way they had came, the Green Lantern lifted towards the sky, extended his ring hand and lifted the non-flying members into his green sphere and the flying members followed him up into the sky!
The audience was stunned at first, but then everyone applauded, yelled and started chanting ‘Justice League, Justice League,’ as they applauded even louder, as flashbulbs went off and television cameras turned towards the sky.
~o~o~
Somewhere in Suicide Slum:
Morgan Edge used to be a very powerful and legitimate businessman, heavily into media and print corporations until he was exposed and convicted of conspiracy by Clark Kent. After being released from prison several years ago and finding out Luthor was currently in a prison psych ward, he concentrated his efforts on putting the syndicate back together, and it turned out to be perfect timing to take over Intergang.
As he sat in his office watching the Justice League news conference, he couldn't remember ever being so furious. He narrowed his eyes, flipped off the television and threw the remote across the room. It’s bad enough that I have to keep my eye on that flying alien, now he’s breathing down my neck with his league of fools! It was pretty obvious to me who was in charge up there. He got up from his desk, went to the window and couldn’t help looking up at the sky. Annoyed with himself, he started to pace trying to come up with a plan to get rid of that alien once and for all.
“Frank, get in here!” Edge hollered still annoyed.
His number one lackey, Frank, came scurrying into the room. “Yeah, boss, what’s up?” Frank knew exactly what was up, Superman and the Justice League of America. I know Edge will be in a foul mood for days if not weeks. He braced himself for whatever might happen.
Edge stared at him as if he didn’t have a brain in his head. Why do I surround myself with total idiots? “I’ll give you one guess,” Edge said hoping Frank had one functioning brain cell.
“Hum, Superman?” Frank tentatively replied.
“Good guess, Frank,” Edge replied pleased. “I have a very important job for you, Frank.”
“Yeah, boss?” Frank felt relieved.
“I want to set up a meeting with all the bosses in two days time.”
“Did you say all the bosses in two days?”
“I don’t like repeating myself, Frank. Now get a move on and another thing, I want everything you can get on the League, and I want it yesterday,” Edge instructed him and then he turned and went back to his desk.
“I’ll get right on it boss,” Frank said and turned to leave.
“And Frank, one more thing; hand me that disposable cell phone. I have an important call to make.”
“Sure, boss,” Frank said as he handed him the cell.
Edge continued to contemplate the news conference and what his next move should be. He then dialed a familiar number.
The DA, Sam Washington, was in his office wondering if he should hop on a plane and head to one of those places that didn’t have extradition laws. His cell phone rang. He didn’t recognize the number, and he was definitely not in the mood for wrong numbers. “Who is this?” He snapped to the unsuspecting caller.
“Well, we are in a mood. I wonder why that is.”
“Edge, why the hell are you calling me?” Sam demanded annoyed.
“Why do you think?” Edge said just as annoyed.
“I can’t help you. I have my own problems.”
“That’s not what I wanted to hear. What kind of problems?”
“Well, besides the Justice League, Lane and Kent are breathing down my neck again.”
“So what else is new?” Edge said bored with the conversation.
“You don’t know what a few hints in the paper can do to my reputation. There’s an election in six months.”
“So, silence them,” Edge said still bored.
“Are you crazy? I’m going to ignore that remark. Look, Edge, it was good while it lasted … but I think we should shut down operations, at least for a while. Let the League think we’re running scared. Yeah, it might work,” Sam said getting encouraged by the idea.
“Forget it. I couldn’t stop operations even I wanted to. There are too many balls in the air, too many people involved. We’ll have to ride it out for now.”
“Then what do we do?” Sam asked hating the desperation in his voice.
“I have a plan that just may solve all our problems.”
“I don’t want to know,” Sam said as chills went up his spine.
“Oh, you will in time, count on it,” Edge said and hung up.
Sam stared at the phone more terrified that ever.
~o~o~
Bobby, the informant, meanwhile, was headed back to Edge’s office in the Slums, but he had a call to make first. He pulled up in front of a restaurant and bar, one of the few places that still had land line phones, and called his contact.
“Hello, it’s me,” Bobby said. “Yeah, I was there. I hear you, but what do you think Edge might do?” He listened for several minutes. “Ok, I’ll keep my ears open, as always.” He hung up and headed back to Suicide Slums.
~o~o~
Watchtower headquarters:
Bruce hung up his disposable cell phone knowing that Edge would get a more detailed but distorted description of the conference.
“Bruce, was that who I think it was on the phone?” Clark could see whoever it was had Bruce distracted.
“Yeah, it was my informant,” Bruce replied still distracted.
“And, what did he say? What’s happening?”
“Nothing at the moment, but soon now, Edge will be all over us in one way or another, and we have to be ready for him.” Bruce looked around. “Where is everybody?”
“They all had their assignments, but as soon as we hear back from your informant about what Edge is planning, we may need to bring them all back here to rethink those plans.”
“Yeah, you may be right about that. I was just thinking about our next move. It should be something big, something that will cause Edge to loose it, make a bad move, or show his true colors.”
“You don’t think the conference was enough?”
“It was a good start, but we have to hit him where it hurts.”
“Oh, we will. The members are all over the country right now, putting the screws to his ‘legitimate businesses,’ and we should hear something soon.
Bruce decided now was as good a time as any. “Clark, we need to talk about something that’s been on my mind for a while now.”
“Make it quick. Lois called a little while ago. My mother and father-in-law are in town for a few days. She wants me home for dinner,” Clark replied distractedly as he worked at the computer.
Bruce couldn’t help chuckling at that statement. He shook his head amused. “This won’t take long.” He knew Clark wouldn’t like it. “It’s about Darkseid.”
That got Clark’s attention as he slowly turned from the computer. “Darkseid? Why are you thinking about him?”
“Well, he’s out there, Clark. He could come back here at any time. He could control you, make you do things you don’t want to do,” Bruce tried to stress his point.
Clark sighed and turned back to his work. “I know that Bruce.”
“Aren’t you worried? Edge and Darkseid have a history. They could rekindle their friendship and that could spell disaster for all of us. Edge is probably feeling threatened and there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
Clark sighed again. He stood up and walked over to the League meeting table thinking about what Bruce had said.
“Well, Clark, what are you going to do about it?”
There really was only one answer. “Look Bruce, I can’t do what I have to do if I sit around worrying about someone who is out to hurt me. I can’t live my life like that. Look, I’ll be careful. I’m always careful. If it will put your mind at ease, I’ll head to the Fortress in a few days and see if there’s been any outer space communications from earth.”
“Good, Clark. That will definitely put my mind at ease, and it should ease your mind too. I know you’re worried. I know you, remember.”
Clark shook his head. “I know. I’m headed for patrol now, then I’ll be at home. Good night, Bruce.”
“Good night, Clark,” Bruce replied hoping he got through to his friend.
Clark went to the door, just missing Diana who had just finished her rounds.
“Hey, Clark, are you headed home?” Diana asked.
“In a little while; I’ll see you both later. Good night.”
“Good night, Clark.” Diana came to sit beside Bruce. “He seemed to be in a hurry.”
“He had to get home to his 'family,'” Bruce said and couldn’t help snickering.
“Bruce, what is it with you? Clark is happy. We can’t fault him for that. Are you jealous of his happiness?” He didn’t answer her. “You know, you’ve had your chances. Why you let them get away from you is beyond me.”
Bruce sighed. “I’m not jealous, Diana. He has his life away from this place, and ...” He hesitated.
“And, what?” Diana pressed.
Bruce stood up and turned to face his friend. “Whenever I see his family or think about his family, I can’t help thinking … it won’t last; it never does. It’s going to end badly, I know it.”
She knew her friend and how cynical he could be about life, but it didn’t have to be that way. “Bruce, you can’t give up on love, on life. You’ll slowly die inside if you do. Yes, life is short and no one can predict the future, but Bruce, love is worth any risk, you must know that. Please tell me you believe that.”
“How can I, Diana? You know about me, about how I live. It’s just not in me to believe it. Look, I have to go.”
“Bruce, wait.”
“Good night, Diana.”
~o~o~
Later that evening at the Kent house, Lois was trying to convince Martha and Ben to stay with them instead of at a hotel. Yes, they were newlyweds, but they wouldn’t mind having them there at the house. Jason was doing his part too.
“Please stay, Grandma, Grandpa. Please, we miss you,” Jason said beginning to whine a little.
“Come here, honey,” Martha beckoned to her grandson. Jason sat on his grandma’s lap. Martha noticed how big he was getting. She kissed his cheek and smoothed his hair. It won’t be long now, but I won’t be able to do this much longer. She made up her mind after glancing at her husband. “We miss you too, sweetie. Alright, we’ll stay, but we have to go to the hotel and get our bags.”
“That’s great, Grandma, Grandpa,” Jason enveloped them both in a hug.
“Clark will be so thrilled, Martha. Ben, maybe you should head over to the hotel before it gets too late. We still have about a half hour or so before dinner.”
“Ok, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” Ben said and kissed his wife’s cheek.
“Perfect!” Lois exclaimed.
“What’s perfect?” Clark asked coming into the house dressed in jeans, shirt and a jacket. “Hey, Ben, where are you going?”
“Martha and I will be staying here with you guys. I’m headed to the hotel to get our bags. I’ll be back before dinner is ready,” Ben replied. “Lois and Jason were very persuasive, but I’m sure you knew that,” he smiled and left.
“I do know that. Bye, Ben,” Clark said knowing he couldn’t deny his family anything. He stood inside the door watching them for a moment. I can’t let myself think about all the people out there who want to hurt me, but if anyone tries to hurt my family, then they will get my attention, more attention than they could possibly want.
Lois couldn’t help noticing Clark’s mood. They would have time to talk after dinner.
“Dad, you’re home!” Jason ran to his father.
“Hey, Jason, how was school today?” Clark picked up his son giving him a hug, and couldn’t help teasing him.
“You know we saw you on television today, Dad,” Jason smiled.
“You did? How was I?” Clark said and smiled.
“You were fantastic,” Jason said liking his father’s mood.
“I was? Wow, I wish I could have seen it,” he chuckled.
Martha and Lois were chuckling and shaking their heads at father and son.
“You’re silly, Dad, you were there,” Jason laughed.
“I was, wasn’t I?” Clark laughed and tickled his son.
“Good evening, Mom,” Clark set Jason down and kissed his mother’s cheek.
“That’s some mood you’re in. What brought this on?” Lois smiled as he came toward her, but she sensed something was up.
“It’s nothing,” Clark said trying to keep his mood upbeat. “Come here,” he whispered, as he kissed her cheek then pulled her into his arms holding her tight, just a little too tight.
“Clark?” Lois held him close worried now.
“We’ll talk later,” he whispered in her ear. “Go with me on this, honey.” He spoke louder for Jason and Martha’s benefit. “Do you see what I put up with around here?” He asked his Mom.
“Oh I see alright,” Martha laughed. “Are you hungry, Clark? We’re almost ready to eat dinner.”
“I’m starved.” And he didn’t mean food. He nibbled on Lois’s neck.
“Clark, stop,” Lois said unconvincingly as she watched his face for a moment. “Go and set the table. It’ll keep your hands busy,” she said trying to keep the mood going.
“Oh, alright,” he said pouting. “Jason, could you help me please?”
“Sure, Dad, but could we talk about the League? I really liked the Flash’s costume. It’s so … red,” Jason said.
“It is, isn’t it? You know, Jason, between you and me,” he whispered, “the Flash is faster than I am.”
Jason gasped, not believing it for a moment. “Really, Dad?”
“Yes, really, it’s true,” he smiled.
Martha watched her son and grandson. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen my son so happy.” She glanced at Lois and she had a serious expression on her face. “Are you alright, honey?” Martha asked as she put her arm around Lois’s waist. “His wedding is right up there too, you know,” she said hoping to make her feel better.
Lois smiled accepting Martha’s support. “He’s not the only one,” she whispered watching her family.
~o~o~
Later that night, the house was quiet and Lois as sitting up in bed waiting for Clark to join her. After he came out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist, he stood at the food of the bed and watched her for a moment.
“Clark, it’s late. Aren’t you going to talk to me?”
“I don’t know where to start,” he sighed.
“Just say it. It can’t be any worse than what I’m imagining.”
He took off the towel, climbed into bed and pulled her back against his chest. “Honey, please don’t get upset, alright? We don’t know for sure at this point, but anything could happen. Now that Morgan Edge knows about the League, we don’t know what he might do.”
She turned to face him. “I haven’t heard that name in months. What are you trying to tell me Clark, and please don’t hold anything back. I can take it.”
He touched her cheek, closed his eyes for a moment, then he said, “Darkseid.”
“Oh, no,” she whispered. They both sat up then. “Why would he come back now? It’s the League, isn’t it?”
“Yes, Lois, the League being out in the open now will stir up a lot of criminals who don’t want the attention or their money train derailed.” He took her by the shoulders then. “Lois, we knew when we went public that we were stirring the pot, but we’re not worried, not really. We all have each other’s back. Everything will be alright,” he tried to convince her.
“If that’s true, why even bring it up? You are worried, aren’t you Clark?”
“Of course, I am. Darkseid did a lot of terrible things to me and the world, but he didn’t succeed the first time and he’s not going to again. Please try not to worry too much. I’ll be careful, everyone will be careful,” he stressed and pulled her into his arms.
Lois hugged him back trying to be strong for him. She pulled back after a moment. “I’ll try not to worry too much, but you have to promise to tell me everything, and I do mean anything that might put you or our family at risk. Promise me, Clark?”
“I promise,” he smiled and kissed her cheek and then his wet mouth closed over hers and then wandered down her throat. He needed her so much tonight.
“Hum, Clark we can’t.” Lois said needing to talk to him some more. “We have guests, remember?”
Clark continued to nozzle her neck making slurping sounds.
Lois giggled. “Clark, wait a minute, I’ve been thinking and I wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?” He dared to ask, still nuzzling her neck.
“Is Bruce Wayne Batman?” Lois asked and watched his face closely for his answer.
“What? Where in the world did that come from?” Clark asked truly shocked by the question.
“I know you heard us talking about him the other day and Lana works for him now. She told me he knows about you and me and that you’ve spoken to him on numerous occasions, and you have a friend who owns a private island in the Caribbean. It all adds up.”
Clark chuckled and shook his head and decided to play dumb. “Lois, I don’t see your reasoning. I don’t know who he is.”
“Really, Clark? So tell me who owns that island so we can thank whoever it is properly.” That should make him squirm.
“Sorry, honey, that person wanted to remain anonymous.”
“Um hum, alright, Clark, I understand you can’t betray a confidence, but I should tell you I have an interview with him next week.”
Clark inwardly groaned, but he knew Bruce could handle himself. “Good luck with that, honey. Now, where were we?” He said getting back to kissing her ear and her throat as he tried to move on to more enjoyable pursuits.
Lois chuckled at her husband’s antics. Mr. Wayne will definitely be in for a surprise next week.
~o~o~
Meanwhile, the League was busy with their assignments. In Miami, Florida, Wonder Woman, Aquaman and the Flash were busy locating and disrupting drug movements on the coastline. According to their informant, there were shipments coming into port very soon now. They had notified all the authorities in the area and it was only a matter of time before they made a bust big enough to send a message to Edge that they were not going anywhere and he would have to take notice of the League.
On the west coast, J’onn J’onnz and Green Lantern were busy infiltrating the Mexican border. The nature of narcotics trafficking changed as shipments neared the border. While Mexican cartels did have representatives in cities across the United States to oversee networks there, local gangs got involved in the actual distribution of the narcotics. Both J’onn and Hal were familiar with this type of distribution and were easily able to go about doing their business without too much trouble. Soon now, with the help of the informant, the Cartels and the local gangs would see that the League was on the trail and soon the authorities would be too.
Batman, meanwhile was busy in his own city, working with Commissioner Gordon on numerous crimes, including murder, also directly linked to Edge and his work in Metropolis. The Commissioner was ready and waiting for him when he arrived late one evening. “Hello, Commissioner, it’s good to see you,” Bruce said landing on the rooftop after receiving the Batman signal.
“Batman, it’s good to see you too. I saw the conference the other day. Congratulations are in order. I am very, very pleased to see you’ll be getting more help out there.”
“So am I, Commissioner, which is why I answered your call so soon. We need your help. According to a few of our sources, Edge has upped his narcotics distribution here in Gotham, in Florida and on the west coast. Our League members are busy at those locations, but we want to send Edge a message here in Gotham as well.”
“It sounds like you have a plan,” Gordon said curious to see what he had come up with.
“It is the oldest plan in the book. Hit them where it hurts, in the pocketbook. No drugs, no money, it’s as simple as that.”
“You do realize that Edge won’t sit still for it,” Gordon said.
“That’s exactly what we’re counting on,” Bruce said liking their plan more and more.
TBC!
A/N: Tell me what you think! The next chapter will end this first Act, and then we get into the meat of the story. Thanks for reading, everyone. Reviews are love.