Collateral Damage
Folc4evernaday
Part 2
***
“Dr. Klein, thank you for meeting with us on such short notice.” Lois began.
“Not a problem, Lois. What can I do for you?”
“Lois has also been diagnosed with preeclampsia,” Clark added.
“Oh.” Dr. Klein’s face went sour. “Have you seen a specialist yet?”
“Not yet. We had some concerns about that.” Lois added.
“Concerns? Oh. You meant about Clark…”
“Yes.” Lois smiled at the doctor glad he was catching on so quickly. “I need to make sure my doctor won’t be able to detect Clark’s special abilities when they’re treating me.”
Dr. Klein got a thoughtful look on his face. “Are you having any extensive scans done?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, are you having any microscopic scans? You know, where they take a sample and put you under a microscope?”
“I don’t think so. I haven’t had an appointment with the specialist yet.”
“Well, as you can see Clark appears to be a normal man at first glance. He has all the parts…It’s not until you are actually looking for the differences that you are able to find them. Tissue samples under a microscope are the only way I’ve been able to even detect his dense molecular structure at all. Ordinary scans…MRIs, cat scans, ultrasounds…they don’t detect his …special abilities…”
“What about this preeclampsia…Is there anything you can tell us about it?” Clark asked.
Dr. Klein sighed, “Preeclampsia It’s only going to affect Lois during the pregnancy. Now, it is a lethal if it’s a more serious case…It could just be a minor case in which Lois needs to watch her intake of stress. If she doesn’t she’ll risk dizzy spells, contractions, possible miscarriage, or stillbirth, and bouts of nausea.”
“Worst-case scenario?"” Lois asked.
“ That’s where you have seizures. Those can either kill you or just cause a lot of pain…put you into a coma…” Dr. Klein shook his head, “I’m not an expert. I don’t know everything about preeclampsia. What doctor are you seeing? Dr. Maria Pierce is an expert in the field. She’d be my recommendation personally.”
Lois smiled, “Thank you, Dr. Klein. That’s actually who we’re seeing.”
"What are the chances that this Dr. Pierce will be doing any extensive scans on Lois' tissue?" Clark asked.
"Pretty slim to none. MRIs and cat scans are more likely. I wouldn't worry about it too much." Dr. Klein nodded at them. “I’m sure everything will be fine. Just stay out of trouble, Lois.”
Lois winked back at him. “We’ll try.”
The couple left his office, and Dr. Klein shook his head in dismay. "I hope so."
***
“So, Mr. Paladin, your office said McBride’s mission was to repair a weather satellite, that had been malfunctioning?” Lois asked.
“One of the many aspects of the mission was to repair the satellites for weather control yes, Ms. Lane,” Chester Paladin remarked, “With over six thousand man-made objects floating around up there...It’s pretty crowded.”
“Tell me about it.” Clark murmured to himself.
Lois shot Clark a threatening look then turned her attention back to Paladin, “What other aspects of the mission are there Mr. Paladin?”
Chester looked around nervously, “I can’t say exactly. Back in the 80’s a weapon was developed….During the cold war…”
“What kind of weapon?” Clark asked intrigued.
“I can’t say…I’m sorry. All I can do is confirm or deny statements…I’ve already said too much, Clark.” He got up to leave, “I’m so sorry.”
“What was that about?” Lois asked.
Clark shook his head, “I don’t know.”
“You think bugging Bill Henderson will give us any leads?” Lois asked.
“It’s worth a shot. You ready?”
“Yeah.” Lois stood up and followed Clark out of the restaurant.
***
Bill Henderson sat behind his desk writing up the latest report on the missing bank chairman when his phone rang. “Henderson.” He barked into the phone.
“Inspector Henderson, there’s some reporters here to see you.” The front-desk clerk spoke hesitantly into the phone.
“Lane and Kent? I just can’t shake them today, huh? Send them in.”
“Yes, Inspector.” The front-desk clerk hung up the phone and turned to Lois and Clark, “He says to go on in. Do you know where?" Lois and Clark had already shut the door behind them and were making their way over to Bill Henderson’s desk. “Well, that was rude.” She muttered to herself.”
“Hi, Bill.” Clark knocked lightly on the door to Inspector Henderson’s office.”
“Kent. I just saw you two earlier. Can’t get enough of me?”
“We are following up another lead on another case, Bill,” Lois replied.
Henderson snorted, “I figured as much. McBride’s disappearance, right?”
“How did you…?” Clark began.
“Please, I know a few things too. By the way, Lane, you really think you need to be juggling two high-profile cases in your condition?”
“What is that supposed to mean???”
“Hey, don’t take it personally. Congratulations by the way. I just meant you should be careful taking on too much when you’re expecting. You could burn out more easily. Marilyn did with our first.” Henderson watched Lois calm down and then continued. “So, what can I do for you?”
“These missing CEOs…What’s the story? Not the official story…the real story.” Clark asked.
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know, Henderson; you’ve got to do better than that.” Lois retorted.
“Look, I wish we did know. All I know is CEOs are going missing everywhere. No one knows where they’re going. No bodies are turning up. No explanation…but hey, I’ve got plenty of witnesses to tell me the guy withdraws some cash from the ATM, turns around and takes a few steps then POOF…He’s gone.”
“So, you guys don’t have any leads? No ace in your pocket?” Lois asked concerned.
“No. Just like we don’t have any leads on McBride’s disappearance.” Henderson shrugged. “I wish I could be of more help. I’m stumped.”
“Is there any way they could be connected?” Lois asked.
“Sure. I’ve begun to open my mind a bit in investigations ever since that whole invisible man fiasco…” Henderson shook his head. “I mean, anything is possible. We live in Metropolis where a man flies under his own power. If that doesn’t open your mind a bit I don’t know what will.” He sighed a moment. “I just keep getting the feeling like I’m missing something…something big.”
“Inspector, we were speaking with NASA earlier, and they mentioned the missile launch as routine.” Lois began.
“Yeah, something about fixing a weather satellite…I don’t buy it…the government isn’t going to worry about a weather satellite so much they send an entire crew into space…”
“Inspector, one of my contacts at NASA had mentioned a weapon that had been developed in the 80s by the government. Do you have any idea what he could be talking about?” Clark asked curiously.
“The Annihilator? That's the only weapon NASA had anything to do with during the 80s. Who was your contact?” He glanced at Lois and Clark, who were giving him the ‘We can’t reveal our source’ look. “Oh, right, Shield Law. My bad…Yeah, the Annihilator was a defense satellite …President Borman initiated the design…”
“But I thought it was never built...” Lois remarked, recalling the story behind the Annihilator as well.
“No, the pulse converter…that’s the satellite’s power source…it was never built...” Henderson shook his head in dismay. “The platform for the pulse converter was built; however and put into orbit…”
“What??” Lois and Clark asked in unison.
“You mean to tell me the government built that thing…and put it into orbit…what happened to the plans for the pulse converter?” Lois asked.
“They were all destroyed.” Henderson winked, “As far as I know.”
Lois and Clark looked at one another. This news was not good. “Thank you, Bill.”
“Keep me posted and if you find anything else out about the missing CEOs let me know,” Henderson added.
“We will and thank you for the information,” Clark added before leaving.
“No problem,” Henderson muttered, under his breath. “How do they do that?”
***
Lois and Clark stampeded through the newsroom on a mission. “Jimmy!” Lois and Clark made their way through the shuffle of desks throughout the newsroom, talking to Jimmy as they did so.
“Hey, did you hear? That Super Woman did it again! She stopped a carjacking over on Main then bagged a purse snatcher a minute later. She’s taking out bad guys left and right.” Jimmy grinned as he spoke.
“Has anyone had a chance to talk to her; find out who she is?” Clark asked.
“No, she just took off,” Jimmy replied. “Leslie thinks she may be related to Ultra Woman. Remember her?” He winked at Clark.
“Rings a bell or two,” Lois replied.
“Rings a bell or two? What are you talking about? She was a total babe!” Jimmy remarked, remembering the few days Ultra Woman had visited Metropolis.
Lois gave Jimmy a sweet smile, “Don’t you have a date to get ready for tonight?”
Jimmy’s smile widened at the memory of Penny. “Yeah. I still can’t believe she wants to go out with me. I mean, she is like WAY out of my league.”
“Don’t cut yourself short, Jimmy. You’re a good catch.” Lois replied warmly, sitting down at her desk.
“Thanks.” Jimmy smiled at Lois’ compliment.
“Jimmy, I want you to find me everything you can on a weapon called the Annihilator,” Lois said getting back down to business.
“The Annihilator? What is that a video game?”
“No, it’s a weapon the government developed about ten years ago,” Clark replied. “Find out who had the contract for the plans to the pulse converter of the Annihilator.”
Jimmy nodded. “You got it. Annihilator…The weapon not the video game…Anything else?”
“Have you found anything to connect the CEO’s yet?” Clark asked.
“Um, yeah. It turns out, they were all being investigated for embezzlement.”
“Embezzlement? Maybe they embezzled from the wrong guy, and he’s getting even..." Lois remarked.
“Hmm, Jimmy, why don’t you contact the FBI and see if you can get them to give us a copy of the bank’s ATM. If we’re lucky the bank chairman’s disappearance was caught on tape.” Clark said, “Maybe we’ll be able to see something the police didn’t.”
“The F.B.I.?” Jimmy cringed.
“If they give you any problems let me know. We’ll have Bill Henderson threaten them a bit…He’s as anxious to get to the bottom of this as we are.”
“Okay. I’ll let you know what I find out.” Jimmy said, heading for the elevator to start sifting through the archives.
“A video game???” Lois asked dumbfounded, “I don’t even want to know….Okay, so I think our next step is…” She noticed the faraway look on Clark’s face and stopped herself, “For you to go save the day while I go at this alone.”
Clark chuckled lightly, “I’m sorry, honey, armored car heist. What is going on out there today?”
Lois kissed him lightly, “Be careful.”
“Always. No adventures while I’m gone.” He gave her a peck before heading for the stairwell, tugging at his tie.
“Hot lead?” Leslie asked approaching Lois’ desk.
“I’m sorry?” Lois asked.
“Clark. He looks like he’s in a hurry.” Leslie pointed to Clark’s retreating figure.
“Oh, well, he’s just Johnny on the Spot all right,” Lois commented; she stood up and walked over to the copier and picked up a printout. Leslie followed close behind.
“Well, that’s what makes him such a great reporter; I suppose. Worthy of all those accolades.” Leslie remarked following Lois. She was engrossed in the material she was reading and felt a kick against her abdomen. She grimaced rubbing the bump where her son was growing. Leslie noticed the gesture, “How far along are you?”
“Huh?” Lois looked around, trying to figure out what Leslie was referring to. He pointed to her bump, “Oh, almost six months.”
“Is this your first?” he pressed, curiously.
“Yes,” she smiled, patting her bump, “Our little miracle. Came as a bit of a surprise since we’d just gotten married almost a year ago, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Who knows? Maybe we’ll be good at it.” She joked.
“Well, it’s better to take your time in starting a family. When I was born my father was just beginning to build his business…I hardly got to see him growing up.” He then looked at his watch, “Anyway, I’m off to meet the Board of Directors. Please tell me they’re not a bunch of stuffed shirts; I beg you.”
Lois laughed, “No comment.”
“Maybe you, Clark and I could have a bite together sometime, help me figure out what I’ve gotten myself into here,” Leslie suggested.
Lois nodded. “Sure. We’d have to check our schedules of course.”
“Of course.” Leslie nodded. “Wish me luck?”
“Good luck.” Lois smiled and watched him leave. She wasn’t sure what to think of Leslie.
***
Clark arrived at the scene of the armored car heist. Two men were shooting at him and the officers surrounding the area. Just as Clark was about to capture the men; a blur of gold surrounded the area. The two men disappeared for a moment and reappeared; falling on the armored car they had been trying to escape in. Clark moved to check on them and then scanned the area. He was stunned to find the mysterious woman he had met earlier, standing at the scene before him. She stood with her hands on her hips surveying the scene. The would-be-car-thieves lay on the ground in pain as officers took them into custody. “Nice Cape..." the woman commented.
“What happened here?” Clark asked.
“These men were trying to steal …I stopped them.” The woman replied.
“Who are you?”
“I am Vixen…You’re the one they call Superman, right?”
“That’s right.”
“They say you’re faster than a speeding bullet...Is that true?”
“I’m much more interested in who you are and what you’re doing here?”
“I eradicate evil just like you.”
“I don’t exactly eradicate evil,” Clark replied.
“Interesting…if you don’t eradicate evil, then what do you do?”
“I turn them over to the proper authorities for prosecution…That’s the way the system works…”
Vixen laughed, “The system is flawed That’s why I’m here.”
“Why ARE you here?” Clark asked.
“I want to bring peace to your violent world,” Vixen replied.
“Okay…” Clark began.
He was interrupted by Vixen, “Wanna race?”
“What?”
“Race you to London.”
“No.”
“What’s the matter? Afraid you’re gonna lose to a girl?”
“No, I don’t want to race you; I just want to...” he was cut off by Vixen disappearing once more. “...talk to you.” He turned to the officers surrounding him, “Make sure these men get arrested.” The officers nodded, and Clark was gone once more.
***
Clark landed in London and found Vixen standing there waiting for him. “What took you so long?” she asked.
“How did you...?”
“I ran.”
“Ran? Across the Atlantic?”
“I ran very fast.” Vixen gazed up and down Clark’s profile a moment. “What’s the point of the suit? It’s not very intimidating.”
“I’m not trying to intimidate…. All I try to do is keep order.”
“That’s all I’m trying to do as well, Superman.”
“And I appreciate the help, but you cannot go around hurting people…not even the bad guys.”
“Why not? They chose the path of wrong, and they should suffer…it is my job to eradicate them.”
“No, it is your job to stop them...yes...not eradicate them. Let the courts decide their punishment…”
“Whatever. Nice speech. See you around.”
“Wait.” Before he could say another word, she was gone. “Great,” Clark muttered to himself. Within moments, he was in the air once more.
***
“Hey, Lois, I got that list you and CK wanted,” Jimmy said handing her a stack of paperwork.
“The Annihilator. Founded by President Borman. After his term ended Congress pulled the plug.” Lois read through the stack of paperwork.
“Yeah, this weapon is totally cool, Lois. It obliterates its target to ashes.” Jimmy said.
“Ashes? As in the ashes that were found outside of Steve McBride’s residence?”
“Bingo.” Jimmy gave her a 100-watt smile. “Oh, and here’s the information on the contract for the pulse converter.”
“Honeybraun Industries? Didn’t they go belly-up around the same time?”
“Yeah, after Congress pulled the plug. The company was sold off piece by piece about eight years ago.” Jimmy replied.
“So, whoever had the plans for the pulse converter had to of been one of the several buyers…” Lois trailed off.
“And here’s the list,” Jimmy said. “Good luck.”
“Where are you going?” she asked when he headed for the elevator.
“I’ve got a date tonight…I got to get ready.” Jimmy beamed, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Good luck, Jimmy. Have fun.”
“I will.”
Lois turned her attention to the list Jimmy had given her. “Hey, honey.” Clark snuck up behind her, planting a light kiss on her cheek. “How’s it going?”
“Jimmy, just gave me this list of buyers for Honeybraun Industries. They’re the company that had the contract for the Annihilator…”
“Anything jumping out at you?” Clark asked.
“Afraid not,” Lois replied. “How’d everything go?”
“Well, I—“
He was interrupted by Perry’s bellowing through the newsroom, “All right, everyone, listen up! Those of you not working on something concrete are now working on this new superhero! I want photos…where she came from… is she friend of foe? Let’s show our new owner what we can do...Shake some tail!!”
Lois watched the other reporters scurrying about, “The suits upstairs breathing down your neck again?”
Perry smiled at her, “I’m just trying to give everyone a run for their money…So, what have you two got?”
“Her name is Vixen,” Clark replied.
“What?” Perry asked.
“I just spoke to Superman a few minutes ago. He got her to stop long enough to talk for a few minutes…”
“Really??? That’s great…I want you and Lois on this like nobody’s business….Page one! This could be the biggest story since Superman came to town.” Perry gleamed.
Clark just laughed lightly, “I wrote up my interview with Superman already. It should be in your inbox. I just sent it to you a few minutes ago.”
Perry turned to Leslie, who had been standing behind him, “Now do you see why they’re the best? All right, do you have enough for any follow-ups?”
“Not yet. Superman said he wasn’t really sure what to make of her. She seems to have a very distorted view of justice.” Clark said.
“Hmm, well, one could argue Superman’s views, or Metropolis’ views on justice are distorted. It’s all a matter of perception.” Leslie remarked.
“Somehow I don’t think dropping the criminals from 50 feet in the air is justice,” Clark remarked.
“True,” Leslie replied.
Clark held Leslie’s gaze for a moment then turned away. Perry broke the silence once more, “How are you two coming on that missing astronaut?”
“He’s not missing, Perry; he was murdered,” Lois replied.
“WHAT??” Perry shook his head, “This piece just keeps getting better and better. Do you have any leads?”
“We’re following up a few leads, but I think it’ll have to wait until tomorrow,” Lois remarked standing up from her desk.
“I’m sorry, did I seriously just hear you say you’re leaving early?” Perry was dumbfounded at the thought. Lois had always been a workaholic ever since he had met her. "Clark, are you sure we're talking to the real Lois Lane here?"
Clark laughed, "Positive, Chief. We'll see you tomorrow." He grabbed his coat from his desk then helped Lois with her coat.
Lois laughed, “Good night, Perry."
"Night, Chief." Clark nodded in the direction of Leslie, "Good night, Leslie."
Leslie nodded, "Goodnight, you two. See you tomorrow." Leslie watched the couple leave and gazed at Lois’ recently vacated desk, “They really are something aren’t they, Perry?”
“Yeah, I love ‘em like they were my own.” Perry beamed.
***
“I had a good time tonight,” Penny commented as they walked to her apartment.
“Me too,” Jimmy replied. “I still can’t believe you ordered in French. I mean, it was just the steak house.”
“Well, not having a social life allows you the luxury to study up on foreign languages,” Penny replied. “Do you want to come in for some coffee?”
“Uh, sure.” Jimmy nodded. He was unsure if things were moving too fast, but he pushed that thought to the back of his mind. He followed her inside her apartment. She quietly closed the door. “Nice place,” He commented. “You know; I don’t really understand why you don’t have a social life. I mean, I would think a girl like you would get asked out a lot.”
“Well, it’s not that I don’t get asked out.” Penny began as she started brewing the coffee. “I do. A lot. Some of them are real jerks others, are really nice…”
“But?”
“But they just weren’t what I was looking for. They weren’t you.”
“Me?”
“Yes, you, Jimmy Olsen, Mr. Junior Assistant Editor…”
Jimmy closed his eyes as the guilt of lying to her began to eat at him. “Uh, listen, Penny, that’s not exactly my real job.”
“I know.” She nodded moving closer to him. She sat down on the loveseat and patted the seat next to her. “I haven’t exactly been honest with you either, Jimmy.”
“You haven’t?” Jimmy asked in confusion.
“No, I’m not a Journalism major. I’m not a student.”
“Then why did you call me? Why did you interview me?”
“I wanted to meet you. I’m a secretary at Diticom Technologies.” Penny began, “I promise I won’t tell anyone. I know how important it is to you that no one finds out.”
“What? Find out what?”
“I mean, look at all the trouble you’ve gone to. It’s brilliant. What better disguise than some newspaper schmoe? Who would ever guess that nobody-office-grunt-Jimmy-Olsen was really the man of steel?” Penny reached out to caress his face.
Jimmy backed away from her taken aback by her statement. “Wait a minute, you think I’m a schmoe??” He thought she liked him.
She leaned into him and began to nuzzle his neck, rubbing up and down his chest. “All that searching. All that waiting. All those times I said ‘no.’ It was worth it.”
“Uh, Penny,” Jimmy backed away from her embrace once more, “I probably heard you wrong, but you seem to think that I’m…” he gave a light laugh, “Superman.”
“Honey, it’s okay. I won’t tell a soul.” Penny leaned in to kiss him.
“You won’t need to because I’m not Superman,” Jimmy argued. His heart was breaking. She didn’t like him. She had hit on him because she thought he was Superman. He swallowed the bitter bile he felt in his throat.
“But I saw you…you changed into..him.”
“What are you talking about?” Jimmy asked.
“You left and then changed into Superman to help those people…the wreck in front of the restaurant.”
“I left to call ‘911’ like any other responsible person would have done,” Jimmy argued.
“Honey, there’s no sense in denying it…It’s okay. You can trust me.”
Jimmy pushed her away once more. “I need to go.”
“Go? Why? Superman, wait…” Penny begged.
“I am NOT Superman. My name is James Bartholomew Olsen. I have worked at the Daily Planet for almost five years. My best friends are Lois Lane and Clark Kent. The first photograph I ever took that got printed in the Daily Planet was of Superman bringing Lois back from EPRAD back in 1993. Do not call me unless you’re interested in me. Do NOT pursue Superman. He has better things to do than to deal with a moony-eyed cheerleader chasing after him...”
“Jimmy..”
“No, on second thought.... Don’t call me. This schmoe can do better …I don’t think we should see each other anymore.” Jimmy left her apartment without another word. Penny sat there dumbfounded with tears in her eyes.
***
Penny sat in her apartment crying. She didn’t understand. She knew he was Superman. What had she done wrong? Maybe it was too soon for him to reveal himself to her? That had to be it. She had an idea. She would call for help, then explain how sorry she was. That had to work...
***
Lois stepped out of the shower and came downstairs in her robe where she found Clark going through a huge bag of mail marked U.S. Postal Service. “Clark?”
He stopped mid super-speed and placed an envelope down. He smiled up at her, “Hey, honey, how was your shower?”
“It was fine. I feel a little better.” Lois gestured towards the bag of mail, “What is all this?”
“Uh, fan mail for Superman…it just takes me a few minutes to go through it all.” He apologized pulling her onto his lap.
“I never realized you had fan-mail.” She winked at him, leaning in to brush a kiss against his lips.
“Mmmm…”He kissed her back, “Yeah; the post office holds anything addressed to Superman and every couple of months I fly by to pick it up.”
Lois smiled at him and stroked his cheek lovingly, “I learn more about you every day.”
He smiled back, taking her hand in his, intertwining his fingers with hers, “Well; a lot of people want to hear from Superman. Sick kids, lonely folks…”
Lois peeked into one of the packages and pulled out a pair of lace underwear hesitantly, “Is this from the sick or the lonely…or both?” She put it back in the package.
Clark cringed, “Uh, yeah; I get a little of that too.”
Lois smiled up at him, “Well; I’m sure it must be a kick…to be adored like that.”
Clark smiled shyly at her, “It’s not really that…It’s just…well, you know how much bad stuff I see as Superman…that you and I see as reporters?” She nodded urging him to continue, “Well, seeing the good in people…reading the letters…going to charities and public events…it kinda restores my faith in humanity…you know it kinda recharges that part of me…”
“It recharges you, huh?” she challenged.
“You know what I mean.” He whispered against her neck. He lightly nuzzled the side of her neck, “You sustain me….and recharge my heart…body and soul….”
Lois laughed when his breath hit a tender spot against his neck, “Mmmm…Well, then…” she stopped cold when she felt him stiffen, “What is it?”
“Someone’s calling for help…I’ll be back.” He kissed her lightly.
He spun into his suit and left; leaving several letters flying around. She knelt down to pick them up and found a picture of a young boy in a wheelchair. She read the letter attached to it and felt tears well up in her eyes. He was only six years old and had been diagnosed with leukemia. To make matters worse, he had been in a car accident the past year and had been paralyzed from the waist down. His wish was to meet Superman. “Oh, Clark..." she murmured, as she read the letter. She was beginning to understand the side of Superman Clark was talking about before.
***
Outside of Metropolis, Penny waited on the corner of an alleyway as she cried for help. “Help Superman!!”
Superman landed in front of her, “What seems to be the troub—“ he was cut off by Penny throwing herself into his arms and landing a big wet one on his mouth. He pushed her off of him, “Miss, please—What –“
“I’m sorry to bother you like this, and I promise I won’t ever cry wolf again, but I needed to talk to you. I couldn’t leave things the way we left them.”
“Things? I think you have me confused with someone else…Now; you seem fine. Strong and healthy...I gotta go.” He flew off, unsure of what had just happened. He wiped his mouth and tried to remove the lipstick stain on him. He looked down at his suit. “Great. Lois is gonna love this.” He had a huge lipstick stain on the chest of his suit.
Back in the alleyway, Peters who had been watching Penny phoned his boss, Mr. Grady. “Hey, Mr. Grady, I’ve got an idea for you…”
***
Clark landed back at the townhome and spun out of his suit. He took the suit to the kitchen to begin washing it when he heard a news report on a fire in Detroit…”Great.” He scanned the townhome for Lois and found her upstairs. He darted upstairs real quick, “Honey…”
“Clark, you’re back already? That was fast.” Lois began.
Clark shook his head, “False alarm, but I’ve got to go. There’s a fire in—“
“Detroit. I know. It just came on the news. Be careful.” She kissed him lightly on the mouth.
“Better not wait up. I don’t know how long I’ll be.” He kissed her back then in a blur he was gone.
“Another long night.” She murmured to herself.
***
Clark returned around dawn to find Lois asleep in bed. He changed out of his suit and took a quick shower before climbing into bed with her. He kissed her lightly on the forehead, holding her close. She snuggled up against his chest in her sleep murmuring his name in her sleep.
He sighed peacefully as he felt her relax in his embrace. It had been a long night. There had been many lives he had not been able to save. It was nights like this that he wondered how he had ever coped without Lois. Just holding her in his arms seemed to recharge him...
“Clark?” Lois lifted her head sleepily against his chest. “What time is it?” she asked sleepily.
“Shh…go back to sleep…It’s about four thirty. We can still catch a couple of hours of sleep.”
“Mmmm…did everything okay?” she asked caressing his chest lightly.
“Yeah. Honey, please try to get some rest..." he pleaded. He didn’t hear any argument from her. Curious he looked down at her and smiled when he saw the sleeping figure of his wife. “I love you.” He whispered, holding her tightly. He let his hands rest on her abdomen where their unborn child lay. “Both of you.”
***
The next morning Lois awoke to the sharp chirping of the alarm clock. She reached out to turn it off only to find her arms were being hindered from movement. She eased her arm out of her husband’s strong grasp and turned it off. She looked up at his sleeping figure and smiled. “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.” She whispered, caressing his cheek.
He still didn't move. He must have been exhausted last night when he came in. She lightly brushed a stray hair off his forehead. She inched up his body, leaning up to kiss him. She lightly brushed her lips against his. He was still asleep. She stroked his head lightly running her fingers through his hair. She knew the fire must have been hard on him last night. She had tried her best to wait up for him but had finally fallen asleep around one.
She lazily traced patterns on his chest as she watched him sleep. Usually, he was awake before her, so she rarely had the opportunity to just watch him sleep. She looked down at him and smiled. She brushed her lips against his and he began to stir. She smiled down at him and leaned in to kiss him once more, “Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.”
“Mmmm…thank you…I almost forgot.” He murmured in response.
Lois lay on his chest happily tracing patterns around his pectorals. “You almost forgot? How?”
“I guess I have been a bit sidetracked lately.” He admitted.
“You got home late last night. How did everything go?”
“Uh, fine. I still can’t believe that crazy lady last night…” at her questioning look he elaborated.”When I got called away the first time…Remember? I told you it was a false alarm? Some lady was standing on the corner of an alleyway yelling ‘Help Superman!’ Anyway, I landed and then she launched herself at me. I pushed her away and flew away. She was rambling something about not crying wolf and leaving things the way they were…I thought she had me confused with someone else…That or she’s just nuts..."
Lois sighed against his chest, “Well; she can be nuts, but she needs to keep her lips off my husband.” Lois sniffed.
“Lois, there’s always gonna be a few crazies out there. It comes with the territory.”
“I guess so.” She relented, “I still don’t have to like it.”
“Who said anything about liking it? I’m perfectly happy with my beautiful,” he placed a kiss on her head, “and sexy,” he kissed her cheek, “and gorgeous wife.” He nuzzled her neck. “I’m the luckiest man alive.” He whispered huskily.
“Mmmm, a girl could get used to this.” She laughed. She pulled away from him slightly and looked at him more seriously, “What about the fire?”
“What about it?” Clark continued nuzzling her neck, ignoring her question.
“Clark?”
He pulled away, recognizing her tone, “The fire was…hard. It was an oil fire so….I got most of everyone out okay. A few were injured….There were a few that didn’t make it…” he replied softly.
“Oh, Clark, I’m sorry.” She stroked his cheek lovingly.
“I’m fine.” He kissed her hand. He glanced at the clock and winced. “We need to get going, or we’re going to be late.”
Lois groaned, “Sometimes I hate our jobs….”
***
Garrett Grady just laughed inside his office, “Her? She’s Superman’s girlfriend? Peggy?”
“Penny, sir, and yes. I saw her throw herself at him; it was just shameful.”
Grady just shook his head in amusement, “Okay, so what does this have to do with my pulse converter?”
“Well, sir, it’s a tradition. You hold his woman hostage unless he does our bidding.”
Grady just smiled at Peters, “I don’t think it will come to that, Peters. When Superman sees what we’re about—world peace—he’ll gladly help us.”
“Perhaps, sir,” Peters began, “but still we need to be able to make good on our threat.”
“Of course.” Grady just shook his head, “Funny, I thought he’d have better taste…” He eyed Penny shamefully.
***
Jimmy was not in the best mood. He felt like someone had ripped his heart out of his chest. He had really liked Penny and had been hurt when she had revealed herself to him. She had only been seeing him because she thought he was Superman.
The elevator dinged and announced the arrival of Lois and Clark. As usual, they were in a clinch when the elevator doors opened. He couldn’t help but smile at the two of them. Today was Clark’s birthday and he was sure Lois was making sure it would be one he wouldn’t forget seeing as how this was his first birthday as a married man. The couple reluctantly parted and made their way down the steps leading into the newsroom.
“Morning, Jimmy,” Lois said happily.
“Hey, Jimmy, how was your date last night?” Clark asked.
“Uh, not like I expected..” Jimmy said a bit hurriedly.
“What do you mean? What happened?” Clark asked his friend in concern.
“Let me ask you guys something…Do you think I’m a schmoe?”
“No..” They answered in unison.
“How would you describe me then?”
“Well, you’re Jimmy….you’re like my kid brother…” Lois began.
“Gee thanks…” Jimmy felt a little insulted.
“Hey, I didn’t mean it like that,” Lois argued.
“What Lois means is you’re like family.” Clark corrected.
“Exactly! You’re smart, you’re funny…” Lois listed off every attribute she could think to describe him.
“You’re a whiz when it comes to computers, you’re loyal…a great friend…” Clark continued where Lois had left off.
Jimmy’s spirits perked up at that. “You really think I’m a good friend?”
“Of course, Jimmy, what is all this about?” Lois asked concerned.
“Uh, just something my date said last night…” Jimmy said a bit shamefully.
“Well, don’t you dare listen to her, Jimmy, you are a great guy and if she can’t see that then it’s her loss.”
“Lois, Clark, what have you two got on those missing CEO’s?” Perry asked making his way over to them.
“Uh, we haven’t gotten anywhere yet. We’re still waiting to hear back from the FBI about getting a copy of that ATM tape..” Clark explained
“Yeah, I’ve been getting the runaround from them since yesterday,” Jimmy explained.
“Well, keep on it,” Perry replied gruffly, “You two still looking into the disappearance of that astronaut?”
“Murder.” Lois corrected firmly, “And yes, we’re still on it, Perry.”
“We’re trying to figure out who might want to resurrect the Annihilator…” Clark explained.
“The Annihilator? I thought Congress pulled the plug on that ten years ago..” Perry drawled.
“Maybe not quickly enough,” Lois replied.
***
TBC...
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Part 3 next.
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