In response to the Queen of the Capes' X Challenge. Enjoy!
Xerxes the Great

Another Greek historian within our midst.

So, are you implying that Lex went after Lois only because he saw that *Clark* liked her, and not because of Superman? It's possible. It would explain their animosity for one another, and why Lex went after Lois even before Superman came onto the scene. First defeat Kent (by winning Lois), then go after Superman. Very perceptive.

I wonder what would have happened if Lex recognized Clark's ability to stand up to Lex in Superman this early on... at least by the end of this episode. Hmmm. The games have certainly begun.

Herodotus's History is one of my favorite ancient texts. It's like travel guide and historical novel all rolled up into one. May I also recommend Plutarch?

And here I had hoped you had picked Xerotic (which if you look up the definition isn't as sexy as it sounds).

Nice! I never would've made those connections; this was a great episode-expansion. The only thing that bothers me is that they finished their conversation in front of Lois, so wouldn't she wonder what they were talking about and maybe get suspicious of--well, it's S1 Lois; nevermind. :p *mutters about blind reporters*

Antartic history is more my thing, but this is fascinating! Thanks for the lesson in Greek history. Especially considering how important it is for Lex. Imagine having this young man - stranger really, throw that history in your face as a challenge.


This sets the stage for the conflict between billionaire and journalist, a conflict the older man will lose.

Thanks for filling in the scene!

I really enjoyed this story. The original scene in the pilot is such a 'moment' between Clark and Lex--sizing each other up, creating the tension that will only ever build between them. Expanding on this scene--great idea!

What stood out most to me, what really excited me about this story, was the challenging atmosphere. It was there originally in the Pilot, but you were able to build upon it wonderfully. You've created a hostile feeling in the piece, but done in a subtle way, so it comes off as brilliantly subdued (if that makes sense ). It's written politely condescending--they are totally trying to out do and outwit the other--and in such a scholarly way. This type of thing is so very much Lex at his best (and Lex KNOWS this), but with Clark? With Clark he's met his match .


Awesome! This paragraph has so much power to it. Lex immediately can see Clark's heart, as far as it concerns Lois. He (Lex) knows he has a way get at Clark, a way to hurt him.


Yeah--I love this last line ! Great way to get the point across. They will be enemies till the end.

Excellent story!
Laura

Well, as soon as Clark cut in on Lex and Lois' dance, the animosity began. Sometimes you just don't like people when you meet them and I think long before Superman was tested, Clark sensed something he didn't like in Lex. It's instinctive - two alpha males locking horns.


I read stuff from both Herodotus and Plutarch 20 years ago in college. It's been quite a while since I taught ancient Greece, but while I was staring off to space in my classroom, avoiding grading papers, the name Xerxes and the scene from the pilot popped into my head and I went with it.



Well, I can freely admit that was the first word that caught my attention! (At least until I read the definition...not so sexy!) Fear not, this G-fic was merely a momentary distraction...I'm back at work on my latest piece of L&C x-rated erotica. LOL



Next scene...Lois tells Clark to cut the macho crap. She wouldn't have said anything in front of Lex...in that scene, she knew Lex had caught her snooping and she was trying to cover and get out of there. But I can certainly imagine her ripping Clark a new one after they left the party.



Oh yeah, Clark hits him where it hurts the most...Lex' ego. As Laura says, "politely condescending", brilliantly subdued, subtle hostility. You can't legally punch a guy, but you can take him down a peg intellectually and it sometimes delivers an equally effective blow.

Laura: I love how you always understand my voice! Thanks, again, for your beta review and your constant support.

Thanks to all of you for your feedback, and thanks to all the lurkers who are reading and (I'm going to assume for my own vanity's sake) enjoying it. You all encourage me to write more.

Hi Susan!



So, I believe Lex’s dog is called Xerxes. Is there a romantic subplot involved?

Clark accidently tripped over Xerxes?

So, Lex’s PoV?

And yet, he goes after Lois.
LEX: Easily explained. She looks like she knows how to please a man. And once she doesn’t, no harm done to the waste compactor.

He does realize that without arrogance and pride, neither man would have strived to build or expand their empire.

Clearly, he’s compensating for some shortcoming there.

That was an in-depth expansion. Double fun considering there has just been an Alexander documentation on TV.

Michael

Actually, Lex's dog is only called this in Wrong Clark, Michael. Just because my story will seem to have taken longer to write / post than the show it's based on to air, doesn't make it canon.

Ooops?

/kicks dirt/ But at least Home still is, right?

Michael