Sorry for the delay in posting. As the little mouse said, "I been sick!" (And I have, too. It's been un-fun.)
Groobie, there is an explanation of why that happened later on. Just remember the Justice League.
Sam and Ellen are/are not in danger. (Sorry. To quote a character from another show, "Spoilers!")
Lois will find a way, one which should have been obvious to her from the beginning but wasn't.
We'll see how Clark and Lucy relate soon. And thanks for the thumbs-up!
rkn, thanks for the enthusiasm. There are five installments to be followed by an epilogue which should tie up all the remaining loose ends.
Next chapter coming up!