“Over 90 percent of the ocean is yet to be explored, Miss Lane. Think about that! How many undiscovered species, how many mysteries are down there, just waiting to be found. I intend to be the one to find them. The underwater caves that my submarine will explore are right on Metropolis’ doorstep. Who knows what else is out there? Maybe we don’t need to travel the stars to find intelligent life. It could be much closer to home. Does that answer your question?”

“I think so.” Lois looked up from her notepad, expression still tinged with skepticism. “Now, about your former assistant—”

“If you’ll excuse me, I really must get back to work. Time marches on and I have plenty to do before the launch later this week.”