I had been thinking that this story takes place more or less in "our" reality - well, with the obvious exception that there isn't any even moderately famous reporter named Lois Lane in our reality, of course - but I don't believe we are in Kansas anymore after reading this passage:
“We're under attack,” she said quietly. “Every day they push just a little bit farther, and we have to push back. Sometimes we lose a little of ourselves in the process.”
I don't think the United States is still under attack. It was under attack on 9/11, but it hasn't been attacked since then. Yes, individual Americans may certainly become targets abroad, particularly in some Muslims countries, but that is just not in any way comparable to what happened on 9/11. And I really think that most Americans will agree with me about that. So if this Lois says that the United States is still under attack, then I have to conclude that she doesn't live in our reality.
Anyway, it was great that Clark said this:
“It explains a lot,” he said finally.
“What?” Lois asked.
“Why you are all so damaged.”
Instantly she bristled. “We aren't…”
“I feel damaged,” he said quietly. “Just from watching this.”
By saying this, Clark just showed Lois that he understands why everyone here is so paranoid. Moreover, he understands
her. For once they are not speaking past one another. For example, Lois is now ready to at least ponder the possibility that "her" Lucy might indeed be dead, while another Lucy still exists:
“If I'm to believe you, that means that Lucy isn't really my sister…she just happens to look like her and come from another universe.”
“You share the same genetics,” Clark said. “Effectively, it's no different.”
“If I believed your story, that would mean that Lucy…my Lucy really did die in the accident that killed my parents. It would mean that the girl in the car wasn't just some homeless person they'd picked up on the way back.” Lois shook her head and stepped away from him. “I'm not ready to believe that just yet.”
She may not be ready to believe it, but she is at least considering the possibility.
And suddenly, Clark is not a crazy terrorist or a cult leader to Lois:
“Lois,” he said.
His voice was oddly deeper, and when she turned to face him she felt the urge to laugh.
If he'd had glasses, he'd have pulled them off.
“If you are going to tell me you really are Superman, save it,” she said. “This is the real world, not a movie.”
She shook her head. She must be more jet lagged than she'd thought. She'd actually allowed the thought of alternate worlds to cross her mind once or twice.
The scene from Superman II where Christopher Reeve changed from Clark to Superman in front of Lois, where he stood up straight, took off his glasses, and spoke to her in a deeper voice - that was always my favorite scene from that movie. (Along with the heartbreakingly sweet bedroom scene, of course.) I love that this Lois would think of that scene here, so that some part of her actually expects Clark to transform himself into Superman before her eyes. Slowly and imperceptively she is beginning to believe him.
And then Lois gets plenty of evidence that her own country has become a frightening police state where individual humans so easily get crushed underfoot when the big government machinery starts lumbering after real and perceived threats. I loved how Lois scared Agent Randal, however.
I loved the hissing window. It goes without saying that Clark flew out that way. The question is whether he is hovering outside or if he has flown away somewhere.
Eagerly looking forward to the next part, Shayne!
Ann