Chapter 1

(Chloe and Lana stand near the swinging doors at the front of the Talon.  Their faces are lined with worry as they silently survey Clark and Pete sitting at a booth in the corner.  Clark's head is hung low; an untouched mug sits in front of him.  The coffee in it - which was at one point steaming hot - is now lukewarm.)

Chloe (Speaking in a hushed voice): "He's been like this for two days now..."

Lana (Her voice full of emotion): "Can't blame him."

Chloe (Tears coming to her eyes): "I can barely believe it myself..."

(Lana turns to Chloe and hugs her tightly.  Chloe stiffens for several seconds, and then hugs her back, quietly sobbing into Lana's shoulder.  Stroking Chloe's hair in a comforting manner, Lana gazes over at Clark.  For a moment, Clark raises his head and looks directly into her eyes.  It is like a wave of darkness washes over her, removing all light from the world.  Lana is entirely unprepared for the intensity of despair and self-blame reflected in his eyes.  She hugs Chloe tighter to herself, biting her lip to hold back the tears.  Clark looks back down at the table.)

Lana (Speaking to Chloe tenderly): "Come on; let's get out of here for a while."

(Chloe nods and separates herself from Lana.  They quietly exit the Talon and climb into Lana's Jeep Liberty.  Neither of them speaks as they pull out into the street, temporarily leaving their worries behind them.  Driving without any real direction or intention, they eventually pull off the main street and approach the Kawatchi caves.  A sign adorns the entrance, reading 'Authorized Access only, as ordered by the management of LuthorCorp.  Please contact (785) 532-9447 with any questions.'  Lana and Chloe get out of the car and walk up to the entrance of the caves.  After deliberating for several seconds more, they enter.  The camera follows them and is enveloped in the darkness of the caves.  When the light balances, we can see Clark and Pete in the Talon.  Pete taps the table uneasily.  Clark's expression has hardened from what it was before.)

Pete: "You can't blame yourself for what happened to him..."

Clark (Speaking quietly, his voice full of spite): "He wouldn't have had to put himself in danger if I hadn't been so stupid."

Pete: "I'm not defending your choice, Clark, but come on!  Your dad made a decision.  You've got to at least respect that it was his to make!"

(A long awkward silence persists in the air.  Clark looks up, rage flaring in his eyes.)

Clark: "No.  No, it wasn't."

(Pete leans away from Clark, taken aback by the sudden change in his voice.)

Pete: "What are you talking about?"

(Clark slams his fist down, shattering the table.  Pieces of wood fly through the air, one barely missing Pete's head.)

Pete: "Whoa!  Clark, calm down!  How're we gonna explain this table, now?"

Clark (Rage surging through his entire body): "It doesn't matter, not anymore."

Pete: "Clark!"

(Clark stands from the table, Pete quickly grabs his arm attempting to pull him back down to sitting.  He pulls in vain; Clark remains unmoving.)

Clark: "Stay here, Pete."

Pete: "What are you gonna do?"

Clark: "I've put this off for too long now."

Pete: "Clark, don't do anything you'll regret!  Remember the last-"

Clark: "Last time was a mistake.  This time won't be.  Jor-El won't be bothering any of us ever again."

(Before Pete can say anything more, Clark disappears in a violent torrent of wind.  The doors to the Talon fly off their hinges in his wake.  Pete slumps down in the booth in front of the broken table, covering his head with his hands.  He slowly looks up after Clark.)

Pete (Shaking his head): "I sure hope you know what you're doing..."