The Opening Moves

Metropolis

Let's start with the chairs.

When it gets right down to it they are all the same basic, aluminum stackable chairs whether it is at the local VFW or the grandest concert hall. Some have thicker seats or bigger arms, but they are the same. The way you dress them up depends on where the event it being held. Banquet chair covers are available in satin, polyester and stretch, adding an extra layer of elegance and price to the occasion.

The chair covers at the Metropolis Opera House gala were satin.

The tables are called 'rounds' and like the chairs are made of aluminum, plywood or particleboard. They are folding tables, also so they can be stacked away when the event is over. The table covers hide this, just like they hide the chairs. They are called rounds, well, because they are round, duh, but also for convenience. When setting up a banquet you have a calculation of how many guests will be attending. Each round seats 8 people, so by dividing the number of guests you know how many rounds you have to set up. This also aids the servers as each position around the table is assigned a number, as is the round. Clark was sitting at round 21, position number 4.

If you've ever been to a banquet or wedding, you know there are usually a few long rectangular tables set up front for the bridal party or the guests of honor. These are called 'flats'. This is usually assigned the designation table 1. The seating starts in the center with the most important people in the two central positions and move out from them in an alternating fashion. Diana was seated at table 1, position 2. If it's a buffet style event, the 'flats' are also used as the food set up tables.

The Metropolis Opera House gala wasn't a buffet; it was a sit down affair.

Now that you are enthralled with details of the nuts and bolts of banquet chairs and tables, you can take a step back and realize the only difference between the 4H club banquet and the most elegant social event is how the same tables and chairs are dressed up. This also applies to the guests.

The meet and greet portion of the event was over. The guests were in their seats for dinner. Morgan Edge rose from his chair, table and position 1 to give a few remarks welcoming Hippolyta and Diana to Metropolis. He thanked the guests for coming and the staff of the Opera House for putting it all together. The last part was his way of subtly reminding everyone that it was his money that paid in large part for the remodeling.

Mrs. Harrow leaned over and whispered in Clark's ear.

"Apparently you can't buy manners as easily as politicians."

Clark smiled as he watched Morgan Edge conclude his remarks and everyone applaud. The local and national politicians seemed to be very enthusiastic with their praise. A menu card sat in front of each guest. Clark noticed everyone else at the table seemed to be perusing it so he picked it up and checked out what was for dinner. That 'one of these people is not like the other' feeling came back as he looked at the 9-course menu for the evening.

"OYSTERS AND PEARLS"

"Sabayon" of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and White Sturgeon Caviar

KALUGA CAVIAR

Sea Urchin "Panna Cotta," Sicilian Pistachio and Sea Beans

VELOUTÉ OF MUSQUÉE DE PROVENCE

"Gnocchi à la Parisienne," Brussels Sprouts, Pomegranate and "Pepitas"

RED WINE-BRAISED CASCO BAY MONKFISH

"Lentilles du Puy," Arrowleaf Spinach, Parsnips and "Sauce Bordelaise"

"BEETS AND LEEKS"

Maine Lobster Tail "Pochée au Beurre Doux," King Richard Leeks, "Pommes Maxim's" and Red Beet Essence

WOLFE RANCH WHITE QUAIL

"Stuffing," Celery, K&J Orchard Chestnuts and Honey-Poached Cranberries

"CARNAROLI RISOTTO BIOLOGICO"

"Beurre Noisette," Castelmagno "Nuage" and Shaved White Truffles

SNAKE RIVER FARMS "CALOTTE DE BOEUF GRILLÉE"

Hearts of Palm, Asian Pear, Braised Peanuts, Young Ginger and Komatsuna

BROKEN ARROW RANCH VENISON

Gingerbread, Belgian Endive, Green Grapes, Marcona Almonds and Madras Curry

"MIMOLETTE"

Hobbs' Bacon, Young Fennel and "Pruneaux d'Agen"

BLOOD ORANGE "MIMOSA"

Champagne "Granité," Brown Sugar Streusel and Fresh Cream Sherbet

CHOCOLATE "TORTE"

Pearson Farm Pecans, Cinnamon Whip and Banana Ice Cream

BAKEWELL TART

Rome Beauty Apple Compote, "Pain de Gêne" and Toasted Oat "Glace"

Frankly he wasn't sure he knew what half of it was, but it all sounded delicious. As they began to serve the first course, he almost picked up his linen napkin and tucked it into his collar before quickly spreading it across his lap like everyone else. He had social graces; it was just that all this was a bit overwhelming at first. He thought he had his feet under him, but then reading the menu had thrown him once more. Slowly picked up the right piece of silverware and started to eat. Mrs. Harrow leaned in again and whispered to him.

"These seats aren't up front but they do offer a lovely view, don't they, Clark?"

He stopped eating and looked at her, not sure what she was referring to. She just smiled and glanced straight ahead. Clark followed her gaze and realized that his seat was directly in front of the Princess. It was a couple of tables back, but every time he looked up she was right there in front of him.

"Um, yes, ma'am, they are nice seats,' he lamely offered.

"Let's enjoy our food, shall we?" Mrs. Harrow said with a smile.

"Right."

Diana sat with Morgan Edge on her right, table 1, position 1 and Steve on her left, table 1, position 4. Hippolyta was seated on the other side of Edge, table 1, position 3. The food was excellent and seemed much more interesting than listening to Mr. Edge flatter her. Diana had certainly been raised with all the social graces of a Princess, so she knew which fork to use. The problem was she was hungry and the food was really good.

The reason this was a problem was because Diana was at the head table, which meant most of the crowd was looking at her. While she had gotten somewhat used to people staring, that didn't include while she ate. Every delicious forkful she placed into her mouth, Diana felt as if every eye were on her. It made her a little self-conscious to say the least. She also noticed that while everyone remarked on how wonderful the food was, most of them seemed to eat rather sparingly. It was as if they were consciously depriving themselves in hopes that everyone else would believe the illusion they didn't eat. It made absolutely no sense to Diana.

As she continued to eat each delicious course, Diana furtively looked around at the other guests trying to see if any of them were enjoying the food as much as she was. Table number 21, position 4, Diana had given the seating chart a quick glance before they began. Mr. Kent, Mr. Clark Kent, she now knew his full name, seemed to enjoying the food as much as she was. Since people weren't staring at him, he could fork every morsel up to his heart's desire. That didn't seem fair to Diana. If everyone could do it to her, why couldn't she do it to him, she thought? As she brought the next bit up to her lips, she had to suppress a smile as she trained her gaze on Mr. Kent. This usually so flustered most young men they began to blush and squirm. It was harmless fun, but Diana wanted to see how Mr. Kent would react.

Quail, Clark knew what that was and had it before. The previous dishes had been amazing so he was looking forward to this one. The other people at his table were older and seemed to be long time friends of Mrs. Harrow. As old people are want to do, no matter their social standing, they talked about people they knew that were sick, dying or dead. This left Clark free to enjoy the meal. Being raised on a farm, he had an appreciation for fresh, good food. Whatever else this banquet might be, the catering was amazing. Also from being raised on a farm, Clark had a healthy appetite. Food was for eating and if it was really good you cleaned your plate.

The quail was served and Clark dug in using the proper knife and fork. The first bite was delicious. As he was cutting a second piece he had the distinct feeling someone was looking at him, well, staring at him really. Since the only people he really knew at the gala were Mrs. Harrow and Lois he glanced at both of them. Mrs. Harrow was talking to an elderly gentleman on the other side of her and Lois was in a discussion or argument with one local politicians sitting at her table. Neither was looking at him. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, Clark thought as he finished cutting another piece of the quail and brought it up to his mouth. The fork was just passing his lips when he happened to look straight ahead and saw the Princess was staring at him. Well I guess I'm not crazy, he thought, pausing before starting to chew.

She seemed to be looking right at him. Clark casually glanced over his shoulder to see if it was really someone else she was looking at. He didn't see anybody, but when he looked back at Diana she was still staring and smiling. He hadn't had a chance to formally meet her before dinner, but he had watched her. It was hard not to. She was just as lovely in person as she was in the picture. She also had a poise that seemed to belie her age. He did notice one small bit that was out of the ordinary. She did seem to enjoy occasionally intimidating some of the countless young men that hit on her. Did the young princess have a playful side, he wondered?

As he mulled this over, Clark continued to eat, enjoying the quail. She was still staring. Was she trying to play the same game with him, he thought? He hadn't even spoken to her, never mind try to hit on her. Sure he wanted an interview, but between the conflicting messages he'd received from Mr. Morris and Mrs. Harrow, Clark thought waiting would be the best course of action. At least this way if things went bad, he'd get a great meal out of it.

The whole time he was trying to figure out what was going on, Clark hadn't stop eating. He finished the quail just as the next course arrived. Again it looked delicious. His mouth watered just looking at it. Glancing up, he saw she was still staring. Her smile had gotten a little bigger, so he figured she must be playing some sort of game with him. The food was excellent and he figured he didn't have anything to lose so Clark decided to play along with her. He set his knife and fork down for a moment and returned her gaze.

Clark winked at Diana.

Smiling, he picked up his utensils and continued eating.

Diana had to bite her bottom lip to stop from laughing. He winked at me, she thought, of all the cheek. He never stopped eating either she noticed. He certainly wasn't like all the other men she'd met, that was for sure.

"Are you enjoying the dinner, Princess?"

"What? Oh, yes, Mr. Edge, very much,' she hastily replied.

"Please, call me Morgan."

"If you wish, Mr. Edge."

"I insist."

Diana just smiled and turned her attention back to her food. She really wasn't interested in anything Mr. Edge had to say. He thought he was being smooth, but he was really rather transparent she thought. He'd already mentioned he owned one of the biggest networks and listed all the famous people that had appeared on it. He was obviously leading up to asking her to give her first interview to his network, but at the moment Diana wasn't really interested in thinking about that. She was much more interested in the young man that had just winked at her than anything else. She glanced at him again. He seemed to have a healthy appetite. She noticed he'd cleaned his plate at each course. She had too, but everyone was still staring at her as if she'd done something wrong. The food was good, she thought.

Diana was just about to look over at Mr. Kent again, when Steve asked her a question. She turned to answer him and they got into a conversation about the food and the other guests. He wanted to point out several people of interested to her, so she followed along as he identified each one.

Hippolyta had been enjoying the dinner just as much as her daughter. While she kept up a conversation with the Senator to her left, table 1, position 5, she was aware of what was going on with Diana. Hippolyta had also noticed the tall, young man enter. She had also noted her daughter's reaction to him. Further more she had noticed Steve Trevor's reaction to her daughter's reaction. It was all very interesting to Hippolyta.

During the meet and greet portion of the event she had subtly asked several people if they knew who the young man was. No one seemed to have a clue to his name. It was one of the waiters that finally informed her that the young man's name was Clark Kent. Seeing Diana's interest, Hippolyta kept an eye on him. From what she could tell he seemed polite, but didn't say much. She put this down to his being at a table with people several decades older than he was. She also noticed he had a rather healthy appetite in contrast to just about everyone else at the event.

It was when Hippolyta noticed Diana was staring at the young man that she knew something was up. Her daughter rarely showed her playful side but Hippolyta had noticed it on a few occasions since they arrived in this world. Diana seemed to like to make some of the more full of themselves young men squirm under her gaze. Making men uncomfortable was certainly something Hippolyta heartily approved of. She assumed that was what Diana was trying to do with young Mr. Kent, but his reaction surprised Hippolyta. At first she wasn't sure she saw what she thought she saw. Had he winked at her daughter? He wouldn't dare, she thought, her anger starting to rise. Hippolyta almost rose out of her seat, but two things stopped her.

The first was Diana's reaction and the second was Steve Trevor's reaction.

Diana seemed amused by it, while Steve was anything but. Hippolyta wasn't sure what to think. She didn't like the idea of the young man flirting with her daughter, but apparently neither did Steve Trevor. Since putting some distance between Steve and Diana was something Hippolyta wanted, she decided not to do anything for now. She would certainly keep an eye on the flirting situation and especially young Mr. Kent.

The dinner continued. Over the next several courses Diana and Clark would occasionally look over at each other and usually find the other looking back. He didn't do anything as bold as wink again, but he didn't shy away from her gaze either. In the back of his mind the interview was still there, but even he had to admit that wasn't his main interest. A gorgeous young woman was flirting with him from a distance. It seemed harmless and a bit of an ego boost, so he just went with it. Clark really wasn't expecting anything to come from it, but it didn't hurt to pretend.

Diana was enjoying herself immensely. While the whole idea of flirting was some what new to her, she picked it up very fast. That he didn't react like everyone else made it all the more fun for her. She knew Steve didn't seem to like it, but she wasn't here with him and it was all harmless so she tried not to let it bother her. If anything it made the rest of her meal that much more enjoyable. Instead of feeling under a microscope with each course, she was able to block out the others and just eat the delicious food in front of her. If Mr. Kent could eat and enjoy every bit of it than so could she.

The dinner finally ended and Morgan Edge rose from his seat again. He thanked the caterers and staff and everyone gave them a round of applause. He went on to say that now that the dinner was over, there would be dancing. As if by some silent signal, the music started. He asked Hippolyta to dance the first dance with him. She agreed and he led her out onto the dance floor. Steve asked Diana and they joined Hippolyta and Morgan Edge.

Slowly others joined them and the dance floor filled up. Clark sat and watched. He had noticed Steve Trevor was always by the Princess's side and now they were dancing together. In his hasty research for tonight he'd glossed over the more sensational news stories, although now he did remember there were many rumors about those two. It made sense, he guessed, Trevor was a national hero and one of the most eligible bachelors around. I really should have looked at the pictures before I came to this, Clark chastised himself again. Trevor probably wouldn't like Clark flirting with his girlfriend, but it was harmless and Trevor was the one dancing with her. It was a nice little fantasy while it lasted, Clark told himself.

"Have you forgotten all your manners, young man?"

Clark turned to see Mrs. Harrow looking at him.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, what?"

"It's usually appropriate when the dancing begins for you to ask if I wish to dance,' Mrs. Harrow informed him.

"I'm not really much on dancing, Mrs. Harrow,' he offered.

"But I am." She replied.

So dancing, Clark instantly realized. He slowly stood up and offered his hand to her.

"May I have the pleasure of this dance, Mrs. Harrow?"

"Yes,' she said, taking his hand. "Nice to see your manners have returned."

"Yes, ma'am."

Several other couples from their table joined them on the dance floor. It wasn't that Clark didn't know how to dance; just he wasn't expecting to have to. In high school, Ma Kent had taught him before one of the spring dances so he'd know what to do. Glancing around as he danced with Mrs. Harrow it seemed like a long way from the farm and dancing with Ma in the living room.

As they moved around the floor, Clark saw Lois dancing with her father. She gave him a smile as if to say she was in the same situation he was. It made him a little more comfortable at least knowing one other person, so Clark relaxed a bit and tried to do his best. He and Mrs., Harrow danced the first four songs before she decided she needed to rest. He was going to escort her back to the table but she insisted he asked one of the young ladies to dance. He happened to see Lois' father heading back towards his table so Clark figured he'd give it a shot.

"Lois would you like to dance?"

"Sure, Smallville, but I already promised this one to someone else. Maybe the next one?" she replied.

"Okay."

He gave it a shot, so Clark figured he'd just head back to his table. He was just turning around when a voice stopped him.

"I would like to dance."

He turned to see Diana was standing in front of him. She offered her hand.

"Princess Diana of Themyscira."

Clark took it and was a little surprised by her strong grip.

"Clark Kent."

Diana smiled as she felt his hand against hers. He had a firm grip and she could tell by the texture he had actually done work with his hands in his life, unlike so many she met at these events. They stood for a moment just looking at each other, until finally Diana spoke up.

"I said I'd like to dance, aren't you going to ask me, Mr. Kent?"

"Would you like to dance Princess?" He said.

"Yes, and please call me, Diana, Mr. Kent." She replied.

"Only if you call me Clark, Princess."

"Clark." She smiled as the name came off her lips.

"Diana." He smiled as well.