A/N: In this next update, the rescue comes off without a hitch, well, almost. Back on Earth in Smallville, it's days before the wedding and Lois is still waiting for her groom. Sam puts on a brave face; he had no choice, and then later, he remembers. * JL speculation continues * Please read and review. Thank you.

~o~o~

Chapter 7: Out of Time

Meanwhile, inside Darkseid's castle:

"Your friends are here," Darkseid spoke to Lex, sitting on the floor at his feet, with a collar around neck, chained to his side.

"They're not my friends," Lex said.

"They came for you; are you not pleased?" Darkseid eyed him closely.

"I'd rather stay here," he admitted. If he returned to Earth, he would be sent back to prison to serve out his sentence: life in prison with no possibility of parole.

"Is that so, well, that can be arranged."

Lex didn't say anything. After being kidnapped, Lex couldn't have been happier, but that changed after he realized he would be just like all the others, a slave; nothing more. After being tortured to within an inch of his life, he surrendered days ago, then told Darkseid all his secrets; all of them. Revenge would be sweet. He knew Clark-Joe had returned from the dead and now his meta-human files, as far as he knew, were in the hands of Bruce Wayne, the Batman.

"Take him to his cell and keep an eye on him," Darkseid instructed the guards. He stood up and left the chamber on his way to kill the 'League,' but he was pulled aside by his uncle, Steppenwolf.

"I told you to stay out of sight," Darkseid said not pleased to see him lurking about.

"You need me; why do you insist on confronting them alone and unprotected?"

He managed not to laugh. "These humans do not concern me."

"What about the Kryptonian? Aren't you 'afraid' of him?" Steppenwolf taunted him. He hated Darkseid and everything he represented.

"I'm not afraid of anything. I suggest you leave right now." Darkseid was thinking of the other one, alone and unprotected but how long before the truth would be revealed.

"You're going to regret this," Steppenwolf said and left him alone, but he would be watching his downfall then he'll be in my debt.

Once back in his cell, Lex realized this place was just another prison, but at least on Earth, he had somewhere to go, but not here; there truly was nowhere to go. He covered his ears; the screams went on and on, until finally they quieted. Pondering the shocking truth that Clark-Joe and the rest of the meta-humans had come this far for him, to rescue him; he couldn't believe it, but apparently, it was true.

~o~o~

Outside and out of sight, the League's plan was set into action. Even though the screams had stopped, they continued using the heat-tracking device. The main plan consisted of Victor, with his alien tech, also in plain sight, then he would be allowed to enter the castle. Now was the time. The doors opened and he walked inside. Once inside and taken to Darkseid's throne room, he stood before him unafraid.

Darkseid didn't know what to make of this one. Luthor never mentioned him. "Who are you?"

"I'm here to rescue Lex Luthor."

"You can take him; I have no need of him," Darkseid said. "Where are your friends; you're wasting my time."

"You're going to deal with me; no one else," Victor said then raised his techno arm ready to do battle or die in the process.

Darkseid chuckled. "Leave me!" When he just stood there, Darkseid lost his patience then his eyes glowed red, he lifted his arms, then the omega beam flashed from his eyes and hands, but amazingly, the beams didn't penetrate Victor's eyes because of his protective gear.

After he managed to deflect Darkseid's attack, Victor felt stronger, then he activated his rocket boosters and lifted to gather an advantage, then he blasted him with his sonic cannon. Darkseid staggered back, stunned for a moment. In his weakened stated, Victor continued his assault using the sonic cannon, and then his techno arm flashed in Darkseid's face, and the effect was immediate.

Utterly and completely caught off-guard by the attack of this cyborg, obviously more machine than man, Darkseid knew nothing about, the effect on his entire body, mind, and his powers, Darkseid immediately felt weak and fell to his knees.

Victor contacted the team, then they entered the castle ready to fight and they did. While Victor kept Darkseid on his knees, Diana decided to stay with Victor in case she needed him. Diana wanted and needed to run Darkseid through, but decided against it. J'onn and Arthur fought off the guards who came out of nowhere, but the League was far too powerful, and they were left on the ground either dead or about to die.

Clark and Bruce, meanwhile, searched the dungeons for victims with Clark's x-ray vision, and Bruce with his tracking device. After Clark broke their bonds, they followed their rescuers to freedom. J'onn and Arthur would lead them to their ship. Diana mentally kicked herself as she watched Bruce follow Clark. Damn her for worrying about him; he would laugh in her face if she told him.

Clark peered through all the walls, and saw that the plan seemed to have worked. He heard something, then spotted someone in the high rafters, hiding behind a pillar. He watched the scene, but Clark thought that was odd, but he didn't have the time to find out more, so he continued.

Minutes later, Darkseid was still at Victor's mercy, having been taken totally by surprise. The plan was simple, but there was one drawback: Victor sensed that Darkseid wanted the Kryptonian; no one else.

"Let's go!" Diana shouted. "Darkseid is depowered, but we don't know for how long."

Clark meanwhile, couldn't leave; they hadn't found Lex yet. Back to the dungeons, then he found him, but he resisted.

"I will carry you if I have to," Clark said leaving no room for arguments.

"No, leave me here," Lex pleaded.

Bruce followed Clark, then, "Let him stay," he said. "We don't have time for this."

"No, he's coming with us," Clark said. He grabbed him and lifted him over his shoulder.

About twenty slaves were led out of the castle, but there was a problem.

Victor's power began to wane but he managed to keep him on his knees. He held him off, but moments later, he collapsed unable to hold Darkseid at bay any longer.

His friends entered the chamber and Clark saw he was in trouble. "Here, take him," he said and handed Lex over to Diana.

"Let me help you," Clark said and helped Victor to stand.

Darkseid spoke to them. "Kryptonian, you will stay with me or I will come to Earth and destroy all humans."

Clark froze, but would not be intimidated. "You say that now, but we know how to stop you and coming to Earth will only get you killed. I suggest you stay here with your toys."

Darkseid fumed but he was far too weak to stop them.

"He wants you, Superman, no one else," Victor said.

"Well, he can't have me," Clark said and lifted him and carried it away.

Once Victor's hold was released, Darkseid came to his feet but he was still weak. He could barely move but he managed to place one foot in front of the other. Darkseid watched as his dream of having another Kryptonian as his personal slave evaporated, the same as his powers.

Steppenwolf joined him moments later. "I can't believe what happened in there. You let them escape, but why? And who was this cyborg who appeared to be connected to you? I've never heard of him."

Darkseid stood up straighter. "Neither have I," he replied and returned to the throne room.

"But didn't your lackey, Luthor, have knowledge of these beings from Earth? Wasn't that the reason you brought him here, to lure them and capture the Kryptonian?" Darkseid ignored him. "You didn't answer my question. Why did you let them escape?"

"I didn't let them escape; I couldn't stop them. My powers were gone, but that cyborg seemed very young but he can be manipulated. I'll leave that up to you. You will face him and defeat him."

"I don't take orders from you. My Mother," he started.

"Your Mother has no authority here; not anymore. You answer to me."

Steppenwolf stiffened but decided to relent. "No one will be left alive; you can count on it."

~o~o~

Meanwhile, not far away, and running through town, J'onn managed to radio Barry. "Power up the ship; ETA two minutes."

"Alright, I'll on it," he said. Moments went by, then he figured it out; it was that easy.

After everyone was on board, the ship lifted, still cloaked, then they sped away into the sky.

Once in space, the League led the escaped victims to a special area of the ship with a few articles of clothing to cover themselves, but several didn't speak English. The ship, now on auto-pilot, Barry could communicate enough so they could understand. They were so grateful for their rescue from Darkseid, the majority were crying holding onto each other. The team realized that ninety percent of them were women.

Barry asked that they give him their names and contacts on Earth and they would be returned to their families. He did notice one of the women who wasn't crying, in fact, she seemed to be some type of leader of the group. The majority cried and cried so very happy to be going home. He tried to reassure them. "You're safe now." After giving them a few bites to eat and some water, he left them alone.

Diana stood back and watched the women and she didn't recognize anyone from her island. Darkseid must have killed them. She closed her eyes remembering that fateful day. I should have killed him, she thought.

"What he did to them, makes me sick," Barry said after entering the main chamber of the ship.

"He won't follow us; I'm sure of it," Diana said.

Everyone hoped that was true.

"How are you feeling?" Clark asked Victor and sat down next to him.

"Better, I think," Victor replied. "I'm going to shut down to facilitate repair to my systems."

"Alright," Clark said still concerned.

"How is he?" Bruce asked, once Clark sat down next to him.

"He's tired, but he should be fine in a few hours, I think," Clark replied.

"You know, Clark, over the past several weeks, I've learned quite a bit about Victor." Clark raised his eyebrows. "He's human, not just a cyborg. He and I worked on a program to better manage his constant flow of uploading and downloading data he receives all the time. He can better prioritize and interface with the worldwide networking system."

"That's amazing," Clark said. "I can't imagine having to deal with all of that."

"Shutting down helps him deal with it," Bruce said with sympathy.

"He has friends now."

"That he does," Bruce agreed, then glanced at his face. "Relax, we'll be home soon." Saying those words felt like music to Clark's ears.

"There was someone else there," Clark said dashing all their hopes.

"We didn't see anyone," Bruce said.

"I saw someone, but he didn't seem interested in the fight, which concerns me," Clark commented thinking about him.

"But if he wasn't interested, and Darkseid knows he's not strong enough or powerful enough, we can stop this guy if he decides to come to Earth," Bruce said.

Diana had something to say. "I hope you're right, but we have to be prepared."

"She has a point," J'onn joined the conversation. Barry was fine on his own.

"We can't worry about that now. I think we did good, rescuing the victims with no one getting hurt, well, not permanently," Arthur said and glanced at Victor.

His one eye opened. "I'm fine, guys; truly I am." He tried to reassure them.

"Alright, we can relax for a while," Clark said.

About an hour later, they felt a bump; then the ship veered off to the right.

"What happened?" J'onn asked and headed back to the cockpit.

Barry didn't have a clue. "I think we hit an asteroid or something."

"Oh, no, we could be off course." J'onn checked his readings. "Where's the black hole?"

"It can't be far; we were headed that way," Barry replied.

"We'll find it," J'onn said.

Clark entered the cockpit. "Are we back on course?"

"In a minute," J'onn replied.

Clark began to pray.

An hour later, they were still searching for the black hole.

"We could run out of fuel out here," Arthur commented.

"We won't; we'll find the black hole and then we'll be home free," Diana said hoping to keep everyone's spirits up.

Barry and J'onn exchanged glances. "We may have to return to Apokolips," Barry sadly stated.

Clark heard that. "We are not returning to that place. Keep looking!"

Several days later, they managed to find the black hole, but time kept marching on meaning they lost weeks on Earth.

~o~o~

Meanwhile, in Smallville:

Lois and most of the guests were already in Smallville, but Lois had been in a panic for the last several days; Clark had not returned. Perry asked her, just before he left Metropolis, about Clark and how his friend was doing in Topeka.

After picking up on Clark's 'story,' she answered him as best she could. "He ran into a few problems, but he'll be on time for the wedding. Please stop worrying."

Lucy and her Father had arrived earlier in the day. A few guests had arrived the day before, including the team's significant others had arrived the day before as well.

Martha took it all in stride. "He'll be here honey. It's Clark's big day too. He'll be here," she said repeating herself.

Lois truly needed to hear that. She tried to relax. The stress was not good for the baby. That morning, their wedding day, around Noon, she finally got the call.

"You sure do know how to cut it close. How are you? How did it go?"

"I'll tell you everything when I see you. I'm about to board Bruce's jet. Everyone is here with me."

"I'm so glad you're back. I missed you so much."

"I missed you too. I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too."

~o~o~

Back in Metropolis:

After the team landed at the warehouse, and helping victims exit the ship, a little while later, they were given to diplomats/ambassadors from various countries, but most of them were U.S. citizens. They handed Lex over to U.S. marshals to be returned to prison.

Clark, however, was frantic about getting to Smallville and on time. After retrieving their wedding attire, he truly didn't want to fly to Smallville. Not everyone at the wedding knew of his secret, so he decided to wait for his friends. They headed to the airport to meet up with the team who were waiting for Bruce. An hour went by then Clark began to panic again.

"Where is he?" Clark asked and paced back and forth.

"He said he had go to Gotham, but he'll be here," Barry replied.

He tried to calm down, but then he noticed someone was missing. "Where's Victor? Isn't he coming?"

"No, Clark, he's not coming." At Clark's confused expression, Barry continued, "He didn't want to distract the wedding party with … his appearance."

"But, he needs to be with us. If not for him, none of us would be here," Clark said thinking of Victor's bravery.

"He's not coming. He said he was sorry."

"Alright, but we will call him after the ceremony, and we'll tell him how grateful we are for what he did for us."

"I agree; that's an excellent idea," Barry said.

Clark glanced at his watch then he called Lois again, and after speaking with her, she seemed to be holding up just fine.

~o~o~

After hanging up with her fiancé, Lois was shrieking inside. Clark was home but he was stuck at the airport waiting for Mr. Wonderful, meaning his best man.

"Are you alright?" Lucy asked her sister.

In the living room, trying to relax after eating lunch and trying on her dress again, hoping that it still fit, she sighed and rubbed her tired eyes.

"I'm alright considering, but the past few weeks have been insane." I'm never getting married again; that's for sure, she thought.

"You've been a real trooper, Lo. You were the one keeping all of this together. I'm very proud of you," Lucy said hoping to cheer her up.

That did make her feel better. "Thanks, Luce." She thought about the past several weeks. "You know, I was against all of this, but you convinced me that I wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't have this wedding. Clark, is it for me. No one else will do."

"I know that. All anyone must do is see you two together, and that's that. You're it for him too." She pulled her vows from her pocket. "Are those your vows? Can I see?"

"Isn't it bad luck for anyone else to read them? I don't want to jinx it," she replied.

"You may be right. I'll Goggle it."

"No, Luce, don't bother; you'll hear them along with everyone else."

"Oh, alright, I can wait."

"Speaking of waiting," she murmured and stood up and began to walk. "I'll be right back."

"Can I come with you?" Lucy asked and stood up as well.

"No, I won't be long."

Once outside, it was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, no clouds, but there was a bit of a wind, but rain wasn't forecasted for later in the day. Walking along, she headed past the tent, to look over the seating arrangements, and after peeking inside; everything looked beautiful. With flowers on each table, the caterers continued decorating. The place settings were almost complete.

Satisfied, she continued her way. Being there on Smallville, she couldn't help but remember that terrible time after losing the love of her life. Walking along the same path, she stopped walking and wondered if she could visit the gravesite again, knowing he wasn't there, then she decided against it. It was her past, their past, but it was over. He wasn't dead; he's alive and we're getting married today. She headed back to the house.

Martha greeted her with a smile but she did look a bit sad. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine, but I needed a bit of fresh air." Martha looked behind her.

"Did you?" She couldn't finish.

"No, I couldn't do it," Lois replied.

"We still have time. Would you like to take a bath; it will relax you?"

She touched her hair. "Don't worry about your hair; I'll fix it," Lucy said.

"Alright, I think I will."

"I'll bring you some tea in a little while. Oh, do you know about bathing under unique circumstances." She raised her eyebrows.

"I do," Lois replied. Martha obviously wanted to hear them. Lois took her arm and headed for the stairs. "Okay, I did some research. The water can't be too hot; only ten minutes to soak; no bath salts; oils; bubbles or anything like that."

"I'm sorry; I meant no offense, it's just."

"I understand, and I welcome your advice; I do."

"Okay, I'll get you that tea," Martha said and headed to the kitchen.

Once the water was drawn, it felt wonderful. Eyes closed, the memories came, particularly, Clark's attempt to cheer her up; it worked.

The door opened.

"I was going to cook; surprise you."

But then he stepped into the tub fully clothed taking her totally by surprise.

"Clark, you're going to flood the apartment."

"Mmm-hmm."

His sweet kisses went on and on.

A knock startled her. "I have your tea," Martha said.

"Right on time," she said.

"It's hot." Martha handed her the tea.

"Thanks, I needed this."

"You're welcome," Martha said and left her alone.

Not long after, it was time. She left the tub, dried off, put on a robe, and headed to Clark's room. Her wedding dress hung on the door; her bouquet in a chair waiting for her; her vail on the bed; and her vows lay on the side table. She picked them up and read them. "Perfect."

~o~o~

The Kent farm, earlier that day:

A little while before the wedding, Sam took a deep breath and approached his daughter's bedroom. He knocked, then, "Lo, can I come in?"

Lois belted her robe and opened the door. "Daddy, is everything alright? Have you heard from Clark?"

Sam put on a brave face. "Lo, please don't get stressed; I'm sure he'll be here," he answered her calmly. "Take a deep breath and sit down. I need to talk to you."

Now Lois was worried. "Alright, we have a little time." She sat down and tried to stay calm. He picked up her bouquet and handed it to her. She took a sniff; the white flowers were beautiful.

"Lo, I need to apologize."

"You already did, days ago."

"I know, but Clark, he said some things I hadn't thought about in a long while."

"What things?" She asked.

"Oh, about how brave you are and I suddenly realized that you are so much like your Mother, that I was terrified for you. That terror manifested itself into my treatment of you and your sister." Lois didn't know what say.

He continued. "I always want the best for both of you." His voice softened. "It's your wedding day, and to see you so happy to be marrying the man of your dreams has changed the way I feel about you and how I want us to relate to each other. I don't want to be on the outskirts of your life. I want to be involved. You know I read your articles, right?"

"Yeah, I knew that. Lucy told me."

"Well, your involvement with Superman triggered a lot of anger, but he is definitely in your life, and I can't dispute or deny how much he means to you, and to all of us."

"Daddy, what you saying?" Lois began to hope.

"I'm saying that I want to meet him."

Lois wasn't expecting that. "Oh, you want to meet Superman, but why?"

"Isn't it obvious? I want to thank him for being who he is, but mostly, I wanted to thank him for saving your life so many times." At her surprised expression, he continued, "I've read your articles, seen the videos, all of it."

"Oh, I see, well, maybe it can be arranged," Lois said but Clark would have to agree.

"Wonderful," he said and stood up; she did too. He impulsively gave her a hug. "I love you, Lo, and I always will. I'm here for you, Okay?" He pulled away.

Her eyes watered. "Thank you, Daddy. Oh, I have to get dressed."

"I'll leave you now." He kissed her forehead. "I'll see you downstairs."

"Alright," Lois said and escorted him out. Once the door closed, she leaned against it, and wondered if her Father could handle the truth.

Sam leaned against the door and thought of his lovely wife Ella. What would she do if she were here? Would she too put on a brave face and allow their daughter to marry this man, a being from another world? He didn't know the answer to that question, but to see Lo so happy and content; he's wanted that for so long, and he couldn't stop the wedding; he just couldn't.

Then, Sam remembered.

~o~o~

Earlier that same day, in Metropolis:

After adding his dress uniform inside a garment bag, Sam waited for his daughter, Lucy, who would take them to the airport, when he got a call from his assistant.

"Nancy, what is it? I'm in a hurry; my oldest daughter is getting married in a matter of hours."

"I know that Sir, but you need to see our … guest. He's asking for you."

Sam wasn't sure about this. "I'll be there in a minute."

"Sir, before you see him, you should be prepared."

"What is it?"

"He's different, Sir; he's not the same as before."

"What do you mean?"

"He's healed and he threatened the guards."

"I'm on my way." Minutes later, he entered Bizarro's hidden quarters, but to say that he was different was an understatement. Sam stared at the clone who looked exactly like Superman, but the 'S' was still backward.

Bizarro spoke to him. "I thought you had forgotten about me; it's been weeks. How are you General Lane?"

Shocked and unbelieving, his appearance and let alone how he sounded, he asked, "What happened to you?"

"Don't you like my new look?" He lifted the cape. "I do like it, but the 'S' is all wrong."

"But the green K; it was supposed to," he faltered at his look.

He frowned. "Oh, so, you thought it would hurt me; keep me in line? No, it's just the opposite; it felt good," Bizarro said.

Sam was thinking, OMG! What have I done? He turned to go.

"Oh, leaving so soon, but I thought Lois would come and see me. I wasn't expecting how much better I would feel just by seeing her."

Sam stiffened and turned back to face him. "What are you saying?"

"What is it about Lois that attracts men like me?" Sam looked confused. "She's keeping secrets from all of us." At his silence, he continued. "Clark Kent, a really nice guy; if you like that type of thing. I cannot wait to meet him."

Sam didn't want to talk to him, but Clark is marrying his daughter. "What do you know about my future son-in-law?"

"Lois is marrying Clark-Joe?" He gave a bark of laughter.

"What's so funny?" Sam asked.

"You truly have no idea; do you?" Bizarro was enjoying himself.

"Just spit it out!" Sam nearly shouted.

"Clark-Joe is Superman; you know, the alien who can fly; shoot fire from his eyes; stronger than any man on Earth; and he's in love with your daughter." Sam's face was a mask of pain. "The only reason I stayed in this hellhole was to tell you the truth, and to see the look on your face … priceless."

Sam staggered back unable to comprehend any of it. "You're lying through your teeth. Take that back."

"Aren't you pleased?" Sam was silent. "I'm surprised she never told you; I mean, aren't you her Father; aren't you giving her away? That's just awful; I'll have to speak to Ms. Lane about her lies."

Sam didn't believe him, not for a minute, then he turned on his heel and left but he could still hear him.

"CLARK-JOE IS JUST LIKE ME, EXCLUDING THE 'S' ON MY CHEST BUT I CAN FIX THAT ONCE I GET OUT OF HERE!" He screamed to the top of his lungs then he laughed.

The laughter followed Sam until he thought he was going crazy.

TBC!

~o~o~

Song Inspiration: After Tonight, Mariah Carey.

A/N: Oh, no, Sam knows the truth! Okay, guys, it won't be long now. The wedding is coming up and don't forget to bring rice. Come back in a week. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love; don't you know? Give me that love. Give it to me! Please and thank you!