Raw Talent

Senator Martha Kent stopped to pose for some photo ops along the way back from the stage, including a few with Clark and Lois. "Perry's gonna love this." Jimmy Olsen smirked as he snapped a few more shots. "Nothing like some human interest stories to perk up circulation." Jimmy quipped, faking Perry White's deep voice.

Martha made her way to Oliver's table. She stopped to hug Chloe and Kara. "How's my favorite niece doing?" She whispered to Kara. "Fine, Aunt Martha, just a bit overwhelmed. I guess I didn't expect such a huge event to take place."

"Oliver." Martha smiled warmly at him, as he stood to shake her hand. "Staying out of trouble?" She grinned. "Never." Oliver chuckled. "Maddie?" Martha hugged the coed. "You've grown into a beautiful young woman." Maddie reddened. "Thanks, Mrs. Kent."

Lois was right at Martha's heel. "Quite the show up there today, eh Mrs. K?" She stood by Clark's side. "Yes. After all that, and being that close to Tess and the young Luthors, I feel like I need to take a hot shower." Martha jabbed, cracking Lois and Chloe up.

Clark still glanced around nervously. He wasn't at all comfortable with the amount of publicity that they were attracting. "Stay tuned." Martha teased, specifically addressing Lois and Clark. "Another one of my colleagues from the other side of the political aisle is due to speak tomorrow after the band finishes its set." Lois was immediately attentive.

"Ooh! Color me intrigued." Lois grinned thinly. "Who's this person that dares to take on the mighty Senator Kent?" She sucked up to Martha. "Mariah Pocious." Clark's Earth mother replied. "She's a new freshman senator with eyes on the Whitehouse."

"Really?" Lois, though glassy eyed, was still coherent enough to realize when a huge story was dumped in her lap. "I've only met her once. She's a firecracker though." Martha hinted. "Red, White, and Blue Conservative. Hails from Florida, though most of her family is from Greece."

"Do you think that she's just another political wanna bee on a power trip?" Lois probed. "No, not at all. I dare not underestimate her. She's hell bent on causing all kinds of mayhem in the legislature." Martha responded quietly. "I'll be watching…and writing." Lois smirked.

"Lois, can I get you something non-alcoholic to drink?" Clark offered politely. "Sure, sweetie." Lois slurred as Martha grinned. "Sweetie, eh?" She teased Clark who reddened. "I'll take a caffeine max coffee." Lois added. "Sounds like we have another story brewing."

"Chloe, care to help me get a round?" Clark said as he turned to her. That was code for 'we need to talk'. "Okay." She took Oliver's order and then made her way around the table. The two of them wandered towards the refreshment stands.

"So, did we just dodge a huge sized Kryptonian bullet, or is this just the quiet before the next Luthor storm?" Chloe asked as Clark shrugged. "The jury's still out on that." He remarked. "I smell a Luthor rat or two." She added. "Imagine the shock on Tess's face, going from corporate mogul to junior partner."
Clark placed their orders, as Chloe patiently waited. "The young Luthor lions are massaging Smallville's populace. They want something. Something big." She commented.

Bruce, Dick, and Barbara headed over to visit with Martha Kent. "Mr. Wayne? Thanks for coming out to support our local fair. The small businesses really appreciate the financial boost, however short lived it may be." Martha said diplomatically, after introductions were made.

Laura and Kara edged closer to them. "This is my ward, Dick Grayson, and our friend, Barbara Gordon." Bruce added. "We're glad that we can contribute. WayneCo appreciates the effort you've made as a Kansas Senator. You've fought hard for some important legislation up on The Hill." Bruce complimented her officially.

"Mr. Wayne and I see eye to eye on some important legislative issues." Martha explained to the young crowd. "Are you enjoying the fair, Mr. Wayne?" Kara asked as she stood nearby. Dick hadn't been able to keep his eyes off of her all evening. "Yes, thank you." Bruce answered.

"This is my niece, Kara." Martha held the alien beauty's hand. "Pleased to meet you." Bruce responded as Dick continued to stare. Barbara elbowed him back to reality. I wonder if there are any more like her at home, Dick mused lustily.

Meanwhile, Tess had circled back into the main fairgrounds, and approached Clark and Chloe. Instantly, Faith somersaulted directly into Tess's path. "Where are you going, Tess?" The Meta human girl asked with a slight edge to her voice.

"Really?" Tess glared at her with disapproval. "I was just going to ask Clark a question." She feigned innocence. "See that you behave yourself." Faith threatened, as she shadowed Tess over to where Clark and Chloe were standing. They were surprised to see them.

"Tess?" Clark's eyes widened as Chloe scowled. Faith quickly placed herself in front of Chloe. Tess eyed her suspiciously. Protecting your biggest asset? The evil Lex Luthor sidekick thought. "Hello Clark, Chloe." Tess began pleasantly, pretending to be interested in some casual conversation. "Quite the shocker up there tonight." Chloe needled her nemesis.

"Yeah, that was certainly a surprise to me." Tess dared come no closer to them, afraid that Faith would get the wrong impression. She knew what Faith was fully capable of doing. The young Meta human was a weapons expert, with a penchant for knives.

"We all knew that Lionel was no saint, but I'm amazed at how he was able to conceal their existence to us." Tess said as she risked a glance at Bruce and Martha. Chloe noted that Tess used the word 'us'. Was she referring to LuthorCorp in general or specifically Lex? She wondered.

"Can we help you with something?" Clark asked warily. "Yes, actually. I wonder if I could join you and Oliver and the rest of the table?" She inquired far too sweetly. "Sure. Help yourself." He gestured towards them. "Can we get you something to drink?" Clark asked gallantly, preferring to see what Tess was truly up to. "Uh…thanks, no. I prefer to keep my senses at full today."

Chloe's eyes narrowed. Tess was nervous, but why? She mused silently. Faith stood behind Clark stoically keeping an eye on Tess. I wonder what her angle is?

Chloe continued to mull that over, as she awaited the last few drinks to be poured. It's not like Tess to be so friendly. Chloe analyzed. Something had really rattled her. She found it hard to believe that the ruthless and powerful Luthor protégé could be so easily unnerved.

She's probably going to try and play at Clark's sympathy, Chloe decided, as she picked up the first tray full of drinks. Clark grabbed the second.

Oliver gawked as Tess strolled over to their table, following Clark and Chloe. Faith took up the rear, ever vigilant. Quickly, Sara, Abby, and Maddie surrounded Ollie. A nearby garbage can rattled, as the bottles, cans, and other debris began to bounce around within.

Oliver touched Maddie's hand. "Relax, Maddie, I can handle Tess." He assured the young Meta human. Immediately the garbage settled back down as the youthful guardians watched Tess's approach carefully. Tess returned Oliver's icy stare. What was she up to? He mused silently.

Clark and Chloe placed the drink trays on the table. Laura and Kara flanked them, quickly dividing up the drinks between pop and adult beverages. Lois's glassy eyes widened, and for once she was speechless, aware of Oliver and Tess's past involvements.

"Senator Kent, Mr. Wayne." Tess began, trying her best to be pleasant. "Miss Mercer." Bruce greeted her coldly, but professionally. Kara growled quietly as she retreated to the far side of the table. "Did she just growl?" Dick asked Barb who had chosen to leave the older adults to their discussion. Lois and Clark lingered a bit, but reluctantly edged away.

Lois stood beside Oliver for a moment. "So what's the dragon lady doing here, sucking up to Mr. Wayne and Martha?" Oliver shrugged. "Beats me. I have no idea what goes on inside Tess's twisted mind." Clark was tempted to use his super hearing and eavesdrop, but decided against it. If there were anything to be concerned about, his mother would fill him in later.

"Richard? Barbara? Would you care to join us?" Laura offered pleasantly, grabbing two more seats from a nearby abandoned table. "Thanks." Barb accepted. The young Gotham City crime-fighters had felt out of sorts among the strangers.

Lois and Chloe made it a point to make them feel welcome, sharing some of their Clark stories. The cousins reminisced about their fleeting brush with local fame, singing Karaoke at the Talon. Clark hated to dredge up that memory which had involved both Lana and Alicia.

"This brings me to my next point." Lois hinted as she wiped some dust from around her glassy eyes. "Wasn't there supposed to be a talent show contest at the fair tonight?" Both Kara and Laura reddened. "Uh…yeah…we're supposed to go on stage soon." Laura reluctantly admitted.

Oliver smirked. "Oh? What have you girls got planned?" He instigated. "You'll just have to wait and see." Kara teased, glancing at Dick whom she'd just caught checking her out again. Laura chuckled. "Ooh! Will it be lame and embarrassing?" Chloe asked playfully.

"Definitely." Laura responded. "Can't wait!" Oliver snickered. "It's all for a good cause." Laura explained. "We go up there, act like idiots, and the local populace votes for their favorite dork by placing a dollar in a contestant's money jar. The performer with the most dollars in his or her jar has the dubious honor of being declared the winner."

"At least it all goes to charity." Clark reasoned. "Gee Clark, you could always recite the Gettysburg Address." Oliver taunted. Lois placed her arm across her forehead, overreacting, as she pretended to faint into Clark's arms. "Be still my beating heart." She exaggerated. "Four score and seven beers ago…" She began, cracking Chloe up.

This brought a warm smile to Clark's face. He was glad to see Lois in a good mood, even though it was partially alcohol related. Lately, she'd been tired and cranky, as they each worked to find that 'one big story' for the Daily Planet.

"You know, Lois." Clark began quietly, nearly whispering in her ear. "You could always do that unique salute to the American Flag that you did at the gentlemen's club." He teased. "No such luck, Smallville." Her eyes sparkled. "If you're lucky, I may do that routine for you one day." She flirted and laughed as she kissed him.