Author's Notes: In this next chapter, Lois and Clark come up with a plan to stop Luthor's threats, Lex is sentenced, and later Lex and Kitty come face to face again. Please review when you get a moment. Thanks so much. Thanks! :D

~o~o~

Chapter 10: The Fight Continues

Once outside the jailhouse, Lois had to take several deep breaths to calm down. "I've got you, we're almost there," Clark said as he held her close to his side. They slowly made their way to her car then he helped her inside. The initial shock had worn off somewhat and Lois was ready to pull out a revolver and pump the man so full of holes there would be nothing left, no skin, no bones, only blood, blood everywhere. She turned her determined gaze on her partner. "What are we going to do?"

He gripped the steering wheel as he shook his head. "I'm in shock, Lois, how in the world does Luthor know about Jason? You never told me he saw Jason throw that piano."

"Lex wasn't there when it happened, but one of his goons must have told him and that's probably why he left us to die on the yacht."

"I can't believe this is happening to us. We were almost there Lois."

"Clark, stop with that kind of talk. We will stop him, we always do. Come on, we can do this."

He went on as if he hadn't heard her, then it dawned on him. "That's why he sent the red kryptonite to Jason. He wanted me to hurt him, Lois. He wanted me to hurt my own son and he almost succeeded."

She was also getting upset. "But he didn't succeed, Clark, we will stop him. If we put our heads together and with Kitty's help, we can put him away for a long time." She took his hand. "Come on, Clark, you must have some idea how to stop him. Please!" Lois was begging now.

He squeezed her hand. "I'm so sorry all of this happened. All I've ever wanted was for you and Jason to be happy."

"We are happy, Clark, you, me and Jason. Luthor can't destroy that; we won't let him."

"You're right, he can't destroy that, no matter how many clones or red kryptonite he sends our way, we won't let him hurt us anymore. It's over Luthor; he's pushed us too far this time." Clark suddenly got an idea and it just may work then he pulled out his cell phone.

"Who are you calling?"

"Mr. Anderson, the state's prosecutor on Luthor's case. He has to know what Luthor is trying to do."

"Are you considering telling him about Jason? Clark you can't."

"We may not have a choice, Lois."

~o~o~

The prosecutor's office an hour later:

Clark and Lois immediately thanked Mr. Anderson for seeing them on such short notice then explained the situation to the prosecutor, why Lex was desperate to escape jail not only to spread a secret about a family member but also to fight his illness.

Mr. Anderson listened and told them what he knew. "I've already heard from Mr. Burns, Luthor's attorney. Apparently he wants to change his plea and he wants to deal his way out of prison and now I know the reasons."

"It's blackmail plain and simple. He can't get away with this, Mr. Anderson, we're counting on you to put Lex away for a long time," Lois said.

"I don't believe that will be a problem; we have an airtight case against him. I'll make sure that Luthor is put in an isolation cell away from the general population, where he can't run off at the mouth and hurt someone. This secret must be pretty devastating to your family member."

"It is very devastating and if it got out, this person's life could change forever," Lois said hoping she wouldn't have to elaborate.

"I see and knowing Luthor, I'm sure he's taking real pleasure knowing this secret, and how much he wants to exploit it for his own personal gain. The man is very predictable."

"That much is true, but he's also unpredictable. There's no telling what he might do," Lois said.

Clark pulled Lois close to his side. "Thank you, Mr. Anderson. Can you tell us your plans?"

The prosecutor went to stand behind his desk and thought about it for a moment as he looked over his papers. "First of all, I want to call a special hearing to find out exactly what Luthor is planning and what his 'deal' encompasses. Judge Stewart will see exactly what's going on and how unethical it is. Luthor is guilty, he knows it. I'm sure he's on our side. His statement in court the other day confirmed it."

"It was obvious to all of us how the judge felt about Luthor and his schemes," Clark said beginning to feel the tightness in his chest begin to fade. He glanced at Lois and he could see she was also relieved.

Clark shook his hand. "Thank you, sir. Is there any way Lois and I could attend this hearing?"

"That's not a good idea, Mr. Kent. I think it should be a closed hearing under the circumstances. Luthor could say something in open court."

"He has a point, Clark," Lois said terrified at that possibility.

"You're probably right, but we want to be at the courthouse to find out what happened," Clark said.

"I'll call you as soon as I have a time and a date," Mr. Anderson said as he escorted them from his office.

"Thank you again," Lois said as she also shook his hand.

~o~o~

Two days later in Judge Stewart's chambers:

In attendance: Lex Luthor, Mr. Burns, Luthor's attorney, and the prosecutor, Mr. Anderson.

Judge Stewart entered his chamber, stood behind his desk and spoke to all involved. "This special hearing is now called to order." He banged his gravel and everyone took a seat. "As you all know, the circumstances of this hearing are unusual to say the least. That is why the proceedings will be recorded a little differently." He held up a recording device for all to see. "Are there any objections?"

Luthor waited for his attorney to object but when he didn't say anything, Luthor poked him in the ribs again. "Object, object!" Luthor urgently whispered.

"It's pointless, Luthor, it's his chambers not open court, he can do whatever he wants," Mr. Burns explained.

"If there are no objections, let's continue." He took a seat. "Mr. Burns, I understand your client wishes to make a plea deal with this court," Judge Stewart said.

"Yes, your honor," Mr. Burns replied.

"Go on, I'm listening."

"The clone, your honor," Mr. Burns began.

"And what has Superman's clone have to do with any of this?"

"Not Superman's clone, your honor, Mr. Luthor's clone."

"I'm not following, please elaborate," Judge Stewart frowned not liking the direction this was going.

"From what I understand, the clone is in excellent health, no degeneration, no accelerated growth issues, he's doing very well."

"And, get to the point," the judge said getting impatient.

"Mr. Luthor is willing to extend all his research on his cloning process in exchange for leniency, your honor."

The Judge actually barked with laughter. "You're joking, right?"

"No, not at all, your honor, successful cloning is very rare especially with humans. Mr. Luthor has made great strides and he wants to help humanity, not destroy it. He wants to do good things, sir."

"Is that all, Mr. Burns?" The judge tried not to smirk.

"Umm, there is one more thing, your honor. I do not agree with this but Mr. Luthor was insistent. He has become privy to a secret, your honor and wishes to add it to the deal."

Judge Stewart shook his head. "Forget it; I'm ready to make my ruling. Your deal is denied, Mr. Burns," the judge said.

"But, what about Mr. Luthor's secret your honor?" Mr. Burns pleaded.

"There are no secrets in my chambers," he replied then paused for a moment, as he looked at Luthor. "Tell me, Mr. Luthor, this secret that you're willing to give up, will it help humanity or will it destroy it? Will it enable you to do good things?"

Lex stared at the judge as he found himself at a loss for words. "Well, I ummm..."

"I didn't think so," Judge Stewart replied, not surprised in the least.

Mr. Burns tried again. "Mr. Luthor is dying sir. He doesn't have long to live, he really wants to use this time to make things right."

"He should have thought of that years ago before he went on a rampage and destroyed lives and property." Judge Stewart had made a decision. "Mr. Luthor, stand up please."

Luthor stood up ready to accept his punishment.

Judge Stewart read his ruling. "In answer to Count I of the Indictment: Assault with intent to murder: To be convicted of Assault, it must be found that the defendant intentionally, knowingly or recklessly caused physical injury to another; or with criminal negligence caused physical injury to another by means of a deadly weapon.

Under federal law, your client has met all of these criteria for assault, Mr. Burns. Assault with a deadly weapon can result in a prison sentence of up to twenty years. In answer to Count II of War Crimes: The law defines a war crime to include a grave breach of the Geneva Convention noting that "grave breach" has the meaning of all of the Convention, meaning ... crimes committed against persons or property protected by the Convention: willful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, including biological experiments, willfully causing great suffering or serious injury to body or health."

Your client's theft of Superman's crystals, his cloning of Superman and his willful acts against persons and property has also met the criteria for war crimes. Under federal law, war crimes result in a prison sentence of up to twenty years.

Therefore, it is the judgment of this court that you be remanded to a maximum security prison within the week where you will serve a sentence of no less than 25 or more than 40 years in prison without parole.

This hearing is adjourned. Take him away." Judge Stewart banged his gravel, stood up and left his chambers.

Lex stood there with mouth agape, shocked to his soul.

~o~o~

The Courthouse, minutes after Luthor's sentencing:

Kitty arrived at the courthouse, armed guards beside her and saw Lois and Clark's joyful celebration and knew what had happened. It could only mean one thing Lex had gotten the maximum sentence. She stood there watching them for a minute and wondered if she should say anything, that she knew Clark's secret, that he was Superman and a father. She watched for a few more minutes and then she suddenly remembered the last time she and Lex had seen each other. They had stood on the dock after disembarking from the cruise ship each staring at the other.

Kitty held her puppy close as tears hovered about to fall. "Will we see each other again?"

Lex tried not to be moved. In her own way, Kitty understood him like no else ever had. "Not likely. Take care of yourself Kitty." He turned and walked away, his white coat flapping as he walked and left her standing there staring after him.

He had given her a few hundred dollars to get back home but she decided to stay in Nassau and try to make a life for herself. Then she saw Lane and Kent's article about Lex's cloning of himself, Superman and now her. It was time for it to stop and she had made the decision to come back to America and try and stop him.

Kitty came back to the present, approached the happy couple, they both smiled happy to see her. Clark gave her a hug and so did Lois. She tried to put on a smile, but a part of her was depressed and she didn't understand why. They both sensed this and brought her over to a bench sat down with Kitty between them. "I assume that Lex got the maximum sentence?" she asked needing to know.

"Yes, Kitty, 25 to 40 years in prison," Clark replied.

"I see, and if the cancer doesn't kill him?"

"The judge said no parole," Clark answered her.

"I need to see him," she said not even knowing what she could possibly say to him. It was her testimony that had gotten him convicted.

"Are you sure, Kitty? Lex will probably lash out at you, hurt you just like always," Lois tried to dissuade her.

Dr. Emil Hamilton suddenly appeared before them and he seemed to be agitated.

Clark stood up to greet him. "Emil, what's going on; why are you here?" Clark asked.

Emil hesitated and wondered if he should speak in front of the lady.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Emil this is Katherine Kowalski, Kitty, and we owe her a tremendous debt," Clark made the introductions.

Kitty stood up to shake his hand. "It's very nice to meet you, Dr. Hamilton."

"The pleasure is mine, and please call me Emil," he said intrigued.

Clark's eyebrows rose. "What's the reason you came by, Emil?"

"It's about the Lex clone," he said.

"What's wrong with him?" Kitty asked.

"He's dying," Emil stated bluntly.

"Oh my," Kitty said as tears sprang into her eyes.

Lois helped her to sit down again. "Are you alright, Kitty?"

"I feel silly; I haven't even met the clone."

Lois knew exactly what she was feeling. The clone was a human being with feelings just like all of them. She took her hand to offer some comfort. "You should wait a few days before seeing Lex, give yourself a chance to accept what has happened. It's a lot to think about. You can stay with us. The guards can be released, I think. Clark, do you agree?"

"Of course, come with us, Kitty."

She hesitated but only for a moment. "Alright, thank you," she smiled.

"Good, I'll speak with the guards and then we can leave. Thank you, Emil for bringing us the news about the clone." Emil was watching Kitty then Clark made a decision. "Why don't you come by for dinner Emil?"

"Oh, I don't want to intrude," Emil answered inwardly excited.

"It's no trouble at all, right Lois?"

"Of course, come by at 7:00?"

"I'll be there," he said and smiled at Kitty.

Kitty saw his smile ducted her head and actually blushed.

~o~o~

A few days later, Kitty thought she was now strong enough to see Lex. She walked inside the jailhouse visiting area. She had decided to remove her wig and just be herself. Lex wasn't there yet, so she sat down and waited. Her heart was throbbing so hard, she was terrified. He can't hurt me, not anymore, she thought.

"Well, well, well, I should have known you couldn't stay away," Lex said as he entered and took a seat.

He looked tired, worn out and not himself. "How are you Lex?"

"So they told you? I don't want your pity. Is that why you came?"

Kitty decided to show her strong side. "Not at all, I came to give my statement. Now, I guess I'll head back to Nassau. It really is beautiful down there. Too bad you didn't stay. You could have been a free man instead of spending the next 25 years in prison."

Lex's lips thinned. "I'll be out of jail in no time. No prison can hold me. You'll see."

"You're delusional. Lane and Kent said …" He interrupted her.

"Lane and Kent, Lane and Kent … one day …"

"One day what? Lex you're going to a maximum security prison and you're dying. Accept it."

"Never," he said. He stared at her for a moment then stood up suddenly, startling her then he said something Kitty thought never to hear from him. "We will see each other again, Kitty, and when we do, mark my words, you will not be happy about it. You can give Lane and Kent the same message. I'll see you around."

"Guard!"

TBC!

~o~o~

A/N: You know we haven't heard the last of Lex. Tell me what you're thinking. Thanks for reading. Reviews are love.