Superman: The Ark of Krypton

Chapter 18

By

Jason Richard

Fortunately, after the Robot incident, Lexcorp had announced a press conference to address the state of their security. Lex Luthor wasn't one to keep his head down. He would address the problem of stolen technology head on.

Something Lois and Clark were counting on.

As the two of them approached Lexcorp, they both took a deep breath. The pair of them were each after big stories, and were determined to get them.

"Alright," said Lois, "You know the plan. You find evidence that Lexcorp is looking for that alien ship, and I'll see if I can connect him to any disreputable buyers."

"Sounds good," said Clark. "How do you plan to do it?"

"I've got a few contacts inside," said Lois. "And a bit of research into Lexcorp public legal documents to point me in the right direction. How about you?"

"If he's got anything from an alien ship it's probably in the most secure location in the building," said Clark. "I've done a little research of my own, so all I have to do is get in there, and I have a plan."

"Someone's ambitious," said Lois. "But you surprised me once. Let's see if you can do it again...while we're on the same side of course."

"Miss Lane," said Clark with a grin. "When I find what I'm looking for I'm certain I'll treasure the look on your face for years to come."

Lois found that quite amusing as they crossed the threshold of the building.

The first step was the conference itself. Before that Clark did a sweep of the building with his X-Ray vision, but had no luck. There were a walls his vision couldn't penetrate for some reason. Apparently someone had figured out he could see through walls after uisng heat vision to repair that building he had caught. Of course he knew someone had figured out that little detail when the robot used technology to blind him, but this confirmed it.

If even those abilities that weren't immediately obvious could be deduced, apparently. Clark realized he really could me more vulnerable than he realized.

But for now, he focused on the press conference.

The whole thing was mostly for show. Lex Luthor gave a speech about how upping security measures was the most important agenda for Lexcorp at the moment. Standard stuff really. Then he took a few questions. Most were along the lines of what kind of security measures he would be taking, but it wasn't until Clark managed to get called upon that a new form of question was put to the billionaire.

"Mr. Luthor," said Clark. "While I'm sure all of us are reassured by the new security measures you have outlines for us, I think the people of Metropolis might be a little more concerned about what is being protected."

Lex Luthor rubbed his chin and said, "Explain."

"I'm certain you have your reasons for keeping projects under wraps," said Clark. "But at the same time the recent attack has opened up the possibility that such weapons could be used on the streets, near people's homes. My question to you then is how would you reassure the citizens of this city that they are safe when they don't know what to expect?"

"Don't know what to expect?" said Luthor quizzically. "Do you suggest I tell people of my top secret projects?"

"Well…" said Clark, choosing his words delicately. "It might sound better coming from you than learning about it firsthand in the unlikely event your technology is stolen again...if you ask my opinion, and while I'm certain you are going to take every precaution after recent incidents, it's always difficult to reassure the public about things that are inherently uncertain. That's part of why we have the press, after all."

Luthor rubbing his chin thoughtfully and said, "What is your name?"

"Clark Kent," said Clark.

"Well," said Luthor. "You certainly make a valid point. It seems I have some more to show the press today. If you will give me a moment, we'll show you what we've got going on...backstage, as it were."

Clark grinned. He had hoped Luthor would take the bait. All he had to do was convince him that all of this was to Luthor's benefit, and he'd go for it. Lois Lane, meanwhile, came up behind him and softly in his ear.

"Well played," she chuckled admittedly. "But be careful. Lex Luthor has you in his sights now, and I get the feeling he knows you manipulated his decision on purpose."

"He probably does," said Clark, determined. "But if I wasn't prepared for that, I wouldn't have spoken up, but thanks for your concern."

"You're welcome," said Lois. "But don't expect me to make a habit of it. Now, let's focus on what we came to do."

"Understood," said Clark.