Superman: The Ark of Krypton
Chapter 91
by
Jason Richard
Superman tried to think of how to get past the force field as he flew in the air and carried Lois in his arms, but in the end, he was forced to wait for his powers to return in full, as at his current level he wouldn't so much as make a dent.
He tried flying to another area to see how cars leaving Metropolis got in and out. Superman couldn't imagine Lytener, even if he had rebranded himself as the villain Luminus, putting drivers in danger. However, it looked like the force field was visible on roads as a wall of red light. Cars on both sides were backed up as they couldn't pass through.
"Superman," said Lois, getting worried. "I could go to jail for what Edward's going to do to me."
"Everything will be fine," said Superman. "I'm not giving up. And even if Lytener does manage to frame you I'll vouch for your innocence."
"To the press perhaps," said Lois. "But can you make a court appearance? Would a testimony from you be legit? Handing over criminals to the police is one thing, but actually appearing in court? You're not technically an American citizen. Remember?"
"It will be fine. I promise. We just…"
And suddenly the force field disappeared. Silence hung over them as they both realized what that meant. If it wasn't needed anymore, then Lois's had to have been framed by now.
Lois, though worried, sighed and shrugged, "Well, on the bright side we might not have to worry about Lex Luthor anymore."
"Lois!" said Superman, aghast.
"What?" asked Lois. "Didn't you hear Edward? After all, we know Luthor does there's something else...something that scared Edward...bad. Given that his black market weapon deals inevitably result in people getting hurt it isn't hard to imagine exactly what kind of bad we're talking about. Part of me...would be a little relieved if Luthor was out of the picture."
Superman said nothing. She wasn't wrong.
"Alright," said Lois. "Whatever Edward was planning to do is done. Let's go see what the damage is."
Superman nodded. As he flew he thought about it. What did Edward Lytener see at Lexcorp that had spooked him so much?
…
Lex Luthor was taken to the hospital, which in of itself probably proved he was up to something. Normally he'd use his own doctors, but if he was at a hospital it was easier for the press to depict him as being injured.
Superman brought Lois to Lexcorp. She didn't want to delay the inevitable, so when he put her down she allowed the cops to take her in. Apparently, video footage of Lois shooting Luthor had made its way online, and despite Superman saying to any reporters there that she was with him at the time that video was pretty solid proof.
The only good news in all of this was that Superman was able to turn in Edward Lytener to the police, though as he sat in a jail cell yet again the scientist felt a certain contentment. He had failed to defeat Superman, but he'd held on long enough to distract him and succeeded in framing Lois Lane. His only regret was that Lex Luthor had survived the attack.
But then again maybe he didn't have much to fear from Lex Luthor after all. Certainly even Luthor couldn't penetrate the maximum security that Lytener was being held in. He'd wait until he saw the inevitable result of Lois's trial, then he'd escape.
As Edward lay back in the bed of his jail cell, he rested his head on his hands and smiled at the ceiling. Luminus would not be contained forever, he thought. He'd find a way out and then get back at everyone who had ever messed with him.
Even Lex Luthor.
That being said Lytener wasn't surprised at all when Lex Luthor dropped by for a visit.
...
"Lex Luthor," said Lytener dryly as he lay back and looked through the bars of his cell. "What do you want?"
"Now now Edward," said Luthor. "There's no need to be rude."
"Oh we're on a first name basis now are we?" said Lytener. "Should I be honored...Lex?"
So he was going to be difficult. As for as Lex Luthor was concerned that was fine. Irritating, but fine. The man did challenge Superman on his own after all.
"Come now Edward," said Luthor. "I admit that I might have underestimated your potential. Surely I can arrange…"
"Spare me your patronizing speech," said Lytener. "I've no need of you."
Lex sighed, "You're not even going to consider the opportunities I could provide you? Are you sure you really want to...ahem...upset me?"
"What can you do to me here?" asked Lytener. "Besides. I know what kind of man you are. I've seen dozens of hostile takeovers orchestrated by your company. Someone has something you don't have, you want it bad. So long as I have the knowledge of this new technology in my head you won't risk losing it by harming me. I assume my technology self-destructed as I programmed it to?"
It had. Both the holographic projector that framed Lois Lane and the projector that Lytener wore on his belt to make his holographic armor had both self-destructed after a while, their circuits completely fried and their secrets hidden.
The disappointment on Luthor's face must have been obvious as Lytener just grinned and said, "Now you see, I know what goes on at Lexcorp. I heard things I shouldn't have heard and seen things that I wasn't supposed to see. That's why I was working with Lois Lane in the first place."
Luthor started to grow angry, "You what?" he demanded.
"I was feeding Lois Lane information about Lexcorp," said Lytener. "What? You plan to do something about it?"
Luthor fumed and said, "Don't try your luck with me. Those aliens had technology that can steal information from people's minds. It's only a matter of time before I invent something similar. Before this whole incident is over you'll be crawling back to me on your hand and knees begging for the chance to work for me, and I'll be laughing in your face."
"We'll see," said Lytener. "Would you go away now? I need my rest."
Luthor, still fuming, left, and Lytener was left to consider his former boss's words. Perhaps a situation would someday come when Luthor could strike at him. It would probably be a good idea to prepare for such a time.
…
Of all the places Clark Kent expected to speak with Lois Lane, this one had never even crossed his mind. He was led by some police officers to the jail cell. Lois hadn't been incarcerated yet, so it was just the temporary holding cell at the police station, and even though she still had the clothes she wore to work that day it was still so strange seeing her behind bars.
"Hey Clark," said Lois, walking up and leaning against the steel that locked her in.
"Hey," said Clark. "You are you holding up?
"I've been better," said Lois. "How are things at the Daily Planet?"
"Perry White is fuming," said Clark. "I know that's not saying much, but he's even worse than usual. I'm afraid he'll turn over his desk at any moment."
"You know," said Lois. "I'd almost give anything to see that."
They shared a chuckle, but then Clark got serious again.
"Listen," said Clark. "Superman vouched for you, so as far as I'm concerned you're innocent. I just wanted to let you know that I'll do what I can to prove it."
"Billionaire scientist frames famous reporter?" said Lois teasingly. "I think you might be getting the front page to yourself pretty soon."
"That's not what I…"
"I know," said Lois. "I know. I do appreciate it. Really."
Clark could see the worry, even if she tried to hide it. He said, "We'll prove your innocence, Lois. Everything will be fine. I promise."
Lois gave him a strange look, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. For a second Clark had this sneaking suspicion that he was being examined, but then she just shrugged and said, "Thanks, Clark."
And Clark nodded.