1 "Prototype"
Original Smallville Fanfiction
By Rich Wheeler
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or anything else related to Smallville, it's all property of the WB. I'm just borrowing them to make a (hopefully) good story.
Summary: A top secret project is stolen from LuthorCorp, a suit called the Z13 which increases the strength, speed and agility to any that wear it. Meanwhile, Chloe is given news from Metropolis that the Daily Planet has interest in her and want to meet with her for an interview. She is very excited and takes Clark and Lana with her. There, she searches for a story to show the Planet…she finds just the one, a seemingly unstoppable man in a high tech suit easily robbing Metropolis blind.
Rated: PG13
Category: Action/Adventure and even a little Romance
Author's Note: My last Smallville fanfic, "Traveler" has been put on hold for a while. I'm not sure if I will or will not finish it. Enjoy this one, I like it a lot. It takes place after episode 15: "Nicodemus". Feedback is always greatly appreciated.
Chapter One: Going To Metropolis
Metropolis, the sun has gone down and the stars have come out, yet the city is still very much awake. Traffic is still heavy, and people continue to crowd the sidewalks. Few people remain at Luthorcorp; most have gone home for the night. Some stay and keep an eye on the place, like Harvey Trench, a security guard working the night shift. He's on the phone now, talking to his wife who is home with their four-month-old child. Times are hard for the Trench family. "Please, Wanda, you know I'm trying, you know I'm working my ass off here!" Harvey pleads. "It's not my fault, I couldn't get a raise or even a bonus from Mr. Luthor, but things will get better, baby…I promise." He assures her after hearing her worries. "I know we have a child now…it's just that…" He stops, being interrupted by his wife. "No! You are not going to borrow more money from your sister! Don't you know how that makes me feel?" He asks, hearing more and more complaints and worries. "Everything will be ok, I will provide for our family, I'll get the money myself." He says. "I don't know how…somehow, Wanda, somehow." Harvey hears more of his wife's troubles and tries to comfort her again, but she hangs up on him.
He lets out a big sigh and leans against the wall, a million things racing through his mind. Then, Harvey spots Lex Luthor walking down one of the halls of the research and development section of Level 2. He quickly runs up to him to talk. "Mr. Luthor, I wanted to talk to you about something." Harvey says, Lex hardly takes notice to him, he continues to walk forward. "I've been working here for six years now, and I've been doing a real good job."
"(Sigh) What do you want, Mr…(Looking at his security I.D.) Trench?" Lex asks, finally stopping and turning around to address him.
"Well, Mr. Luthor, my wife had a baby about four months ago…and, you see, money has been real tight lately…" Harvey stops, sensing Lex gets his point.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Trench, I'm not in charge of giving handouts to security guards. How about talking to my father." Lex says, continuing ahead.
"I have, Lex…I mean Mr. Luthor, I've talked to your father and he refuses. I thought you might…" Harvey stops, being interrupted as Lex turns around once more.
"Please, Mr. Trench, maybe another time. I would like to help you out, but now is not the time." Lex says walking forward again and then stopping at a door at the end of the hallway.
"Please, Mr. Luthor! Please!" Harvey pleads.
"Another time, Mr. Trench." Lex says, sliding his I.D. card through, causing the door to unlock. He opens it and walks in, leaving a desperate Harvey Trench behind. The room is large inside, computers line the walls and several blueprints and plans have been put up. Large tables cluttered with several tools and trinkets sit in the center of the room. Three scientists sit at their desks, working on various things. When Lex enters they immediately stop working and stand up, one of them walks over to him and shakes his hand.
"Hello, Mr. Luthor, we weren't expecting you." The scientist says.
"I thought I would pop in and see how the project is going." Lex replies.
"Very well, Mr. Luthor, it's going very well. It's very near completion." The scientist says.
"Let me see it." Lex says.
"Of course sir." The scientist replies. He leads Lex to the far end of the room; the other two scientists follow. He walks to a computer located to the side and types a few things, then, beeps are heard and the middle of the wall slides open. "Right this way, Mr. Luthor."
The four walk into a much smaller, spherical room. It is very dark, until one of the scientists pushes a button on the wall, causing a large light on the ceiling to turn on, and shine down into the center of the room, where there appears to be a large coffin-like object standing there. The scientist that opened the door walks to the object and types in a four number code on the side of it, causing it to open like a shell, revealing a very high-tech looking suit inside. "This is the Luthorcorp Z13, Mr. Luthor. You've seen it on paper and heard all we've told you about it, but you've never seen it like this." The scientist says.
Lex walks forward to get a closer look. "Is this made of rubber?" Lex asks.
"Actually only about 30% rubber, it's made of an ultra-thin armor that is near indestructible, rubber mixed with a few chemicals covers it on the outside. But the inside is lined with wiring and the computer technology that give it it's many features. Heavier armor has been added on the shoulders, knees, boots and the wrists. The helmet is lightweight but extremely durable, as is the visor that covers the face. The "brain" of the Z13 lies in the helmet, it powers the suit, which gives the person enormous strength, speed and agility. You have no idea how excited we are with this project, Mr. Luthor." The scientist explains.
"You talked about the features, all the ones we discussed have been included, right?" Lex asks.
"All of them and more, Mr. Luthor." The scientist replies.
"And more?" Lex asks.
"Stealth mode, Mr. Luthor. A button on the belt causes the suit and it's wearer to become completely invisible to the naked eye." The scientist says with enthusiasm.
"Excellent…show me." Lex orders. The scientist hits a small button on the side of the belt, causing the suit to seemingly vanish into thin air. A smile crosses Lex's face.
"Are you pleased, Mr. Luthor?" The scientist asks.
"Very. We will test it one week from today." Lex says, walking out of the room.
"One week from today?! But sir! That's too soon!" The scientist says, running after him.
"You said it was near complete and by the looks of it the Z13 is." Lex replies.
"But, Mr. Luthor, it has to be inspected and approved and…your father hasn't even seen it yet, and he is in charge of this project." The scientist says. Lex gets a stern look and stares into the scientist's eyes.
"I am in charge of this project, and if you think otherwise I'll fire you right now. You have one week until I see what that thing can do, one week." Lex says, walking out of the room. The scientist slumps back, disappointed. He walks back to the other two in the spherical room.
"Alright guys, looks like we'll have to finish sooner than expected. I think we've all deserved a good nights sleep, let's close up." The scientist says. Two scientists walk to the suit to encase it again, but are stopped.
"I want…the Z13, NOW!" Harvey Trench says, pointing his gun at the three.
The next afternoon in Smallville, schools out and the usual gang has met at the Talon. Inside, Clark is sitting by himself at a table drinking a coke and staring over at Lana and Whitney. Lana laughs at something Whitney says and then he kisses her, Clark frowns. A moment later Chloe Sullivan comes into the Talon with a newspaper in hand. She sits down next to Clark, who is still staring at Lana and Whitney. Chloe looks at him, then looks at Lana and Whitney, then back to him. "Snap out of it, Clark, I swear…you're obsessed." Chloe says.
"Nah, I was just glancing over there. So what's up?" Clark asks.
"Not a whole lot, I finished up that article for the Torch I've been working on since last week, and I got my History test back today…A+.
"Not surprising." Clark says, taking another drink of his coke.
"Did you see today's paper?" Chloe asks.
"Nope, anything interesting?" Clark replies.
"Well, other than a top secret multi-million dollar project being stolen from LuthorCorp last night, no." Chloe says.
"Guess it's not so secret anymore…what kind of "project" is it?" Clark asks.
"A high-tech suit that was supposed to be given to American soldiers to help in combat…no telling what it could do in the wrong hands." Chloe replies.
"Oh man…do they know who stole it?" Clark asks.
"Yeah, a guy named Harvey Trench. He was a security guard there, worked the night shift." Chloe replies.
"Why would a security guard want to steal a high-tech commando suit?" Clark asks.
"No one knows…the police were at his house not long after the robbery, his wife told him he never came home. This guy is obviously a psychotic…I don't even know how he would get it out of the building." Chloe says.
"Well I'm sure they'll find him, that is if Lionel Luthor doesn't hunt him down himself before they get the chance." Clark says, causing them both to crack up. After Clark takes another drink of his coke, Pete walks up to them looking quite happy.
"Oh yeah…guess who just got Veronica Chase's number?!" Pete says, showing them both the 7 digits written on the small piece of paper.
"Pete, you are a true lady killer." Clark says.
"Almost…" Chloe says under her breath.
"Yes, it will be me out with Veronica Chase tomorrow, just me and her spending some quality time together." Pete says, dreaming about their date.
"Don't get too excited now, Pete…girls have been known to pull the "something suddenly came up" excuse on you before." Chloe says.
"Now why did you have to bring that up? Besides, that only happened once or twice, and that was like a year ago. I've gotten much cooler, much smoother since then." Pete says.
"Smooth Pete, very smooth." Clark says, trying not to laugh as he drinks his coke.
"Well, boys, as much as I'd like to stay here and chat I've got to get home and spend time with my dad. He wants us to do this whole father/daughter bonding thing, thinks we're drifting apart or something like that. (Sigh)…later guys.
"See ya, Chloe." Clark says.
"Yeah, have fun." Pete adds. "Well, I too must leave you now, Clark. Veronica is leaving, and I think I just saw her signal me to go with her…that's a good sign. Bye Clark."
"Later, Pete." Clark says. Clark looks back over at Lana and Whitney. A couple of Whitney's football pals tell him to go talk to him near the TV where they're watching ESPN. He goes, and Lana gets up and walks over towards Clark. "Hi, Lana." He says.
"Hey, Clark." Lana replies.
"Looks like you and Whitney are doing good." Clark says.
"Yeah…he's in a much better mood since he got news his dad is doing better. He's acting like he used to when we first met, everything's where it should be right now." Lana says, looking over at Whitney laughing with his friends. Clark nods his head slightly and looks down at the table. Whitney and his friends get up and start to head out the door.
"Hey Lana! Come on!" Whitney calls.
"Hey, Sarah, I'll be back in about an hour and I'll be here for closing time so you can go home early." Lana tells a Talon employee who is taking some drinks to a few people.
"Alright, Lana, thanks." Sarah replies.
"I gotta go, Clark. We were going to meet in the Torch newsroom tomorrow right?" Lana asks.
"Yeah." Clark replies.
"So I'll see you then. Bye." Lana says walking away.
"Bye…Lana." Clark says softly after she is already gone. "Everything's where it should be…" Clark says to himself sadly. He takes one last drink of his coke and leaves the Talon.
A beautiful Saturday afternoon in Smallville the next day, and Clark, Chloe and Lana are in the Torch newsroom at Smallville High working on finishing up a few things and getting the layout right for the next edition. "Yeah, that looks good." Chloe says to Lana, looking down at the arranged articles. "How's it looking for you, Clark?" Chloe asks Clark, who is sitting at the computer working in a program.
"Looking good." Clark replies.
"Well then…we've been here all afternoon but I think it was worth it." Chloe says.
"And now…we're done?" Lana asks, wanting Chloe's approval.
"I suppose, but as you all know we'll have to cover the school dance and the boy's basketball tournaments for the one after this." Chloe reminds them.
"How could we forget?" Clark asks, getting up from the computer.
"And of course there's…" Chloe stops, being interrupted by the sound of her cell phone ringing. "That's me…" She takes it to the back of the room. Clark walks over to Lana and stretches his arms.
"Well…that wasn't so bad." Clark says, tired.
"No, no…not at all." Lana replies, leaning back against the wall.
"So did everything go well at the Talon last night?" Clark asks, leaning against it next to her.
"There was this one guy that tried to pay me with Swedish money…then he ran away very fast." Lana says, both of them start laughing.
"What about you, Clark? How was your night?" Lana asks.
"Helped my dad around the farm, made some late deliveries, and I started working on that English paper." He replies. Lana nods her head.
"You know…" Clark starts after a few moments of silence. "I'm happy for you and Whitney. Well…I'm happy, that you're happy." Lana looks at Clark and smiles.
"Thanks, Clark." Lana says, still looking at him. A moment later Chloe comes running back, seeming very excited.
"What is it, Chloe?" Clark asks.
"You won't believe who I just talked to!" Chloe says with enthusiasm.
"Who?" Clark asks.
"I can't believe this…it's like a dream come true…" Chloe says.
"Who, Chloe??" Clark asks again.
"That was Perry White…the editor in chief of the Daily Planet…THE Daily Planet…and…and…" Chloe says, even more enthused.
"And…what? Spit it out Chloe." Clark says.
"He said he was interested in me…he wants me to meet with him in Metropolis for and interview!" Chloe yells.
"An interview? You mean a job interview for a reporting job?" Lana asks.
"No, an interview for the new janitor position that just opened up…of course an interview for a reporting job. Me…a reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. I mean, I knew I would make it someday but I had no idea it would happen so soon." Chloe says, super hyper and happy.
"Chloe that's great…I mean, he was really interested in wanting you to work for him?" Clark asks.
"Don't say it like it's hard to believe, Clark." Chloe replies.
"Well, no…I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you're in high school, you're pretty young to be working for the Daily Planet." Clark says.
"Lot's of people have started very good careers at my age, and it's not like I would drop out of school or anything…wait, I have to stop, I haven't even gotten the job yet, I don't want to jynx it! Ok Chloe, quiet…quiet…I'm going to write for the Daily Planet!!" Chloe yells with excitement.
"When does he want to interview you?" Lana asks.
"He told me whenever I have the time I'm supposed to call him…I have time tomorrow." Chloe says, walking around thinking.
"Tomorrow? You're going to Metropolis tomorrow? Don't you need to talk this over with your dad or something?" Clark asks.
"He'll give me permission, he wouldn't keep me away from an opportunity like this." Chloe replies. "Wait, I don't want to go alone…it's a big city, but it's not like I haven't been there before…Clark! You have to go with me!" Chloe says, walking up to Clark.
"Umm…well, Chloe, I don't know. I mean, I guess I could…but if you want me to go Lana should definitely come with too, she's good with, um, giving people support." Clark replies. Chloe looks at Lana, then back at Clark.
"Sure…Lana can come along." Chloe says.
"Oh, I don't know…this is your big opportunity like you said…" Lana starts.
"Don't be silly, Lana…Chloe said you can come." Clark tells her.
"Yes…I did didn't I?" Chloe says.
"Alright, I'll go to Metropolis with you guys, sounds like fun." Lana says.
"This is it…I know it." Chloe says, walking away with a million thoughts racing through her mind. Clark looks at Lana and shrugs his shoulders.
That evening, at the Kent home…Clark is in the kitchen with his parents talking about the trip he found out he'd be taking just hours before. "So Chloe is really getting a chance to work as a professional reporter for the Daily Planet?" Martha Kent asks.
"Yeah…I mean I always thought she was talented and had a knack for reporting, I just didn't think it would happen for her so soon." Clark says.
"Well, tell her we're happy for her." Martha says.
"I will dad…so you guys are really letting me go?" Clark asks.
"Sure, son…you're a big boy now, practically a man." Jonathan says.
"Jonathan, don't say that…he's still my little boy no matter how much taller than me he gets." Martha says.
"(Smiling) Thanks guys." Clark says.
"Don't get into any trouble…" Jonathan starts.
"Don't worry about it dad, we probably won't be there for long anyway." Clark assures him.
"So…what's on TV tonight?" Jonathan asks, looking through the paper.
"There's a Dukes of Hazard marathon on channel 62." Clark says. Jonathan gives him a funny look.
The next day around noon, Chloe's car drives up to the Kent Farm where Clark is waiting. She honks the horn a couple times and sticks her head out the window. "You ready, farm-boy?" Chloe asks. Clark smiles and walks to the car. Lana is already inside, and when Clark opens the side door he notices Whitney getting in also.
"Whitney…you're coming with?" Clark asks.
"Think I'm going to let you go to Metropolis with Lana and not me? Think again, Kent." Whitney says as he gets into the backseat next to Lana. Clark raises his rolls his eyes and gets in the front passenger's seat. He closes the door and the car speeds away, leaving a dust cloud in its place.
Original Smallville Fanfiction
By Rich Wheeler
Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters or anything else related to Smallville, it's all property of the WB. I'm just borrowing them to make a (hopefully) good story.
Summary: A top secret project is stolen from LuthorCorp, a suit called the Z13 which increases the strength, speed and agility to any that wear it. Meanwhile, Chloe is given news from Metropolis that the Daily Planet has interest in her and want to meet with her for an interview. She is very excited and takes Clark and Lana with her. There, she searches for a story to show the Planet…she finds just the one, a seemingly unstoppable man in a high tech suit easily robbing Metropolis blind.
Rated: PG13
Category: Action/Adventure and even a little Romance
Author's Note: My last Smallville fanfic, "Traveler" has been put on hold for a while. I'm not sure if I will or will not finish it. Enjoy this one, I like it a lot. It takes place after episode 15: "Nicodemus". Feedback is always greatly appreciated.
Chapter One: Going To Metropolis
Metropolis, the sun has gone down and the stars have come out, yet the city is still very much awake. Traffic is still heavy, and people continue to crowd the sidewalks. Few people remain at Luthorcorp; most have gone home for the night. Some stay and keep an eye on the place, like Harvey Trench, a security guard working the night shift. He's on the phone now, talking to his wife who is home with their four-month-old child. Times are hard for the Trench family. "Please, Wanda, you know I'm trying, you know I'm working my ass off here!" Harvey pleads. "It's not my fault, I couldn't get a raise or even a bonus from Mr. Luthor, but things will get better, baby…I promise." He assures her after hearing her worries. "I know we have a child now…it's just that…" He stops, being interrupted by his wife. "No! You are not going to borrow more money from your sister! Don't you know how that makes me feel?" He asks, hearing more and more complaints and worries. "Everything will be ok, I will provide for our family, I'll get the money myself." He says. "I don't know how…somehow, Wanda, somehow." Harvey hears more of his wife's troubles and tries to comfort her again, but she hangs up on him.
He lets out a big sigh and leans against the wall, a million things racing through his mind. Then, Harvey spots Lex Luthor walking down one of the halls of the research and development section of Level 2. He quickly runs up to him to talk. "Mr. Luthor, I wanted to talk to you about something." Harvey says, Lex hardly takes notice to him, he continues to walk forward. "I've been working here for six years now, and I've been doing a real good job."
"(Sigh) What do you want, Mr…(Looking at his security I.D.) Trench?" Lex asks, finally stopping and turning around to address him.
"Well, Mr. Luthor, my wife had a baby about four months ago…and, you see, money has been real tight lately…" Harvey stops, sensing Lex gets his point.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Trench, I'm not in charge of giving handouts to security guards. How about talking to my father." Lex says, continuing ahead.
"I have, Lex…I mean Mr. Luthor, I've talked to your father and he refuses. I thought you might…" Harvey stops, being interrupted as Lex turns around once more.
"Please, Mr. Trench, maybe another time. I would like to help you out, but now is not the time." Lex says walking forward again and then stopping at a door at the end of the hallway.
"Please, Mr. Luthor! Please!" Harvey pleads.
"Another time, Mr. Trench." Lex says, sliding his I.D. card through, causing the door to unlock. He opens it and walks in, leaving a desperate Harvey Trench behind. The room is large inside, computers line the walls and several blueprints and plans have been put up. Large tables cluttered with several tools and trinkets sit in the center of the room. Three scientists sit at their desks, working on various things. When Lex enters they immediately stop working and stand up, one of them walks over to him and shakes his hand.
"Hello, Mr. Luthor, we weren't expecting you." The scientist says.
"I thought I would pop in and see how the project is going." Lex replies.
"Very well, Mr. Luthor, it's going very well. It's very near completion." The scientist says.
"Let me see it." Lex says.
"Of course sir." The scientist replies. He leads Lex to the far end of the room; the other two scientists follow. He walks to a computer located to the side and types a few things, then, beeps are heard and the middle of the wall slides open. "Right this way, Mr. Luthor."
The four walk into a much smaller, spherical room. It is very dark, until one of the scientists pushes a button on the wall, causing a large light on the ceiling to turn on, and shine down into the center of the room, where there appears to be a large coffin-like object standing there. The scientist that opened the door walks to the object and types in a four number code on the side of it, causing it to open like a shell, revealing a very high-tech looking suit inside. "This is the Luthorcorp Z13, Mr. Luthor. You've seen it on paper and heard all we've told you about it, but you've never seen it like this." The scientist says.
Lex walks forward to get a closer look. "Is this made of rubber?" Lex asks.
"Actually only about 30% rubber, it's made of an ultra-thin armor that is near indestructible, rubber mixed with a few chemicals covers it on the outside. But the inside is lined with wiring and the computer technology that give it it's many features. Heavier armor has been added on the shoulders, knees, boots and the wrists. The helmet is lightweight but extremely durable, as is the visor that covers the face. The "brain" of the Z13 lies in the helmet, it powers the suit, which gives the person enormous strength, speed and agility. You have no idea how excited we are with this project, Mr. Luthor." The scientist explains.
"You talked about the features, all the ones we discussed have been included, right?" Lex asks.
"All of them and more, Mr. Luthor." The scientist replies.
"And more?" Lex asks.
"Stealth mode, Mr. Luthor. A button on the belt causes the suit and it's wearer to become completely invisible to the naked eye." The scientist says with enthusiasm.
"Excellent…show me." Lex orders. The scientist hits a small button on the side of the belt, causing the suit to seemingly vanish into thin air. A smile crosses Lex's face.
"Are you pleased, Mr. Luthor?" The scientist asks.
"Very. We will test it one week from today." Lex says, walking out of the room.
"One week from today?! But sir! That's too soon!" The scientist says, running after him.
"You said it was near complete and by the looks of it the Z13 is." Lex replies.
"But, Mr. Luthor, it has to be inspected and approved and…your father hasn't even seen it yet, and he is in charge of this project." The scientist says. Lex gets a stern look and stares into the scientist's eyes.
"I am in charge of this project, and if you think otherwise I'll fire you right now. You have one week until I see what that thing can do, one week." Lex says, walking out of the room. The scientist slumps back, disappointed. He walks back to the other two in the spherical room.
"Alright guys, looks like we'll have to finish sooner than expected. I think we've all deserved a good nights sleep, let's close up." The scientist says. Two scientists walk to the suit to encase it again, but are stopped.
"I want…the Z13, NOW!" Harvey Trench says, pointing his gun at the three.
The next afternoon in Smallville, schools out and the usual gang has met at the Talon. Inside, Clark is sitting by himself at a table drinking a coke and staring over at Lana and Whitney. Lana laughs at something Whitney says and then he kisses her, Clark frowns. A moment later Chloe Sullivan comes into the Talon with a newspaper in hand. She sits down next to Clark, who is still staring at Lana and Whitney. Chloe looks at him, then looks at Lana and Whitney, then back to him. "Snap out of it, Clark, I swear…you're obsessed." Chloe says.
"Nah, I was just glancing over there. So what's up?" Clark asks.
"Not a whole lot, I finished up that article for the Torch I've been working on since last week, and I got my History test back today…A+.
"Not surprising." Clark says, taking another drink of his coke.
"Did you see today's paper?" Chloe asks.
"Nope, anything interesting?" Clark replies.
"Well, other than a top secret multi-million dollar project being stolen from LuthorCorp last night, no." Chloe says.
"Guess it's not so secret anymore…what kind of "project" is it?" Clark asks.
"A high-tech suit that was supposed to be given to American soldiers to help in combat…no telling what it could do in the wrong hands." Chloe replies.
"Oh man…do they know who stole it?" Clark asks.
"Yeah, a guy named Harvey Trench. He was a security guard there, worked the night shift." Chloe replies.
"Why would a security guard want to steal a high-tech commando suit?" Clark asks.
"No one knows…the police were at his house not long after the robbery, his wife told him he never came home. This guy is obviously a psychotic…I don't even know how he would get it out of the building." Chloe says.
"Well I'm sure they'll find him, that is if Lionel Luthor doesn't hunt him down himself before they get the chance." Clark says, causing them both to crack up. After Clark takes another drink of his coke, Pete walks up to them looking quite happy.
"Oh yeah…guess who just got Veronica Chase's number?!" Pete says, showing them both the 7 digits written on the small piece of paper.
"Pete, you are a true lady killer." Clark says.
"Almost…" Chloe says under her breath.
"Yes, it will be me out with Veronica Chase tomorrow, just me and her spending some quality time together." Pete says, dreaming about their date.
"Don't get too excited now, Pete…girls have been known to pull the "something suddenly came up" excuse on you before." Chloe says.
"Now why did you have to bring that up? Besides, that only happened once or twice, and that was like a year ago. I've gotten much cooler, much smoother since then." Pete says.
"Smooth Pete, very smooth." Clark says, trying not to laugh as he drinks his coke.
"Well, boys, as much as I'd like to stay here and chat I've got to get home and spend time with my dad. He wants us to do this whole father/daughter bonding thing, thinks we're drifting apart or something like that. (Sigh)…later guys.
"See ya, Chloe." Clark says.
"Yeah, have fun." Pete adds. "Well, I too must leave you now, Clark. Veronica is leaving, and I think I just saw her signal me to go with her…that's a good sign. Bye Clark."
"Later, Pete." Clark says. Clark looks back over at Lana and Whitney. A couple of Whitney's football pals tell him to go talk to him near the TV where they're watching ESPN. He goes, and Lana gets up and walks over towards Clark. "Hi, Lana." He says.
"Hey, Clark." Lana replies.
"Looks like you and Whitney are doing good." Clark says.
"Yeah…he's in a much better mood since he got news his dad is doing better. He's acting like he used to when we first met, everything's where it should be right now." Lana says, looking over at Whitney laughing with his friends. Clark nods his head slightly and looks down at the table. Whitney and his friends get up and start to head out the door.
"Hey Lana! Come on!" Whitney calls.
"Hey, Sarah, I'll be back in about an hour and I'll be here for closing time so you can go home early." Lana tells a Talon employee who is taking some drinks to a few people.
"Alright, Lana, thanks." Sarah replies.
"I gotta go, Clark. We were going to meet in the Torch newsroom tomorrow right?" Lana asks.
"Yeah." Clark replies.
"So I'll see you then. Bye." Lana says walking away.
"Bye…Lana." Clark says softly after she is already gone. "Everything's where it should be…" Clark says to himself sadly. He takes one last drink of his coke and leaves the Talon.
A beautiful Saturday afternoon in Smallville the next day, and Clark, Chloe and Lana are in the Torch newsroom at Smallville High working on finishing up a few things and getting the layout right for the next edition. "Yeah, that looks good." Chloe says to Lana, looking down at the arranged articles. "How's it looking for you, Clark?" Chloe asks Clark, who is sitting at the computer working in a program.
"Looking good." Clark replies.
"Well then…we've been here all afternoon but I think it was worth it." Chloe says.
"And now…we're done?" Lana asks, wanting Chloe's approval.
"I suppose, but as you all know we'll have to cover the school dance and the boy's basketball tournaments for the one after this." Chloe reminds them.
"How could we forget?" Clark asks, getting up from the computer.
"And of course there's…" Chloe stops, being interrupted by the sound of her cell phone ringing. "That's me…" She takes it to the back of the room. Clark walks over to Lana and stretches his arms.
"Well…that wasn't so bad." Clark says, tired.
"No, no…not at all." Lana replies, leaning back against the wall.
"So did everything go well at the Talon last night?" Clark asks, leaning against it next to her.
"There was this one guy that tried to pay me with Swedish money…then he ran away very fast." Lana says, both of them start laughing.
"What about you, Clark? How was your night?" Lana asks.
"Helped my dad around the farm, made some late deliveries, and I started working on that English paper." He replies. Lana nods her head.
"You know…" Clark starts after a few moments of silence. "I'm happy for you and Whitney. Well…I'm happy, that you're happy." Lana looks at Clark and smiles.
"Thanks, Clark." Lana says, still looking at him. A moment later Chloe comes running back, seeming very excited.
"What is it, Chloe?" Clark asks.
"You won't believe who I just talked to!" Chloe says with enthusiasm.
"Who?" Clark asks.
"I can't believe this…it's like a dream come true…" Chloe says.
"Who, Chloe??" Clark asks again.
"That was Perry White…the editor in chief of the Daily Planet…THE Daily Planet…and…and…" Chloe says, even more enthused.
"And…what? Spit it out Chloe." Clark says.
"He said he was interested in me…he wants me to meet with him in Metropolis for and interview!" Chloe yells.
"An interview? You mean a job interview for a reporting job?" Lana asks.
"No, an interview for the new janitor position that just opened up…of course an interview for a reporting job. Me…a reporter for the Metropolis Daily Planet. I mean, I knew I would make it someday but I had no idea it would happen so soon." Chloe says, super hyper and happy.
"Chloe that's great…I mean, he was really interested in wanting you to work for him?" Clark asks.
"Don't say it like it's hard to believe, Clark." Chloe replies.
"Well, no…I didn't mean it like that. It's just that you're in high school, you're pretty young to be working for the Daily Planet." Clark says.
"Lot's of people have started very good careers at my age, and it's not like I would drop out of school or anything…wait, I have to stop, I haven't even gotten the job yet, I don't want to jynx it! Ok Chloe, quiet…quiet…I'm going to write for the Daily Planet!!" Chloe yells with excitement.
"When does he want to interview you?" Lana asks.
"He told me whenever I have the time I'm supposed to call him…I have time tomorrow." Chloe says, walking around thinking.
"Tomorrow? You're going to Metropolis tomorrow? Don't you need to talk this over with your dad or something?" Clark asks.
"He'll give me permission, he wouldn't keep me away from an opportunity like this." Chloe replies. "Wait, I don't want to go alone…it's a big city, but it's not like I haven't been there before…Clark! You have to go with me!" Chloe says, walking up to Clark.
"Umm…well, Chloe, I don't know. I mean, I guess I could…but if you want me to go Lana should definitely come with too, she's good with, um, giving people support." Clark replies. Chloe looks at Lana, then back at Clark.
"Sure…Lana can come along." Chloe says.
"Oh, I don't know…this is your big opportunity like you said…" Lana starts.
"Don't be silly, Lana…Chloe said you can come." Clark tells her.
"Yes…I did didn't I?" Chloe says.
"Alright, I'll go to Metropolis with you guys, sounds like fun." Lana says.
"This is it…I know it." Chloe says, walking away with a million thoughts racing through her mind. Clark looks at Lana and shrugs his shoulders.
That evening, at the Kent home…Clark is in the kitchen with his parents talking about the trip he found out he'd be taking just hours before. "So Chloe is really getting a chance to work as a professional reporter for the Daily Planet?" Martha Kent asks.
"Yeah…I mean I always thought she was talented and had a knack for reporting, I just didn't think it would happen for her so soon." Clark says.
"Well, tell her we're happy for her." Martha says.
"I will dad…so you guys are really letting me go?" Clark asks.
"Sure, son…you're a big boy now, practically a man." Jonathan says.
"Jonathan, don't say that…he's still my little boy no matter how much taller than me he gets." Martha says.
"(Smiling) Thanks guys." Clark says.
"Don't get into any trouble…" Jonathan starts.
"Don't worry about it dad, we probably won't be there for long anyway." Clark assures him.
"So…what's on TV tonight?" Jonathan asks, looking through the paper.
"There's a Dukes of Hazard marathon on channel 62." Clark says. Jonathan gives him a funny look.
The next day around noon, Chloe's car drives up to the Kent Farm where Clark is waiting. She honks the horn a couple times and sticks her head out the window. "You ready, farm-boy?" Chloe asks. Clark smiles and walks to the car. Lana is already inside, and when Clark opens the side door he notices Whitney getting in also.
"Whitney…you're coming with?" Clark asks.
"Think I'm going to let you go to Metropolis with Lana and not me? Think again, Kent." Whitney says as he gets into the backseat next to Lana. Clark raises his rolls his eyes and gets in the front passenger's seat. He closes the door and the car speeds away, leaving a dust cloud in its place.