Pete had no clue what to do next. If Clark had been here, he would surely have taken charge of the situation, but without him it was going to be a game of cat and mouse that he doubted they could win. "Do you have a car?" The mayor looked at Bryce, praying she said yes.

"It's out back." She nodded, and then headed for the rear of her extensive home, finally realizing she had to act.

In the kitchen, she paused to pick a set of keys from a concealed hook, and then urged the others to follow out into the pitch black yard beyond.

Chloe scowled. "If they're out front, surely they'll have the rear covered too?"

Bryce ignored the comment and pressed a button on her keychain, releasing the sizeable garage door with an electronic beep. Inside stood a slate grey four-by-four, muddied from recent overland use, hinting at one possible escape route. "Get in." The doctor kept her comments to the point. "They won't be expecting this..."

Pete raised a brow, and compelled Chloe to get in first, then hopped in behind her as Bryce cranked the huge diesel engine. It growled and rattled into life, just as a barrage of bullets indicated they were not alone.

One projectile tore through the windshield, embedding itself in the seat dangerously close to where Pete was now sitting. "Whoa! We never used to get shot at like this back in Smallville!"

Chloe ducked as more glass shattered around her, then shook her head. "Nope, we just got attacked by meteor mutants' intent on sucking our fat, burning us, freezing our butts..."

Bryce disregarded their ironic conversation, and rammed her well designed off-road vehicle through a six foot fence. It careered down a sharp incline, its massive tires sliding in the mire, then gained a hold and sped onward across an open field. The cab bumped and rocked, as the wheels bounced on the large sods of earth beneath them, churning up soil in their wake.

"I've thought about running like this for awhile," The doctor offered, "but I never had the guts before. You do know they'll be after us before I can even get back on the main highway?"

Pete poked a finger in the bullet hole in his seat and whistled. "Man, I think we better get to Star labs and in a hurry...Lex's security people there should count for something..."

Bryce balked at the name of her former husband, but continued driving at breakneck speed as the Jeep finally bounced over a verge, and then dropped onto a dirt track road. "Lex will be there?" She eventually asked.

Chloe shrugged. "Maybe, the last we heard he was looking for someone who could help Clark. What I do know is after you get the supplies you need, we can take Lex's chopper from there back to Smallville," her eyes glistened with sadness for a moment, "back to Clark...if we're in time..."

Headlights shone in the rearview, just as Bryce intended telling Chloe just how bad Clark's condition was likely to be. She didn't want the reporter holding out false hope, but if they had a tail already, then it probably wouldn't matter.

Pete saw the following vehicle too, and turned in his seat to get a better view of it. "How did they find us so quickly?"

Chloe looked to their driver. "We got away far too easily back there Bryce, my guess is either you're in on this again, or they've got a tracker on your Jeep..." She waited for a reaction, praying the latter to be true. If she's in on this then Clark doesn't stand a chance...

"I'm not part of this!" The doctor gave her passenger a sharp glance, "at least not anymore. I think you may be right though, we have to ditch the car and fast." Not explaining further, she shut down the vehicle's lights and swerved hard over, just managing to take an acute turn without skidding.

The Jeep's suspension groaned as it leaned dangerously to the left, then righted itself and bounced down yet another steep slope. At the bottom, Bryce drove straight into a forest of thicket, and then jumped nimbly from the cab. "Let's move!"

Pete didn't like being out in the open, especially not with the pregnant wife of his best friend in tow, it was just plain suicidal. Knowing the car was most likely bugged though, it didn't really leave them much option. He helped Chloe out, glancing around warily, and then pursued Bryce into the dense underbrush.

Twigs and branches scratched at their faces as they pushed forward, heading towards Star labs the hard way... straight across country. It wasn't a long journey, but it was an arduous one, and pretty soon Pete began to worry.

He heard Chloe beginning to lose her breath behind him, and knew that her stressed mind and body couldn't take much more. "Come on, not much further." He wrapped an arm around her as they ran, encouraging her to make it over the next hill.

Chloe nodded, and then panting, continued onward till they finally reached the labs security fencing. "There's a secured gate if we follow this to the bottom of the slope." She offered the advice, trying to catch her breath.

Bryce seemed surprised. "And how are we supposed to gain entry at this time of day?"

The sardonic Chloe of old resurfaced, and she grinned mockingly. "Lets just say Clark and I have been here a lot lately. We both have palm print access, at any time of day..." Trying not to show how fatigued she really was, the reporter jogged towards the nearby entry point, and shrugging Pete followed. "I suggest we move our butts before your 'friends' catch up!"

He received no argument from Bryce.


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Inside the labs seemed cold to Chloe, not because of the temperature, but because the sterile environment reminded her of just why they had come here. The long, antiseptic smelling corridors all appeared empty, and yet the reporter knew they were most probably being watched by Lex's people. Right now, it was the only comforting thought in her head.

"I'll need access to specific chemicals, drugs, and equipment..." Bryce didn't go into technical detail, knowing her companions would have no clue of the complexities of her job. "Where's the main lab?"

Chloe pointed to an ante chamber to their left. "Dr Klein's personal lab is that way, it's where you're most likely to find what you need...but we should try and find a staff member who's still on duty..."

Bryce overlooked Chloe's remarks and headed towards Klein's laboratory, her pace becoming more frantic as she realized just what she may have sacrificed. I may have just given up my own son's life...and for what? Can I really pull this off?

Swiftly she approached the lab door, and was shocked to find she didn't need Chloe to give her admission. Instead, it slid gently open with a whoosh of air, revealing a complex and expensive facility the other side.

Pete shook his head. "Something is wrong here...I know I don't pay Lex or Klein regular visits like you guys," he looked to Chloe, "but it's too quiet. I would have expected at least one guard to come and quiz us over our unexpected presence."

"I know what you mean..." Chloe bit her lip, suddenly afraid they had walked into yet another trap. "How long is this going to take?" She glared at the repentant doctor.

Bryce took a seat at Klein's desk, and found his pc already switched on, and logged into the system. She hadn't really anticipated he would be so careless, but it was a good break for them. "If I can retrieve my work files from here, then not too long...Otherwise, if I have to start replicating things from memory..."

She clicked with the optical mouse, gaining access to Luthorcorp systems, then into the level three sub menu in around two minutes. An emblem rotated on the screen while the information downloaded, and it reminded Pete of some demon's visage; it was rather a fitting crest for Luthor he decided. Finally a window appeared on screen, saying the exchange was complete.

"I have all the data, now I just need to synthesize the solution..." Bryce began to leave her seat, hoping that Klein kept what she required here. "There's something you need to know though Chloe..." Her eyes unexpectedly found the floor, "I can't make a miracle cure, if this works it will simply stop the virus doing any more damage to Clark's cells."

"Won't he just heal himself, like before? I mean once the virus is gone?" Pete appeared almost as upset as Chloe at the news.

Bryce shook her head. "I made this thing similar to the spores Clark once inhaled on the farm. The kryptonite radiation within the virus breaks down his cells, stopping the photosynthetic process first, so he loses his abilities. Later, if he doesn't receive treatment, and the exposure is long enough, the damaged cells won't be able to regenerate at all..."

"You're saying he won't have his powers?" Chloe exhaled. She didn't care if Clark was normal, she didn't care about anything so long as he lived.

"No, you don't..." The exasperated scientist waved her head, sensing Chloe wasn't comprehending the full extent of her explanation.

"Oh don't bother trying to tell her more Dr Bryce. It really doesn't matter. None of you will be leaving this room till it's far too late for detective Kent." A small wiry figure entered the lab door, and paused there. He smiled at the ensemble, and then gestured with the gun he had thus far kept aimed in their general direction. "Doctor, I'd like you to hand me the disc you just made. I do believe its Luthorcorp property after all..."

Helen peered at the little man, trying to judge just how far he would go. It didn't take much to be convinced that despite his size and appearance, he would kill without reservation. He worked for Lucas after all; which meant he had no morals. Slowly she moved forward, reaching out with the disc as if to give it up.

"No!" Chloe screamed, and then dived at the doctor, not readily understanding that Bryce had been stalling for time.

The pair rolled onto the floor on Chloe's impact, and began to struggle like two people possessed. Lucas' henchman saw their ruckus as a threat to his own mission, and let off a round at the cat-fighting women. It narrowly missed Bryce as she reeled to the side, and he aimed again, this time intent on hitting his target.

Pete could see what was happening, but he was too far across the lab to be of much use. He ran anyway, hoping that the gunman might turn on him instead of the grappling women, but he didn't. Instead, the evil looking little man collapsed to the floor in a heap, a jet of blood spurting from his head where Klein had hit him.

As the reality of his actions sank in, the timid scientist toyed with his glasses nervously, his whole body quivering with shock. "Oh my...I came back to see if I could find something to help Clark. I knew something was wrong when I got here, but..."

Pete tugged out a chair and sat Klein down before his already shaky knees gave way, then whirled to see Chloe and Helen climbing up from the floor, looking slightly disheveled, and very sheepish. "I think we should get the stuff Clark needs, and get to that chopper before more goons show up..." He sighed, then under his breath added, "If there even is a chopper to get to anymore..."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



Smallville
An Embankment Overlooking Luthorcorp...

Lois hunched forward in the wild grass, the twilight gloom masking her presence to the untrained eye. She had waited here for over two hours, just watching the endless traffic that seemed to begin its journey at Luthor's backwater plant. From what she could see, most of the trucks appeared to be carrying some kind of fluid cargo, either in barrels, or in mini-tankers. It wasn't that unusual perhaps, for a fertilizer plant, and yet something still seemed very wrong.

"Just what are you making down there Lucas?" Lane whispered into the wind, and received an ever-so faint reply in response.

"Something very deadly..."

Lois whirled around to find a hand clasped in front of her mouth, cutting off any cry she might attempt to make. She squinted in the dull light, hoping to recognize the man who had grabbed her, but she had never seen him before.

"I think it's time I introduced myself..." Without saying more, the man retrieved Lois' sidearm, and dragged her towards a large black limousine, which somehow she had failed to notice arrive. As they neared, the rear door popped open as if by magic, and he pushed her harshly inside.

With a click the door locks shot down behind them, sealing them both in. "What do you think you're doing?" Lane stared at the person before her, "in fact who the hell do you think you are?"

He smirked. "I am Vuong Kazuku, you might have heard of me? My friends call me Ishii..." Letting his status sink in, Kazuku opened a large bar and poured out two drinks, carefully placing ice in both glasses. Satisfied that Lane recognized just who he was, he continued his narrative. "I see you have been watching my good friend Lucas, as have I ..."

Lois shrugged. "I don't know what you mean."

Kazuku took a sip of his scotch, and then passed Lane her glass. "Oh come now detective, I know you and Kent have been after Luthor for months, and now that I know he has been deceiving me, I think we should join forces so to speak."

"You want to turn states evidence against Lucas?" Lois looked at her captor mockingly, knowing it was not what he meant.

"Let's just say I'm planning a hostile takeover, and a little assistance from inside the police would be most helpful..." Vuong leaned forward, setting his glass down and peering his captive straight in the eye. "I've wanted someone on the inside of Manning's department for months, but his people are just too clean. You however Miss Lane, are in the unfortunate position of having to help me..."

"Why would I want to help you?" Lois kept her voice level, placing her scotch down with no intention of drinking any of it.

Kazuku noted her suspicion, but made no remark. "Because I know your partner has a secret, and I have a feeling neither you, nor he would want it coming out? I've seen files that Luthor keeps on him, some dating back to when Lionel was alive, and although I've yet to see what is within those documents, it will only be a matter of time..."

"We have nothing to hide from you!"

"Then when I remove Lucas tomorrow, and take everything from his vault, you and Kent will have nothing to fear..." Kazuku saw the sparkle of concern in his prey's eyes, and knew Lane was taking the bait. "Of coarse if you wish the truth to stay buried along with Lucas, you could always do me certain favors. Even Kent needn't know of our agreement...Where is the good detective by the way?"

Lane's mind churned. I can't give into this dirt-bag, and I can't let Clark's secret come out...

"Clark's visiting his parents, he had no clue I was going to snoop on Luthor tonight..." Lane told the lie and hoped Kazuku fell for it. If he didn't already know her partner was sick, there was no way she was going to let the cat out of the bag.

Kazuku nodded, apparently taking her answer to be the truth. "So Miss Lane, what will your answer to my proposition be? Are you sure you want to risk Kent's future...?"

"What's to stop me saying yes now, and then backing out? Why would you trust me even if I did agree?"

Vuong tapped on the darkened window glass, gesturing towards the trucks still trundling from Luthorcorp. "Some of those trucks are carrying a cargo for me. When they stop rolling tomorrow, I'll pay Lucas a visit and settle my score. I'll also be acquiring the files I spoke of. Until then you will be my guest, just in case you thought about doing anything stupid...In effect you have tonight to make up your mind. Join me, and whatever Kent's secret is it will stay safe...defy me, and you both shall die..."

Lois looked to the limo's plush velvet like carpet. Clark might be dead before you even get near him anyway... "Answer me one thing? Just what does Luthor have in those tankers that is so important?"

Kazuku lowered his window a fraction. "They carry a chemical cargo that is most definitely not of an agricultural nature..."

Lane gaped, finally understanding what Luthor was up to. "He's making chemical weapons isn't he? My God you're both nothing more than monsters!"

"Not just chemical weapons my dear..." Vuong seemed pleased at his prisoner's reaction. "Lucas, or rather his scientists, have come up with some fascinating new bugs and toxins. They make murder, warfare, and even terrorism so much easier to instigate..." He suddenly shifted in his seat, annoyed. "At least they would do, if Luthor hadn't reneged on his deal. But no matter, I shall take the rest of what is mine by force tomorrow, and anyone who stands in my way will be crushed by the divine wind that carries me..."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



The Kent Farm...

Jonathan Kent rubbed at his temple as his exhausted body urged him to doze, but there would be no sleep tonight; his tormented mind wouldn't allow it. He glanced over to his wife, so pale, and yet so determined not to give in.

Martha sat quietly, mopping Clark's brow every few minutes as his fever gradually worsened. The only time she had left his side had been for more water, and a fresh cloth.

"Martha?" Jonathan softly called to her, but she refused to even acknowledge him. Instead, he was left to watch as she tended their son, and he didn't attempt to disturb her again.

From outside, Jonathan heard the sound he had both been waiting for, and yet dreading, and he hurried to the front door in anticipation. Have they found help? Or have they given in...?

The Bell Jetranger's rotors roared above the Kansas farm, their downdraft causing Jonathan to squint and hold a hand in front of his face, as the chopper gently settled in the nearest field. The mini whirlwind abated, as the helicopter bounced down onto the soft ploughed earth, its rear doors swinging wide as its three passengers hopped out.

The farmer recognized Chloe and Pete instantly, and his heart soared with hope, but at first he couldn't distinguish the third traveler. It was only as she drew nearer, bag in hand, that he realized just who was about to enter his household.

"Bryce?" Jonathan's tone was both shocked, and slightly annoyed. "Just what the hell is going on here?" He looked to Pete first for answers, and then spun the doctor around sharply when she tried to go through the door. "I don't want you in my home, not without some explanation. Everyone around here knows what you did to Lex..."

Chloe sensitively squeezed her father-in-law's arm. "Mr. Kent, I know this looks bad, but we don't have time to go through all this now. Clark needs her help, she's the only one who can do this..."

"How do I know she isn't just here to finish off what Luthor started? I'll not have her touching my son!" Jonathan hadn't ever known Bryce very well, but he had never really trusted her, at least not the way Martha had. Now, her sudden reappearance was more than his suspicious mind could handle. His troubled eyes stared at her. "What's the matter, Clark not dying fast enough, so you've come to help him along?"

"Jonathan!" Everyone grew silent and turned to look, as Martha spoke for the first time in hours. "Our son won't live till morning! If Chloe and Pete trust Helen, then we should at least hear her out..."

The mother's desperate plea would have torn at even the toughest of heart strings, and Jonathan was no exception. Realizing that Clark had nothing to lose, his grip on the doctor slackened, and she hastened to Martha's side.

"He's burning up...I didn't know what else I could do..." Martha wiped more perspiration from her son, and then looked pleadingly at Bryce. Please let Jonathan be wrong, let her be here to try and save our son, not take him away forever...

Bryce ignored Martha's intense gaze, and instead concentrated on her patient. Knowing she had caused Clark's condition only heightened her sense of guilt, but also made her more determined to try and help. As she checked him over, she realized they may already be fighting a losing battle. "His temperature is off the scale. We have to cool him down or he could start to convulse, or worse... Mrs. Kent, we need more water, and any ice you might have. Chloe, can you get the rest of his clothes off?"

Without waiting for either of them to react, Bryce yanked open the bag she had brought from Star labs, and retrieved the solution she had synthesized. Normally it wouldn't be easy to get in Clark's system, but in his condition she anticipated a needle would suffice.

While she filled a syringe, Chloe tugged off Clark's shirt. "Please say we're not too late..."

Helen didn't really know how to answer, how could she, when in all honesty she thought they were? Finally, after administering her preparation, she thought it only fair to warn Chloe what might, or might not happen next. As she spoke, both Pete and Jonathan stood in the background, hoping that the doctor was wrong.

"Chloe, even though I've given him the antidote it might not be enough...I think we left it too long..." Bryce paused, waiting for a response, and then examined Clark again. Even now, she could barely feel the throbbing of his pulse. "The best we can try and do is to cool him down, and pray for a miracle..."

Chloe didn't want to understand, she had gone through so much to get this far, her tired mind blanked out whatever Helen was trying to say. "I don't care if he has no abilities, I don't care, as long as he lives..."

Bryce opened her mouth to reiterate her explanation, but found she just couldn't tell the beleaguered wife again. It's all my fault, all my doing...

She watched as Chloe took Clark's hand and intertwined it with her own, then as Martha brought in ice, Chloe simply lay her head on his chest, willing it to rise and fall with every breath of her own...