Title: A Hero Arrives (7/?): Sequel to 'A Fallen Hero'
Author: DCForever
Site:
E-mail: bryanc23@yahoo.com or dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? I would love to get a flood of emails or responses to this fic.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to get this next part out. I will try to do better in the future, but I can't always predict what is going to happen in my life. I hope that you enjoy this part as much as you've seemed to have enjoyed the previous ones.
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Phone resting against his shoulder, X-Ray lounged back in a blue, cloth covered reclining chair located somewhere within the city limits. "Yes, sir. No, sir. I understand, sir. He will be safe here, sir. Mr. Thomas, you have my word. Lionel Luthor may have been one of the reasons behind my parents' disappearance, but I understand my duty more than you will ever know. Yes, sir, the bugs are working wonderfully. Though if I know the Luthors like I think I do...and with Lex being the worse of the two... then they might not last too long. I'm sure Mr. Luthor's office is being swept for everything as Lex and his minions investigate the scene. You know he won't stop until he has his father back."
Sitting at his desk at the university, an older gentleman spoke into his personal cell phone. "I know, son. I'm thinking that as long as Lionel can't be touched or watched by Lex that he will be more careful in his business and street dealings. At the moment, he doesn't control the game...we do. How is that inside intelligence of yours over at Siminex coming? We need everything we can find out about that company."
"Well, sir, Sandy Fordman was fortunate enough to grab one of the intern positions at Siminex. She is our way in, I think. No, sir. Not yet. I have to figure out the best way to confront her?"
"Ray, what about that subject matter we talked about? Anything so far?"
"Sir, I just want to be very clear on this...I have nothing against Chris and I don't feel right digging into his life. Yes, I know he has gotten close to Danielle and this is only a routine check on the guy, but there is more. He has become more of a challenge that I thought. I've checked everything...nothing...there is absolutely nothing on this guy. No, sir. I can't even verify his hometown. Nothing, sir. Yes, sir, I'll keep on it. I agree, sir, he is a mystery and at this stage in the game we can't have any unknown variables. I most certainly agree. Yes, sir, I even tried running his scan through the Metropolis Image Archives. Still nothing, sir. I have a bus ticket number and a hotel receipt all from when he first arrived in Metropolis. Since then he has been involved with settling into the university life and hanging a great deal of the time with Danielle, Sandy, and myself."
"I'm like you, I don't think he is a threat. From what I've seen of him he seems to be a great guy and a real good friend, but we can't be too careful. If the Luthors or any of my previous enemies even suspect that I'm the one in charge of their methodical take down...I can't possibly phantom what could happen to my family or myself. There is just too much on the line for anything to go wrong. Oh damn! Sorry, got another beep. I need to take this next call. Keep on the project and let me know the second you find out any new information. I trust you are the man for the job."
"Thank you, sir. I'll contact my informant right away and see what else we can dig up on our mystery man. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." The young man ended the call and leaned back further in his chair. Turning, he looked up at one of the four computer monitors setup in his hidden away loft. The screen started off listing Christopher Kent Clark as the search subject matter and the rest of the screen held nothing more than blank spaces where the young man's history should have been displayed.
"CK, who are you?" Reaching to his belt, he dialed in a number on the keypad attached to his belt. Speaking into his wireless microphone, "Codename: Flash."
A familiar voice picked up on the other end, "Codename: X-Man."
"Is the line secured, Barry?"
"Yeah, Ray, it's secured. So what is our next move?"
"First off, you did a great job on Lionel Luthor. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch...that's a first. Yeah, I got him tied up in the rear vault. He's safe...for now. That isn't the reason I called. I have a new assignment that I need you to look into. As much as I hate to say this...I need you to tag someone...a student. Someone that I could possibly really call a friend...one day."
"Well you know the procedure...fax over whatever you got on this target."
"That is the thing...there is nothing on the target. He is a ghost."
"Hmmm, a ghost...you don't say? Been a while since we've encountered one of those."
"Yeah, Central City was the last time. Your home turf. My gut feeling on this one...it isn't going to be as easy."
"So what is this ghost's name? Wait, did you say Christopher Clark? Isn't he new to the freshman class? Yeah, I met him once. He was kind of odd. Of course I gave him my bogus name. I used Watson...Barry Watson. Yeah, like the actor. Hey, it isn't stupid. I said the first thing that came to mind. What, would you have liked me to introduce myself as Barry Allen...oh yeah, for future reference, I am also a crime fighter...righting the wrong and all that decent mess. I also dress in a skin-tight red suit with a large golden lightning bolt embroidered across my chest?"
"Barry, I don't have time for this. There are other matters to attend to that are just as important if not more than our Mr. Clark. Just be careful. I know you say you always are, but I have a suspension that the Luthors may have something to do with this one. I've caught him faking too many smiles whenever the Luthor name or LuthorCorp comes up in our conversations or even in our textbook readings. He is my friend, but I'm thinking more along the lines of 'keep you enemies closer'...at least for the time being."
"Can you at least access his class schedule and fax that over? I need a good start point. Oh yeah, his dorm room as well. I'll check it out as soon as I can get in."
"Faxing it over now, Barry. Oh yeah, you mentioned you thought he was odd when you met him...why might that be? Could be something to go on."
"Okay, this may sound a little strange, but when he approached me during the freshman tour he said the strangest thing...he said that I passed him on the drive. I'm assuming he meant the driveway leading up to the school. That is the only thing I think he could have meant. Anyway, he also said that he wanted to praise my ability. No one to my knowledge has ever seen me or been able to recognize me when I'm running...and trust me, I was a blur. I'm quite certain that was the ability he was referring to."
"Well, that certainly does add to my continuing list of our mystery man. Do you have any ideas?"
"Scientifically, if you use applied physics, someone would either have to match or come close to my own speed or miraculously be able to see very fast moving objects...just to recognize me. Maybe I wasn't running at the speed I thought. Could have been a lapse of judgment on my part. I wouldn't rule anything out. That is part of science, mystery, etc...use all the know how and knowledge you have available."
"So what you are saying to me is he could have some abilities of his own? Interesting. In that case, you say he possibly has better than average running speed himself and looking back he has proven to be pretty tough. I mean for god's sake, he took on our school's best football player...head-to-head...and only fell on his butt. At least this gives me something to go on. I'll check for unusual occurrences in the news and magazines. Now that global database is huge and could take a while."
"Anyway to narrow down the search, Ray?"
"Possibly. His dress code...well, I would say he is quite familiar around farmlands and there is no accent so I wouldn't say the south, but definitely American. Yeah, actually, this could take a while, but I have much more to go on now than before this conversation. Most definitely...tag that boy. I want to know everything you can find out about my friend, CK."
The two young men hung up in unison, both go about their own business.
~~~~~~
Meanwhile across town, "I'm sorry young man, but we really can't take on anymore interns at this time. You are more than welcomed to leave your resume and if something comes available we will surely give your resume a good look over."
"Thank you for your time, sir. Good day." If anything, Clark had learned from Lex how to talk a good game when it came to talking with suits.
Time passed on in the day as Clark went from businesses to businesses trying to possibly secure himself a firm financial foundation, but just wasn't meant to be. Little did he know that he was being closely watched from a safe distance as he had doors closed in his face and negative responses all day long. There just weren't many job opportunities available. Every time he turned a corner or looked up, he had a constant reminder of his friend Lex. Anytime in the past, if he truly needed something...Lex was the man for the task. He was a provider and a good friend...'was' being the word of the day. Time has past, things have changed, people have moved on, and sides have been picked. Clark could no longer depend on Lex's hand to help guide him or to be there for him, but he knew someone...in fact, two someone's that had helping hands as well.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved some coins and made his way to the nearest, yet out of the way phone booth. Closing the glass doors, he dialed the number to the Smallville farm house where he spent his childhood. "Cousin Martha? It is good to hear your voice again. I just called to say that I could use your help, cousin." The answering machine picked up, disappointment obvious to Clark's expression as he rested his head against the glass in the phone booth.
A regular phone call was no longer a regular phone call. Because of how he had to leave his past behind, Clark and his parents felt it was best to refer to each other on the phone as cousins or anybody for that matter...just not mom or dad. Mistrust was a big issue with the Kent's now as they fought with the realism that they could no longer have plain sight appearances or conversations with their baby boy. It was as if he was a criminal on the run or something...or perhaps...just dead to the world.
~~~~~~
Hovering above the city in Metropolis's largest skyscraper, a powerful gentleman walked around his office while talking on the phone. "What are you telling me? Still nothing? Do you not know who I am...who my father is? Luthors control this damn city and everyone and everything in it. We are a legacy...do you understand me? My people say you are the best...are you not? Then prove it! Find me my father...or else!"
Lex slammed his cell phone down on his desktop as he began fidgeting with his hands. Chin resting upon his fingers as his arms formed a triangle from his desk to his chin...the classic thought enhancing position. He looked across the room at a picture hanging on the wall, of him and his father shaking hands at the swearing in party when he became second in command at LuthorCorp. With anger expressed on his face, he reached into his bottom desk draw, producing a dart that he momentarily rotated in his hand before launching it across the room. The dart pierced the picture...just above his dad's heart. "I will take you down, father." muffled the bald, young man.
"How could he do this to me? How? Where is he? Damn it where is that son of a bitch?" thought the temporary CEO of LuthorCorp. It was the uncertainty of his father's whereabouts that had the younger Luthor on edge. Without that piece of the puzzle or chessboard arrangement...he didn't know the best way to arrange his pieces, whether to prepare his attack position or his defensive one. At the moment, he was at a stalemate with an invisible, non-existent opponent. To say he was angered would be a major understatement.
Moments later, after his anger-filled tirade, he walked through the doors of his father's LuthorCorp office. "Fill me in people. Do we have any leads?" There was a moment of silence. "Oh please, don't everyone speak all speak at once."
"Yes, sir, Mr. Luthor, sir. We have...we do have a lead, but it...well, sir, it isn't much to go on."
"Spit it out already. I don't have all day."
"Sir, I have suspension that he might have been kidnapped."
"Kidnapped? Not taking a vacation or some secret business meeting? Are you sure?"
"Well, sir, we've swept this office thoroughly and nothing...at least until we looked a little harder at his hardware, sir."
"You lost me. Hardware?"
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. After close examination of your father's computer it is my belief that this isn't his computer." Sitting down in Lionel Luthor's desk chair, LuthorCorp's head of security booted up the computer before him. "If you come around the desk, sir, you can see for yourself...it looks and responds like your father's computer, but there is nothing here...at least nothing I can access. What I mean is...all security access has been blocked out. I believe someone has been in this office before and completely cased it, sir. Whoever it was had access at one point or another to your father's computer and the video cameras...even his personal one that I had no idea about. We discovered it during our sweep." Lex lowered his head as if he knew nothing of the hidden camera.
Thinking quickly on his feet and not wanting too much information to get out or attention brought to his own body language, "So it is confirmed...LuthorCorp is mole infested. Listen here...this is what I want and when I say want...I mean two hours ago. I want personnel profile on any and everyone that has ever stepped into this building. It hasn't been built all that long ago so it shouldn't be as hard as say the previous building. So you get my meaning...that means employees, guests, and community members...everybody. I also want this office and my office shutoff and provided with a newer, more up to date security system. Get in touch with my LexCorp security team and I want this building...that means from the very foundations to the peaks of the satellites that sits atop this building...searched and scanned through and through. If there is a crack in the wall, bust the wall down and make sure there isn't a security flaw. Then, have it rebuilt...much better and thicker than ever thought possible. If a thread is out of place on a female's blouse, I want that blouse in your possession that second; same rules apply for the men as well. Do this and you will be handsomely rewarded. You have one week."
"Sir, what about the cost and personnel this type of operation would require? And I'm not sure an operation of this magnitude can be done in a week, sir."
"Cost? Did you just ask a Luthor about cost? Money is no object. When I want something done...I get it done. Do it. Hire whoever you need or buy whatever your genius little minds can think of, but everything comes through me first. Nothing is to get through LuthorCorp's doors from this point on without my knowing about it. You speak time. Well, as the old saying goes, 'time is money.' You don't have it done in a week; you will be paying me...and not in bills either. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes, sir. Absolutely! We shall not spare the rod, sir."
"Have I ever told you, I liked you?"
"No, sir, not that I recall."
"Okay, just checking. Wouldn't want people to think that my reputation is less than what it really is. If you need me...hell, just tell my father's secretary to find me. I certainly won't be here. Good day."
Lex turned around and walked back out the office, with the same determination and anger written across his stone cold face, as he had upon entering.
(To be continued in part 8)
Author: DCForever
Site:
E-mail: bryanc23@yahoo.com or dcforever23@yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? I would love to get a flood of emails or responses to this fic.
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction
Archiving: Archiving is permitted as long as I know of where it will be posted and that all the above info stays intact.
Disclaimer: Lets get this straight...I'm not affiliated with anyone...don't have anything of major value. Think that about covers it.
Author's Note: Sorry it took so long to get this next part out. I will try to do better in the future, but I can't always predict what is going to happen in my life. I hope that you enjoy this part as much as you've seemed to have enjoyed the previous ones.
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Phone resting against his shoulder, X-Ray lounged back in a blue, cloth covered reclining chair located somewhere within the city limits. "Yes, sir. No, sir. I understand, sir. He will be safe here, sir. Mr. Thomas, you have my word. Lionel Luthor may have been one of the reasons behind my parents' disappearance, but I understand my duty more than you will ever know. Yes, sir, the bugs are working wonderfully. Though if I know the Luthors like I think I do...and with Lex being the worse of the two... then they might not last too long. I'm sure Mr. Luthor's office is being swept for everything as Lex and his minions investigate the scene. You know he won't stop until he has his father back."
Sitting at his desk at the university, an older gentleman spoke into his personal cell phone. "I know, son. I'm thinking that as long as Lionel can't be touched or watched by Lex that he will be more careful in his business and street dealings. At the moment, he doesn't control the game...we do. How is that inside intelligence of yours over at Siminex coming? We need everything we can find out about that company."
"Well, sir, Sandy Fordman was fortunate enough to grab one of the intern positions at Siminex. She is our way in, I think. No, sir. Not yet. I have to figure out the best way to confront her?"
"Ray, what about that subject matter we talked about? Anything so far?"
"Sir, I just want to be very clear on this...I have nothing against Chris and I don't feel right digging into his life. Yes, I know he has gotten close to Danielle and this is only a routine check on the guy, but there is more. He has become more of a challenge that I thought. I've checked everything...nothing...there is absolutely nothing on this guy. No, sir. I can't even verify his hometown. Nothing, sir. Yes, sir, I'll keep on it. I agree, sir, he is a mystery and at this stage in the game we can't have any unknown variables. I most certainly agree. Yes, sir, I even tried running his scan through the Metropolis Image Archives. Still nothing, sir. I have a bus ticket number and a hotel receipt all from when he first arrived in Metropolis. Since then he has been involved with settling into the university life and hanging a great deal of the time with Danielle, Sandy, and myself."
"I'm like you, I don't think he is a threat. From what I've seen of him he seems to be a great guy and a real good friend, but we can't be too careful. If the Luthors or any of my previous enemies even suspect that I'm the one in charge of their methodical take down...I can't possibly phantom what could happen to my family or myself. There is just too much on the line for anything to go wrong. Oh damn! Sorry, got another beep. I need to take this next call. Keep on the project and let me know the second you find out any new information. I trust you are the man for the job."
"Thank you, sir. I'll contact my informant right away and see what else we can dig up on our mystery man. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." The young man ended the call and leaned back further in his chair. Turning, he looked up at one of the four computer monitors setup in his hidden away loft. The screen started off listing Christopher Kent Clark as the search subject matter and the rest of the screen held nothing more than blank spaces where the young man's history should have been displayed.
"CK, who are you?" Reaching to his belt, he dialed in a number on the keypad attached to his belt. Speaking into his wireless microphone, "Codename: Flash."
A familiar voice picked up on the other end, "Codename: X-Man."
"Is the line secured, Barry?"
"Yeah, Ray, it's secured. So what is our next move?"
"First off, you did a great job on Lionel Luthor. Everything seemed to go off without a hitch...that's a first. Yeah, I got him tied up in the rear vault. He's safe...for now. That isn't the reason I called. I have a new assignment that I need you to look into. As much as I hate to say this...I need you to tag someone...a student. Someone that I could possibly really call a friend...one day."
"Well you know the procedure...fax over whatever you got on this target."
"That is the thing...there is nothing on the target. He is a ghost."
"Hmmm, a ghost...you don't say? Been a while since we've encountered one of those."
"Yeah, Central City was the last time. Your home turf. My gut feeling on this one...it isn't going to be as easy."
"So what is this ghost's name? Wait, did you say Christopher Clark? Isn't he new to the freshman class? Yeah, I met him once. He was kind of odd. Of course I gave him my bogus name. I used Watson...Barry Watson. Yeah, like the actor. Hey, it isn't stupid. I said the first thing that came to mind. What, would you have liked me to introduce myself as Barry Allen...oh yeah, for future reference, I am also a crime fighter...righting the wrong and all that decent mess. I also dress in a skin-tight red suit with a large golden lightning bolt embroidered across my chest?"
"Barry, I don't have time for this. There are other matters to attend to that are just as important if not more than our Mr. Clark. Just be careful. I know you say you always are, but I have a suspension that the Luthors may have something to do with this one. I've caught him faking too many smiles whenever the Luthor name or LuthorCorp comes up in our conversations or even in our textbook readings. He is my friend, but I'm thinking more along the lines of 'keep you enemies closer'...at least for the time being."
"Can you at least access his class schedule and fax that over? I need a good start point. Oh yeah, his dorm room as well. I'll check it out as soon as I can get in."
"Faxing it over now, Barry. Oh yeah, you mentioned you thought he was odd when you met him...why might that be? Could be something to go on."
"Okay, this may sound a little strange, but when he approached me during the freshman tour he said the strangest thing...he said that I passed him on the drive. I'm assuming he meant the driveway leading up to the school. That is the only thing I think he could have meant. Anyway, he also said that he wanted to praise my ability. No one to my knowledge has ever seen me or been able to recognize me when I'm running...and trust me, I was a blur. I'm quite certain that was the ability he was referring to."
"Well, that certainly does add to my continuing list of our mystery man. Do you have any ideas?"
"Scientifically, if you use applied physics, someone would either have to match or come close to my own speed or miraculously be able to see very fast moving objects...just to recognize me. Maybe I wasn't running at the speed I thought. Could have been a lapse of judgment on my part. I wouldn't rule anything out. That is part of science, mystery, etc...use all the know how and knowledge you have available."
"So what you are saying to me is he could have some abilities of his own? Interesting. In that case, you say he possibly has better than average running speed himself and looking back he has proven to be pretty tough. I mean for god's sake, he took on our school's best football player...head-to-head...and only fell on his butt. At least this gives me something to go on. I'll check for unusual occurrences in the news and magazines. Now that global database is huge and could take a while."
"Anyway to narrow down the search, Ray?"
"Possibly. His dress code...well, I would say he is quite familiar around farmlands and there is no accent so I wouldn't say the south, but definitely American. Yeah, actually, this could take a while, but I have much more to go on now than before this conversation. Most definitely...tag that boy. I want to know everything you can find out about my friend, CK."
The two young men hung up in unison, both go about their own business.
~~~~~~
Meanwhile across town, "I'm sorry young man, but we really can't take on anymore interns at this time. You are more than welcomed to leave your resume and if something comes available we will surely give your resume a good look over."
"Thank you for your time, sir. Good day." If anything, Clark had learned from Lex how to talk a good game when it came to talking with suits.
Time passed on in the day as Clark went from businesses to businesses trying to possibly secure himself a firm financial foundation, but just wasn't meant to be. Little did he know that he was being closely watched from a safe distance as he had doors closed in his face and negative responses all day long. There just weren't many job opportunities available. Every time he turned a corner or looked up, he had a constant reminder of his friend Lex. Anytime in the past, if he truly needed something...Lex was the man for the task. He was a provider and a good friend...'was' being the word of the day. Time has past, things have changed, people have moved on, and sides have been picked. Clark could no longer depend on Lex's hand to help guide him or to be there for him, but he knew someone...in fact, two someone's that had helping hands as well.
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved some coins and made his way to the nearest, yet out of the way phone booth. Closing the glass doors, he dialed the number to the Smallville farm house where he spent his childhood. "Cousin Martha? It is good to hear your voice again. I just called to say that I could use your help, cousin." The answering machine picked up, disappointment obvious to Clark's expression as he rested his head against the glass in the phone booth.
A regular phone call was no longer a regular phone call. Because of how he had to leave his past behind, Clark and his parents felt it was best to refer to each other on the phone as cousins or anybody for that matter...just not mom or dad. Mistrust was a big issue with the Kent's now as they fought with the realism that they could no longer have plain sight appearances or conversations with their baby boy. It was as if he was a criminal on the run or something...or perhaps...just dead to the world.
~~~~~~
Hovering above the city in Metropolis's largest skyscraper, a powerful gentleman walked around his office while talking on the phone. "What are you telling me? Still nothing? Do you not know who I am...who my father is? Luthors control this damn city and everyone and everything in it. We are a legacy...do you understand me? My people say you are the best...are you not? Then prove it! Find me my father...or else!"
Lex slammed his cell phone down on his desktop as he began fidgeting with his hands. Chin resting upon his fingers as his arms formed a triangle from his desk to his chin...the classic thought enhancing position. He looked across the room at a picture hanging on the wall, of him and his father shaking hands at the swearing in party when he became second in command at LuthorCorp. With anger expressed on his face, he reached into his bottom desk draw, producing a dart that he momentarily rotated in his hand before launching it across the room. The dart pierced the picture...just above his dad's heart. "I will take you down, father." muffled the bald, young man.
"How could he do this to me? How? Where is he? Damn it where is that son of a bitch?" thought the temporary CEO of LuthorCorp. It was the uncertainty of his father's whereabouts that had the younger Luthor on edge. Without that piece of the puzzle or chessboard arrangement...he didn't know the best way to arrange his pieces, whether to prepare his attack position or his defensive one. At the moment, he was at a stalemate with an invisible, non-existent opponent. To say he was angered would be a major understatement.
Moments later, after his anger-filled tirade, he walked through the doors of his father's LuthorCorp office. "Fill me in people. Do we have any leads?" There was a moment of silence. "Oh please, don't everyone speak all speak at once."
"Yes, sir, Mr. Luthor, sir. We have...we do have a lead, but it...well, sir, it isn't much to go on."
"Spit it out already. I don't have all day."
"Sir, I have suspension that he might have been kidnapped."
"Kidnapped? Not taking a vacation or some secret business meeting? Are you sure?"
"Well, sir, we've swept this office thoroughly and nothing...at least until we looked a little harder at his hardware, sir."
"You lost me. Hardware?"
"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir. After close examination of your father's computer it is my belief that this isn't his computer." Sitting down in Lionel Luthor's desk chair, LuthorCorp's head of security booted up the computer before him. "If you come around the desk, sir, you can see for yourself...it looks and responds like your father's computer, but there is nothing here...at least nothing I can access. What I mean is...all security access has been blocked out. I believe someone has been in this office before and completely cased it, sir. Whoever it was had access at one point or another to your father's computer and the video cameras...even his personal one that I had no idea about. We discovered it during our sweep." Lex lowered his head as if he knew nothing of the hidden camera.
Thinking quickly on his feet and not wanting too much information to get out or attention brought to his own body language, "So it is confirmed...LuthorCorp is mole infested. Listen here...this is what I want and when I say want...I mean two hours ago. I want personnel profile on any and everyone that has ever stepped into this building. It hasn't been built all that long ago so it shouldn't be as hard as say the previous building. So you get my meaning...that means employees, guests, and community members...everybody. I also want this office and my office shutoff and provided with a newer, more up to date security system. Get in touch with my LexCorp security team and I want this building...that means from the very foundations to the peaks of the satellites that sits atop this building...searched and scanned through and through. If there is a crack in the wall, bust the wall down and make sure there isn't a security flaw. Then, have it rebuilt...much better and thicker than ever thought possible. If a thread is out of place on a female's blouse, I want that blouse in your possession that second; same rules apply for the men as well. Do this and you will be handsomely rewarded. You have one week."
"Sir, what about the cost and personnel this type of operation would require? And I'm not sure an operation of this magnitude can be done in a week, sir."
"Cost? Did you just ask a Luthor about cost? Money is no object. When I want something done...I get it done. Do it. Hire whoever you need or buy whatever your genius little minds can think of, but everything comes through me first. Nothing is to get through LuthorCorp's doors from this point on without my knowing about it. You speak time. Well, as the old saying goes, 'time is money.' You don't have it done in a week; you will be paying me...and not in bills either. Do we have an understanding?"
"Yes, sir. Absolutely! We shall not spare the rod, sir."
"Have I ever told you, I liked you?"
"No, sir, not that I recall."
"Okay, just checking. Wouldn't want people to think that my reputation is less than what it really is. If you need me...hell, just tell my father's secretary to find me. I certainly won't be here. Good day."
Lex turned around and walked back out the office, with the same determination and anger written across his stone cold face, as he had upon entering.
(To be continued in part 8)