Title: A Hero Arrives (12/?): Sequel to 'A Fallen Hero'
Author: DCForever
E-mail: dcforever23yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
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.
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"Ah come on Pete. I want to get to the front so he can see us." Chloe stated, trying to rush her friend as they carefully weaved their way through the crowd outside the Metropolis Children Orphanage.
Though Pete Ross hated everything the Luthor's stood for, he supported his friends no matter what. "Yeah, yeah, I'm right behind you. Excuse me. Sorry. Coming through." 'Why so many he thought."
Chloe found her spot mere seconds before Lex Luthor made his presence. The chauffer walked around the long, white stretch limousine and opened the door and there he was, Lex Luthor in the flesh. He stepped out onto the red carpet that had been unrolled just for his very feet. Walking toward the large four-story building, small, two foot tall raw iron gates were opened by a couple children.
"Welcome to our home, Mr. Luthor," said a little blonde haired girl dressed in a pink flowery dress. She immediately took his hand and led him over to a crowd of waiting children. "Mr. Luthor, I would like to introduce you to my family. Family, Mr. Luthor." Lex smiled and took his time shaking the hands of some while hugging others.
"Such a fake," Pete murmured.
"Maybe...maybe not," whispered Chloe as she watched how careful and sincere the handsomely dressed bald man seemed with the children.
The little girl regained control of Lex's hand and led him over to an elderly looking lady. "And this Mr. Luthor is our Nana Mary. She's the one that's taken us all in...and the reason we are all here today." She let go of his hand and walked over to hug Mary, whispering in her ear, "He's a lot nicer in person." The girl giggled before joining her friends and family.
"It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Luthor." Mary reached out and shook his hand.
"Please, call me Lex." Lex already decided his visit would be treated as more than a meet and greet. He leaned in and hugged the woman. "You've done a fabulous job with this place and these children. I'll make sure it's still around long after any of us." He pulled away and scanned the crowd, smiling as he caught sight of a familiar face. 'Long time no see, Ms. Sullivan,' he thought as he stepped up to the microphone and speaker box. 'How quaint.'
"Ladies and gentlemen," turning to the children smiling, "and above all, children, thank you for inviting me today. It is a great honor for the friends and family of Nana Mary to bestow upon the entire LuthorCorp family and myself this privileged right. We thank you. And as a thank you for devoting such hard work, love, and time into making this orphanage run smoothly and for being there for these children, LuthorCorp would like to present you with this check." He pulled the check from his coat pocket and stared down at the numbers. "Just one second please. This can't be right." He grabbed his pen and manually added an additional zero to the already $1,000,000 check. "Yes, this is more like it. Where was I? Ah, this check...for a grand total of ten...," he loved drawing out suspense, "million dollars." Instantly cameras of all shapes, sizes, and models began snapping away, jaws dropped, and gasps were heard throughout the crowded front yard, no one believing their ears.
Lex looked back at the children who were hovering around their Nana, who had fainted on the spot. He rushed over by her side, screaming, "Can someone get this woman some water?" A few minutes and swallows of water later, she was fully revived and hugging the generous bald man.
"We never...," She couldn't bring herself to finish, too dumbstruck at the opportunity LuthorCorp was giving her. "What can I say or do to repay you?"
"How about thank you and accept the check?" He handed over the newly written check to the children and their Nana and then returned to the microphone. "I just want to thank you all for coming out and supporting this great cause in our great city. This orphanage is here to stay...as is our wonderful, beloved Metropolis. And remember people, this orphanage isn't what this day is all about," he turned and picked up the little girl from earlier, asking her, her name, "little Charlotte here and," his hands motioned for the other children to join him, "and her current family. Remember, they are all looking for fulltime families that will take them in and love them as their own. So, spend some time talking and getting to know these great children. I know I plan to and yes, we all will be around to talk and answer any questions you might have...as long as it revolves around this fine place and these wonderful kids."
Lex once again hugged each and every child and then started his media walk, giving each reporter a minute or two of his time. Some tried to steer him to other topics, but were unsuccessful in their attempts, finding him walking to the next media hound.
"Well Pete...what do you think of our Lex now?"
"Dirt bag, money grubber, media hog, snot-nosed punk. Shall I go on?" Chloe shook her head not believing her friend's refusal to cut the man a break. She would be the first one to admit that there were some things she found at fought with him, but not everything.
"He's a kind man at heart, Pete. When will you ever let go of the past and realize that he isn't his father and never will be. Lionel Luthor was the one that swooped in and swept up everything from our families, not Lex."
"He's just as bad if not worst and one day maybe you'll realize that. I just hope when that time comes it isn't too late."
"Ah, Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Ross?"
"Speaking of the devil," Pete sniped. Chloe stepped in front of her friend.
"Well if it isn't our old friend, Lex?" responded Chloe taking a quick snapshot of the multi-billionaire's son. "It's been a while."
"Yes it certainly has." She takes the girl's hand, lifts it above her head, and spins her around. "You much more mature since the last time I saw you." Chloe blushed remembering back to the time in the Kent's barn loft when Lex had caught her sleeping in a not so appropriate way.
She stopped and slapped at his hand. "Stop it, you're embarrassing me."
"As I recall, you seem all that embarrassed."
"What say we move past that?" She quickly changed the subject knowing full well she would have some explaining to do to Pete, seeing he was very interested in the subject. "So, ten million dollars? That's quite a bit of caviar you're giving away there. How about passing some of that cash our way?"
"You mean Smallville's way? Or your way? Pete, how about you?"
"Nah dawg, I'm fine. You keep your washed over money and parade around like you're some kind of saviour all you want. You were bred for this, not I."
"I see nothing has changed on that front. So, what have you been up to Ms. Sullivan?"
"Living in Paris at the moment. Got a job working at a local news rag. Nothing big, but for the time being it pays the bills."
"Been back home yet?"
"I'd rather not even think about that place if that's okay?"
"Whatever you want. Well, I best be making some more rounds. I wouldn't want anyone thinking I was playing favorites. You and Ross should drop by my suite sometime. I would love to spend some time with you and catch up on things."
"Sounds promising." Responded Chloe, shaking his hand yet again. "I might be in town for a few days so might just take you up on that offer."
"It's on the table. Take care you two. And be sure to talk with the children some and take a tour of the place before you go." He nodded his goodbye and immediately sought out privacy as he retrieved his cell phone from his pocket. "This better be good."
"Just wanted to hear a familiar voice."
"Oh, it's you. I'm sort of busy at the moment. Can I call you back in a little while? Love to catch up."
"Just know I'm bored and I miss you. Call me when you can." The phone line went silent. He closed up the phone, but immediately felt it vibrate in his hand.
"I told you sweetie..."
"Mr. Luthor?"
"Oh, it's you. Yes, what is it?"
"The Eagle has landed sir."
"Excellent. And what about our other little problem?"
"Failure, sir. The team was taken out. I'm not sure what we are dealing with, but it isn't good, sir."
"Well, there's always going to be casualties, soldier. They did were expendable. What matters is they did their job and we got what we wanted."
"Yes, sir we did. The base alarm system was so screwed up from the other night, they didn't know who was coming or going. That computer virus did the trick."
"I'll be sure to commend my source. We'll meet back at base in two hours. Till then, don't call back."
"The Misses Again?"
"Isn't it always?" Lex turned off the phone before closing and putting it back in his coat pocket.
While Chloe was chatting it up with some of the other reporters Pete stood off, watching the beloved Lex Luthor as he mingled and talked it up with the masses. Out of nowhere, a brisk breeze swept through the area. What was once an empty hand was no more as Pete unclenched his hand and pulled out a note. He quickly walked over and pulled Chloe to the side.
"We've been paged." Chloe took and read the note, smiling and relaxed.
"Guess it's time for our departure then." Pete started walking away and turned back.
"What are you waiting for?" Chloe shook her head in disbelief and followed her friend back through the crowds. Lex watched them out the corner of his eye as they made a quick get away.
'What are you two up to?' he wondered, giving a quick nod of the head to his chauffeur. Nodding back, Roger dialed a number on his cell phone. Immediately after, Lex kneeled to the ground and started taking pictures with the children.
'What a mastermind," thought Roger as he spoke into the phone.
"What a complete setup. Thomas, are you sure, it wasn't you? If that's the case then we all could be in some serious danger."
"Ray, calm down. We will get to the bottom of this."
"I'm not calm and nor will I be calm until I find out what is going on. My friends and me almost got roasted over this little security breach. I thought it was us who were after the Luthors, not the other way around?"
"They know and that is all that matters. We can't keep hiding. Eventually we will have to square off against them, one way or another."
"Say what you will, but we're coming in."
"Ray, that isn't a good idea."
"Oops, guess I forgot to mention...we're already here." Ray stepped through the sliding reinforced steel plated door with Clark and Barry in tow. Clark was amazed at the enormity of the hardware scattered throughout the underground base of operations.
"Are we really right under the university?" Clark asked as he took everything all in.
"Yep; one hundred and fifty feet below my office young man. Christopher, right?"
"Yes, sir." Clark walked past the man, discreetly began scanning the room with his x-ray vision. 'If I were top secret data, where would I hide?' he asked himself while looking through desks, file cabinets, rooms, and clothes, with only one thing on his mind. He needed to find that video footage from the waterfront battle.
Through his scanning, he did find something of interest. Leaning against the door, "Say, Mr. Thomas, what's behind this door?" Clark asked.
"Son, I think you already have a good idea of an answer to that question or you wouldn't have asked."
"If I knew, I wouldn't have had a reason to ask."
"Our number one playing card is what is behind that door."
"Boss, you mean to tell me you still have Lionel Luthor here?"
"Of course, why should we move him?" He unlocked and opened the door and relocked it after they all stepped into the large caged room.
"Lionel?" Clark mumbled as he stepped into the room and saw the bearded man behind bars. "So why is Luthor here?" He asked, peaking Lionel's curiosity.
'That voice?' Lionel stood up and walked over to the cage door. "What's your name, son?"
"Like it matters to you?" Clark was cold, but without realizing it, he had already given the enemy the upper hand.
'Different face, but that is you isn't it Mr. Kent? I would know that voice anywhere.'
"But it does son. It matters to me greatly. I like to know the names of those I converse with."
"His name's Christopher." Ray shot out, already annoyed by the prisoner. "And I'm the one that's responsible for you being here. And my friend here, he's here to make sure that remains to be the truth." Thomas smirked situation and led the group back out of the room.
"There will be plenty of time to talk later." Thomas closed and locked the door back. "So Chris, do you know Lionel?"
Clark knew the man was digging. "We've met that's all you need to know." Clark kept President Thomas busy talking and showing him around the place while Ray held up his end of the bargain and sought out the waterfront footage.
"You sure about this, Ray?" Barry asked while keeping watch at the tinted windowed door.
"No, but I'm don't care to have to stare at those eyes again. He was ready to light me up."
"He wouldn't have. You do know that?"
"Maybe, but why take a chance? He's already proven to be an ally and a good friend, what more do we need? Found it." The computer wiz started the deleting process on the mainframe. "What's this?" Another file peaked his interest. "E.A.G.L.E." He opened the file while the other finished deleting.
"Hey, someone's coming." Ray quickly copied, encrypted, and sent the file to the university's public domain system.
"What are you doing? Didn't you hear me?"
"Found something. Just be a minute." He exited and logged out. "Let's go." The two quickly made their way back to Clark's side.
"So, give my man the full tour?" Ray asked his boss.
"Clark?" Thomas returned the question to Clark.
"Yes, sir and I very much appreciate it. I just can't imagine though...if you have this type of setup...what could Lex and his father possibly have?" Clark was lost in his thoughts for a moment.
"That is something I don't care to find out." Barry spat out, shaking his head, knowing full well how the Luthor's ran things in the underground world.
"While you all figure out what is going on and why, is there a place that I might can crash for a little sleep. Haven't been sleeping to well lately."
"Sure Chris. I'll have Lisa show you the way." Thomas motioned over to a girl standing amongst some of his other employees. She immediately stopped talking and headed over.
"Chris, Lisa...Lisa, Chris."
"Nice to meet you, young man. Part of the team?"
"Not sure yet." This abrupt news didn't suit Thomas all too well. He grabbed Ray by the shirt collar and pulled him away for a private talk.
Lisa was waiting for her instructions and Clark was waiting for Lisa. "I think he just wanted you to show to some place I might can get a nap."
"Sure, right this way." Lisa stepped in front of him and led him through corridor after corridor. He wondered just how large Thomas's organization was. "Here you go, young man."
"Young man? You can't be much older. Just Chris is fine."
"I'm twenty-four years old and I head up Mr. Thomas's number one assault team. I have degrees from both Harvard and MIT. I'm a professional and sorry if this comes across rude, but it is business so professional courtesy is a must.
"Whatever," mumbled Clark as he lay down on a cot. The young woman watched as he quickly drifted off to sleep.
'So what did you do to end up here,' she thought as she closed the six-inch thick steel door and watched the four-inch thick bars lower and lock into place. Clark slept.
She returned to her boss. "And what is to become of our young friend, Clark?" Lisa asked.
"That will be up to him," Lionel responded as he bedded her down.
Two nights later, in Smallville, "Whitney, I had no idea you knew how to cook."
"He surprises people every once in a while," Lana said, standing up for her man.
Rachel just giggled listening to the three converse, but a familiar ringing pulled her attention away. "Sorry, I'll take it in the other room." She got up and walked to the living room before accepting the call.
"Rachel here." The phone call was painful to hear. She rushed back to the others. "I'm sorry everyone. Thank you for the dinner and for letting me stay and all, but I have to get back to Metropolis tonight. Something has happened and my parents were involved. I don't know what, but I have to know. Sandy, I'll need the car."
"Sure, whatever. Take it. Better yet, I'll come with you."
"No, I'll be fine. Stay and get your answers and don't come back until you have them. Thanks again everyone. I had a wonderful time." Rachel grabbed her purse and flew out of the apartment, needing to get back to Metropolis as fast as humanly possible.
"I wonder what that was all about?" Lana asked the girl's friend.
"No idea. I hope everyone is okay back there."
"If you need to go, cuz, we'll understand."
"No, Rachel said I should stay so that's what I'm going to do. I'm sure if it's anything of importance she'll let me know something as soon as she can."
(To be continued in Chapter 13)
Author: DCForever
E-mail: dcforever23yahoo.com
Feedback: Who doesn't want it? It is definitely welcomed.
Rating: PG-13
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.
------------------------------------------------------------
"Ah come on Pete. I want to get to the front so he can see us." Chloe stated, trying to rush her friend as they carefully weaved their way through the crowd outside the Metropolis Children Orphanage.
Though Pete Ross hated everything the Luthor's stood for, he supported his friends no matter what. "Yeah, yeah, I'm right behind you. Excuse me. Sorry. Coming through." 'Why so many he thought."
Chloe found her spot mere seconds before Lex Luthor made his presence. The chauffer walked around the long, white stretch limousine and opened the door and there he was, Lex Luthor in the flesh. He stepped out onto the red carpet that had been unrolled just for his very feet. Walking toward the large four-story building, small, two foot tall raw iron gates were opened by a couple children.
"Welcome to our home, Mr. Luthor," said a little blonde haired girl dressed in a pink flowery dress. She immediately took his hand and led him over to a crowd of waiting children. "Mr. Luthor, I would like to introduce you to my family. Family, Mr. Luthor." Lex smiled and took his time shaking the hands of some while hugging others.
"Such a fake," Pete murmured.
"Maybe...maybe not," whispered Chloe as she watched how careful and sincere the handsomely dressed bald man seemed with the children.
The little girl regained control of Lex's hand and led him over to an elderly looking lady. "And this Mr. Luthor is our Nana Mary. She's the one that's taken us all in...and the reason we are all here today." She let go of his hand and walked over to hug Mary, whispering in her ear, "He's a lot nicer in person." The girl giggled before joining her friends and family.
"It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Luthor." Mary reached out and shook his hand.
"Please, call me Lex." Lex already decided his visit would be treated as more than a meet and greet. He leaned in and hugged the woman. "You've done a fabulous job with this place and these children. I'll make sure it's still around long after any of us." He pulled away and scanned the crowd, smiling as he caught sight of a familiar face. 'Long time no see, Ms. Sullivan,' he thought as he stepped up to the microphone and speaker box. 'How quaint.'
"Ladies and gentlemen," turning to the children smiling, "and above all, children, thank you for inviting me today. It is a great honor for the friends and family of Nana Mary to bestow upon the entire LuthorCorp family and myself this privileged right. We thank you. And as a thank you for devoting such hard work, love, and time into making this orphanage run smoothly and for being there for these children, LuthorCorp would like to present you with this check." He pulled the check from his coat pocket and stared down at the numbers. "Just one second please. This can't be right." He grabbed his pen and manually added an additional zero to the already $1,000,000 check. "Yes, this is more like it. Where was I? Ah, this check...for a grand total of ten...," he loved drawing out suspense, "million dollars." Instantly cameras of all shapes, sizes, and models began snapping away, jaws dropped, and gasps were heard throughout the crowded front yard, no one believing their ears.
Lex looked back at the children who were hovering around their Nana, who had fainted on the spot. He rushed over by her side, screaming, "Can someone get this woman some water?" A few minutes and swallows of water later, she was fully revived and hugging the generous bald man.
"We never...," She couldn't bring herself to finish, too dumbstruck at the opportunity LuthorCorp was giving her. "What can I say or do to repay you?"
"How about thank you and accept the check?" He handed over the newly written check to the children and their Nana and then returned to the microphone. "I just want to thank you all for coming out and supporting this great cause in our great city. This orphanage is here to stay...as is our wonderful, beloved Metropolis. And remember people, this orphanage isn't what this day is all about," he turned and picked up the little girl from earlier, asking her, her name, "little Charlotte here and," his hands motioned for the other children to join him, "and her current family. Remember, they are all looking for fulltime families that will take them in and love them as their own. So, spend some time talking and getting to know these great children. I know I plan to and yes, we all will be around to talk and answer any questions you might have...as long as it revolves around this fine place and these wonderful kids."
Lex once again hugged each and every child and then started his media walk, giving each reporter a minute or two of his time. Some tried to steer him to other topics, but were unsuccessful in their attempts, finding him walking to the next media hound.
"Well Pete...what do you think of our Lex now?"
"Dirt bag, money grubber, media hog, snot-nosed punk. Shall I go on?" Chloe shook her head not believing her friend's refusal to cut the man a break. She would be the first one to admit that there were some things she found at fought with him, but not everything.
"He's a kind man at heart, Pete. When will you ever let go of the past and realize that he isn't his father and never will be. Lionel Luthor was the one that swooped in and swept up everything from our families, not Lex."
"He's just as bad if not worst and one day maybe you'll realize that. I just hope when that time comes it isn't too late."
"Ah, Ms. Sullivan and Mr. Ross?"
"Speaking of the devil," Pete sniped. Chloe stepped in front of her friend.
"Well if it isn't our old friend, Lex?" responded Chloe taking a quick snapshot of the multi-billionaire's son. "It's been a while."
"Yes it certainly has." She takes the girl's hand, lifts it above her head, and spins her around. "You much more mature since the last time I saw you." Chloe blushed remembering back to the time in the Kent's barn loft when Lex had caught her sleeping in a not so appropriate way.
She stopped and slapped at his hand. "Stop it, you're embarrassing me."
"As I recall, you seem all that embarrassed."
"What say we move past that?" She quickly changed the subject knowing full well she would have some explaining to do to Pete, seeing he was very interested in the subject. "So, ten million dollars? That's quite a bit of caviar you're giving away there. How about passing some of that cash our way?"
"You mean Smallville's way? Or your way? Pete, how about you?"
"Nah dawg, I'm fine. You keep your washed over money and parade around like you're some kind of saviour all you want. You were bred for this, not I."
"I see nothing has changed on that front. So, what have you been up to Ms. Sullivan?"
"Living in Paris at the moment. Got a job working at a local news rag. Nothing big, but for the time being it pays the bills."
"Been back home yet?"
"I'd rather not even think about that place if that's okay?"
"Whatever you want. Well, I best be making some more rounds. I wouldn't want anyone thinking I was playing favorites. You and Ross should drop by my suite sometime. I would love to spend some time with you and catch up on things."
"Sounds promising." Responded Chloe, shaking his hand yet again. "I might be in town for a few days so might just take you up on that offer."
"It's on the table. Take care you two. And be sure to talk with the children some and take a tour of the place before you go." He nodded his goodbye and immediately sought out privacy as he retrieved his cell phone from his pocket. "This better be good."
"Just wanted to hear a familiar voice."
"Oh, it's you. I'm sort of busy at the moment. Can I call you back in a little while? Love to catch up."
"Just know I'm bored and I miss you. Call me when you can." The phone line went silent. He closed up the phone, but immediately felt it vibrate in his hand.
"I told you sweetie..."
"Mr. Luthor?"
"Oh, it's you. Yes, what is it?"
"The Eagle has landed sir."
"Excellent. And what about our other little problem?"
"Failure, sir. The team was taken out. I'm not sure what we are dealing with, but it isn't good, sir."
"Well, there's always going to be casualties, soldier. They did were expendable. What matters is they did their job and we got what we wanted."
"Yes, sir we did. The base alarm system was so screwed up from the other night, they didn't know who was coming or going. That computer virus did the trick."
"I'll be sure to commend my source. We'll meet back at base in two hours. Till then, don't call back."
"The Misses Again?"
"Isn't it always?" Lex turned off the phone before closing and putting it back in his coat pocket.
While Chloe was chatting it up with some of the other reporters Pete stood off, watching the beloved Lex Luthor as he mingled and talked it up with the masses. Out of nowhere, a brisk breeze swept through the area. What was once an empty hand was no more as Pete unclenched his hand and pulled out a note. He quickly walked over and pulled Chloe to the side.
"We've been paged." Chloe took and read the note, smiling and relaxed.
"Guess it's time for our departure then." Pete started walking away and turned back.
"What are you waiting for?" Chloe shook her head in disbelief and followed her friend back through the crowds. Lex watched them out the corner of his eye as they made a quick get away.
'What are you two up to?' he wondered, giving a quick nod of the head to his chauffeur. Nodding back, Roger dialed a number on his cell phone. Immediately after, Lex kneeled to the ground and started taking pictures with the children.
'What a mastermind," thought Roger as he spoke into the phone.
"What a complete setup. Thomas, are you sure, it wasn't you? If that's the case then we all could be in some serious danger."
"Ray, calm down. We will get to the bottom of this."
"I'm not calm and nor will I be calm until I find out what is going on. My friends and me almost got roasted over this little security breach. I thought it was us who were after the Luthors, not the other way around?"
"They know and that is all that matters. We can't keep hiding. Eventually we will have to square off against them, one way or another."
"Say what you will, but we're coming in."
"Ray, that isn't a good idea."
"Oops, guess I forgot to mention...we're already here." Ray stepped through the sliding reinforced steel plated door with Clark and Barry in tow. Clark was amazed at the enormity of the hardware scattered throughout the underground base of operations.
"Are we really right under the university?" Clark asked as he took everything all in.
"Yep; one hundred and fifty feet below my office young man. Christopher, right?"
"Yes, sir." Clark walked past the man, discreetly began scanning the room with his x-ray vision. 'If I were top secret data, where would I hide?' he asked himself while looking through desks, file cabinets, rooms, and clothes, with only one thing on his mind. He needed to find that video footage from the waterfront battle.
Through his scanning, he did find something of interest. Leaning against the door, "Say, Mr. Thomas, what's behind this door?" Clark asked.
"Son, I think you already have a good idea of an answer to that question or you wouldn't have asked."
"If I knew, I wouldn't have had a reason to ask."
"Our number one playing card is what is behind that door."
"Boss, you mean to tell me you still have Lionel Luthor here?"
"Of course, why should we move him?" He unlocked and opened the door and relocked it after they all stepped into the large caged room.
"Lionel?" Clark mumbled as he stepped into the room and saw the bearded man behind bars. "So why is Luthor here?" He asked, peaking Lionel's curiosity.
'That voice?' Lionel stood up and walked over to the cage door. "What's your name, son?"
"Like it matters to you?" Clark was cold, but without realizing it, he had already given the enemy the upper hand.
'Different face, but that is you isn't it Mr. Kent? I would know that voice anywhere.'
"But it does son. It matters to me greatly. I like to know the names of those I converse with."
"His name's Christopher." Ray shot out, already annoyed by the prisoner. "And I'm the one that's responsible for you being here. And my friend here, he's here to make sure that remains to be the truth." Thomas smirked situation and led the group back out of the room.
"There will be plenty of time to talk later." Thomas closed and locked the door back. "So Chris, do you know Lionel?"
Clark knew the man was digging. "We've met that's all you need to know." Clark kept President Thomas busy talking and showing him around the place while Ray held up his end of the bargain and sought out the waterfront footage.
"You sure about this, Ray?" Barry asked while keeping watch at the tinted windowed door.
"No, but I'm don't care to have to stare at those eyes again. He was ready to light me up."
"He wouldn't have. You do know that?"
"Maybe, but why take a chance? He's already proven to be an ally and a good friend, what more do we need? Found it." The computer wiz started the deleting process on the mainframe. "What's this?" Another file peaked his interest. "E.A.G.L.E." He opened the file while the other finished deleting.
"Hey, someone's coming." Ray quickly copied, encrypted, and sent the file to the university's public domain system.
"What are you doing? Didn't you hear me?"
"Found something. Just be a minute." He exited and logged out. "Let's go." The two quickly made their way back to Clark's side.
"So, give my man the full tour?" Ray asked his boss.
"Clark?" Thomas returned the question to Clark.
"Yes, sir and I very much appreciate it. I just can't imagine though...if you have this type of setup...what could Lex and his father possibly have?" Clark was lost in his thoughts for a moment.
"That is something I don't care to find out." Barry spat out, shaking his head, knowing full well how the Luthor's ran things in the underground world.
"While you all figure out what is going on and why, is there a place that I might can crash for a little sleep. Haven't been sleeping to well lately."
"Sure Chris. I'll have Lisa show you the way." Thomas motioned over to a girl standing amongst some of his other employees. She immediately stopped talking and headed over.
"Chris, Lisa...Lisa, Chris."
"Nice to meet you, young man. Part of the team?"
"Not sure yet." This abrupt news didn't suit Thomas all too well. He grabbed Ray by the shirt collar and pulled him away for a private talk.
Lisa was waiting for her instructions and Clark was waiting for Lisa. "I think he just wanted you to show to some place I might can get a nap."
"Sure, right this way." Lisa stepped in front of him and led him through corridor after corridor. He wondered just how large Thomas's organization was. "Here you go, young man."
"Young man? You can't be much older. Just Chris is fine."
"I'm twenty-four years old and I head up Mr. Thomas's number one assault team. I have degrees from both Harvard and MIT. I'm a professional and sorry if this comes across rude, but it is business so professional courtesy is a must.
"Whatever," mumbled Clark as he lay down on a cot. The young woman watched as he quickly drifted off to sleep.
'So what did you do to end up here,' she thought as she closed the six-inch thick steel door and watched the four-inch thick bars lower and lock into place. Clark slept.
She returned to her boss. "And what is to become of our young friend, Clark?" Lisa asked.
"That will be up to him," Lionel responded as he bedded her down.
Two nights later, in Smallville, "Whitney, I had no idea you knew how to cook."
"He surprises people every once in a while," Lana said, standing up for her man.
Rachel just giggled listening to the three converse, but a familiar ringing pulled her attention away. "Sorry, I'll take it in the other room." She got up and walked to the living room before accepting the call.
"Rachel here." The phone call was painful to hear. She rushed back to the others. "I'm sorry everyone. Thank you for the dinner and for letting me stay and all, but I have to get back to Metropolis tonight. Something has happened and my parents were involved. I don't know what, but I have to know. Sandy, I'll need the car."
"Sure, whatever. Take it. Better yet, I'll come with you."
"No, I'll be fine. Stay and get your answers and don't come back until you have them. Thanks again everyone. I had a wonderful time." Rachel grabbed her purse and flew out of the apartment, needing to get back to Metropolis as fast as humanly possible.
"I wonder what that was all about?" Lana asked the girl's friend.
"No idea. I hope everyone is okay back there."
"If you need to go, cuz, we'll understand."
"No, Rachel said I should stay so that's what I'm going to do. I'm sure if it's anything of importance she'll let me know something as soon as she can."
(To be continued in Chapter 13)