Destiny
This story and account is a cooperative effort between demonman21 and Nightcrawler8. We will be alternating chapters. We do not own any part of Smallville, to our deep sadness. None of these characters are ours, nor do we make any claim to the contrary. Oh, and both Nightcrawler8 and I agree that having Lana go to an art program without ever showing any art inclination was weird. Therefore, given she ran a business for a year or so, she went to an elite business program in France. This story will serve as the Season 4 opener.
Part 1 – Gathering
Lana walked off the plane gingerly. It had been a long flight, and her legs were still shaky after spending eleven hours sitting on a plane. Lana took a deep breath, and smiled. She'd spent three months in France, and had been assaulted with sights she'd never imagined. But here, this place...it smelled like home.
"Lana!"
Lana turned, and grinned, "Hey, Nell. Thanks for coming to get me."
Nell pulled Lana into an affectionate hug. "Don't be silly. Of course I came to get you. Did you enjoy France?"
"It was great," Lana commented.
"Well, I'm glad you're home. Especially in time for..." Nell trailed off uncertainly.
Lana's face fell as she fought back a sob, "I'd never miss it. I just wish it wasn't happening. I mean, there isn't even a body."
Nell sighed, "So do I. But they've been looking for months, and no sign has been found. The police have given up, and they're officially calling it a death...a funeral is the next step. Have you finished your speech?"
Lana nodded, "It was hard...I never thought I'd have to give this speech."
"It's only fitting that you give the eulogy. You two were incredibly close," Nell pointed out. She then shook her head, "Let's change the topic. Tell me about France. How was the Business Program?"
Before Lana could answer, a voice called out behind her. "Lana, wait up." Lana turned just as a man walked up. He was about six feet tall with blond hair and a muscular frame. He smiled at Lana teasingly, "Well, that's the last time I trade you my first class seat for your row 20 seat. It was a pain in the neck getting off."
"I'm sorry, who are you?" Nell asked in confusion.
Lana smiled. She pulled the man into a tight hug as she explained, "Nell, this is Jason."
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"Thank you for meeting with me," Lex commented. "Ladies and gentlemen, please have a seat."
The five men and three women each eyed the others with suspicion before sitting down slowly. Lex suppressed a smile. He knew them well; they'd been dealing with each other on a very close level for almost a year, and his father had taught him how to read body language like a book. All of them were tense, and they gazed at Lex with a combination of fear and respect. In short, they knew what was coming.
"I trust I don't have to explain why I called this meeting," Lex began.
"You're looking to oust your father," one of the shareholders retorted. Lex turned his gaze and focused his attention on the one who spoke. James Marshall was an older man, easily in his sixties with silver hair and a deep gaze. He was also solidly in Lionel's corner, and Lex knew he would be one of the toughest opponents to this move.
Lex leaned back in his chair, and kept his expression neutral, "Given my father's present situation, it would not be feasible for him to continue his duties as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Luthorcorp. A change of leadership is in order."
"Lionel's 'situation' is a direct result of you, from what I've been told," James countered.
Again, Lex hid a smile. He'd known James had found out about Lex's part in his father's arrest; after all, Lex was the one who'd leaked the information to James's spy. "It would be more accurate to say my father put himself in that situation when he committed murder. Wouldn't you?"
"Funny. I don't remember a jury convicting him just yet," James retorted.
Lex sighed. This was getting old. "Believe what you like. Regardless, my father is currently incarcerated. He does not have the time or freedom to run Luthorcorp. Do you honestly expect the stock market to sit by and let a man in jail control their future?"
There was an uncomfortable silence, and Lex knew he'd hit a soft spot. Lex continued softly, "My father has run Luthorcorp for years, and he'd been training me to follow in his footsteps. While I doubt he ever intended for the change of power to take over so soon, it doesn't alter the fact that I am the most qualified to continue in my father's legacy."
"I for one feel the company would be in excellent hands with you Lex," another stockholder chimed. Inwardly, Lex grinned. That comment was perfectly timed, and all it took was a promise of a position of power under Lex's leadership. Lex saw the other stockholders nodded subtly in agreement, and that was when Lex new he had won.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for you to make a choice. You can either follow me into greatness, or try and hold on to the past and stumble into failure. What is your decision?"
Lex watched as James surveyed the room, looking to see if there were any other shareholders he could count on. Seeing his support structure fade, James gave into the inevitable. He locked eyes with Lex, and said slowly, "Alright, the board is with you...for now. But we will reserve judgment until we see you in action."
"That's all I ask," Lex responded humbly. He'd won; he could be graceful.
"We'll announce the change in leadership at a press conference tomorrow," James began.
"Schedule it for the day after tomorrow," Lex countered. "I have something...personal to deal with."
"Lex, what could be more important than Luthorcorp?" a stockholder asked suspiciously.
Lex turned, and said softly, "I have a funeral to attend."
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"Mr. Luthor, you're in trouble..." Michael began.
Lionel shook his head, "Everything is going to be fine."
"As your lawyer, I have to tell you, it's not looking great. Even with...what happened, the federal government is moving forward with the charges," Michael explained, "and I have to tell you, it's a strong case."
"That is not an issue," Lionel stated firmly. "Did you bring it?"
Michael shifted uncomfortably, "Mr. Luthor, you really should focus on your case..."
"You are my lawyer; you do what I say. And I'm asking you, did you bring it?" Lionel said in a soft voice.
Michael fought down a shiver as he remembered who he was dealing with, "Of course, Mr. Luthor." Michael reached into his briefcase, and pulled out a videotape. He handed it over to Lionel.
"Your assistance in this matter will be rewarded," Lionel remarked. Lionel then turned and put the tape in the VCR. It was normally prohibited to have a TV and VCR for a private viewing, but the normal rules did not apply to him. It had taken a minor bribe, but it was worth it.
The screen was fuzzy for a few moments, and then Michael could make out a dark room of some sort, "If I may ask Mr. Luthor, what exactly is on this tape?"
"It's a security tape from one of my properties, a set of caves whose protection I'm handling. As for what's on it..." Lionel trailed off as two people walked into the camera's view.
Michael watched the events unfold in front of his eyes. His eyes widened, and he paled. What he was seeing couldn't possibly... "Is this real life?" Michael whispered.
"Yes, it is," Lionel answered, and Michael could almost feel the passion in Lionel's inflection. Michael had been Lionel's attorney for close to ten years, and he knew when Lionel had that tone of voice, the subject was a matter of deep personal interest to him.
When the tape ended, Lionel leaned back and smiled, "Interesting. It explains so much...did you call the number I gave you?"
Michael nodded, "Yes, sir. Clark Kent hasn't been seen since the day of this tape."
"Tell him I want the Kents watched closely. I want to know the second the young Mr. Kent reappears. Is that understood?" Lionel commanded.
"Of course Mr. Luthor," Michael replied. "I'll take care of it."
"Good. Now, go. You have things to do, and I need to think," Lionel ended. He then stood up and walked out. Michael watched him go, and took a deep breath. Knowing Lionel, he wasn't going to let this go. And if what was on the tape was true, then Michael only knew one thing.
Things were going to be very interesting.
TO BE CONTINUED...
This story and account is a cooperative effort between demonman21 and Nightcrawler8. We will be alternating chapters. We do not own any part of Smallville, to our deep sadness. None of these characters are ours, nor do we make any claim to the contrary. Oh, and both Nightcrawler8 and I agree that having Lana go to an art program without ever showing any art inclination was weird. Therefore, given she ran a business for a year or so, she went to an elite business program in France. This story will serve as the Season 4 opener.
Part 1 – Gathering
Lana walked off the plane gingerly. It had been a long flight, and her legs were still shaky after spending eleven hours sitting on a plane. Lana took a deep breath, and smiled. She'd spent three months in France, and had been assaulted with sights she'd never imagined. But here, this place...it smelled like home.
"Lana!"
Lana turned, and grinned, "Hey, Nell. Thanks for coming to get me."
Nell pulled Lana into an affectionate hug. "Don't be silly. Of course I came to get you. Did you enjoy France?"
"It was great," Lana commented.
"Well, I'm glad you're home. Especially in time for..." Nell trailed off uncertainly.
Lana's face fell as she fought back a sob, "I'd never miss it. I just wish it wasn't happening. I mean, there isn't even a body."
Nell sighed, "So do I. But they've been looking for months, and no sign has been found. The police have given up, and they're officially calling it a death...a funeral is the next step. Have you finished your speech?"
Lana nodded, "It was hard...I never thought I'd have to give this speech."
"It's only fitting that you give the eulogy. You two were incredibly close," Nell pointed out. She then shook her head, "Let's change the topic. Tell me about France. How was the Business Program?"
Before Lana could answer, a voice called out behind her. "Lana, wait up." Lana turned just as a man walked up. He was about six feet tall with blond hair and a muscular frame. He smiled at Lana teasingly, "Well, that's the last time I trade you my first class seat for your row 20 seat. It was a pain in the neck getting off."
"I'm sorry, who are you?" Nell asked in confusion.
Lana smiled. She pulled the man into a tight hug as she explained, "Nell, this is Jason."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
"Thank you for meeting with me," Lex commented. "Ladies and gentlemen, please have a seat."
The five men and three women each eyed the others with suspicion before sitting down slowly. Lex suppressed a smile. He knew them well; they'd been dealing with each other on a very close level for almost a year, and his father had taught him how to read body language like a book. All of them were tense, and they gazed at Lex with a combination of fear and respect. In short, they knew what was coming.
"I trust I don't have to explain why I called this meeting," Lex began.
"You're looking to oust your father," one of the shareholders retorted. Lex turned his gaze and focused his attention on the one who spoke. James Marshall was an older man, easily in his sixties with silver hair and a deep gaze. He was also solidly in Lionel's corner, and Lex knew he would be one of the toughest opponents to this move.
Lex leaned back in his chair, and kept his expression neutral, "Given my father's present situation, it would not be feasible for him to continue his duties as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Luthorcorp. A change of leadership is in order."
"Lionel's 'situation' is a direct result of you, from what I've been told," James countered.
Again, Lex hid a smile. He'd known James had found out about Lex's part in his father's arrest; after all, Lex was the one who'd leaked the information to James's spy. "It would be more accurate to say my father put himself in that situation when he committed murder. Wouldn't you?"
"Funny. I don't remember a jury convicting him just yet," James retorted.
Lex sighed. This was getting old. "Believe what you like. Regardless, my father is currently incarcerated. He does not have the time or freedom to run Luthorcorp. Do you honestly expect the stock market to sit by and let a man in jail control their future?"
There was an uncomfortable silence, and Lex knew he'd hit a soft spot. Lex continued softly, "My father has run Luthorcorp for years, and he'd been training me to follow in his footsteps. While I doubt he ever intended for the change of power to take over so soon, it doesn't alter the fact that I am the most qualified to continue in my father's legacy."
"I for one feel the company would be in excellent hands with you Lex," another stockholder chimed. Inwardly, Lex grinned. That comment was perfectly timed, and all it took was a promise of a position of power under Lex's leadership. Lex saw the other stockholders nodded subtly in agreement, and that was when Lex new he had won.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for you to make a choice. You can either follow me into greatness, or try and hold on to the past and stumble into failure. What is your decision?"
Lex watched as James surveyed the room, looking to see if there were any other shareholders he could count on. Seeing his support structure fade, James gave into the inevitable. He locked eyes with Lex, and said slowly, "Alright, the board is with you...for now. But we will reserve judgment until we see you in action."
"That's all I ask," Lex responded humbly. He'd won; he could be graceful.
"We'll announce the change in leadership at a press conference tomorrow," James began.
"Schedule it for the day after tomorrow," Lex countered. "I have something...personal to deal with."
"Lex, what could be more important than Luthorcorp?" a stockholder asked suspiciously.
Lex turned, and said softly, "I have a funeral to attend."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
"Mr. Luthor, you're in trouble..." Michael began.
Lionel shook his head, "Everything is going to be fine."
"As your lawyer, I have to tell you, it's not looking great. Even with...what happened, the federal government is moving forward with the charges," Michael explained, "and I have to tell you, it's a strong case."
"That is not an issue," Lionel stated firmly. "Did you bring it?"
Michael shifted uncomfortably, "Mr. Luthor, you really should focus on your case..."
"You are my lawyer; you do what I say. And I'm asking you, did you bring it?" Lionel said in a soft voice.
Michael fought down a shiver as he remembered who he was dealing with, "Of course, Mr. Luthor." Michael reached into his briefcase, and pulled out a videotape. He handed it over to Lionel.
"Your assistance in this matter will be rewarded," Lionel remarked. Lionel then turned and put the tape in the VCR. It was normally prohibited to have a TV and VCR for a private viewing, but the normal rules did not apply to him. It had taken a minor bribe, but it was worth it.
The screen was fuzzy for a few moments, and then Michael could make out a dark room of some sort, "If I may ask Mr. Luthor, what exactly is on this tape?"
"It's a security tape from one of my properties, a set of caves whose protection I'm handling. As for what's on it..." Lionel trailed off as two people walked into the camera's view.
Michael watched the events unfold in front of his eyes. His eyes widened, and he paled. What he was seeing couldn't possibly... "Is this real life?" Michael whispered.
"Yes, it is," Lionel answered, and Michael could almost feel the passion in Lionel's inflection. Michael had been Lionel's attorney for close to ten years, and he knew when Lionel had that tone of voice, the subject was a matter of deep personal interest to him.
When the tape ended, Lionel leaned back and smiled, "Interesting. It explains so much...did you call the number I gave you?"
Michael nodded, "Yes, sir. Clark Kent hasn't been seen since the day of this tape."
"Tell him I want the Kents watched closely. I want to know the second the young Mr. Kent reappears. Is that understood?" Lionel commanded.
"Of course Mr. Luthor," Michael replied. "I'll take care of it."
"Good. Now, go. You have things to do, and I need to think," Lionel ended. He then stood up and walked out. Michael watched him go, and took a deep breath. Knowing Lionel, he wasn't going to let this go. And if what was on the tape was true, then Michael only knew one thing.
Things were going to be very interesting.
TO BE CONTINUED...