Part 5 – Fathers
Lionel sat, deep in thought. Around him the other prisoners went about their business, everything from working out to selling drugs. Lionel watched covertly, despite his thoughts. He'd trained himself from a young age to observe his environment. One never knows what small detail in your surroundings could be of use. However, only a small part of his mind was on such trivial tasks. The bulk of his attention was turned inward, as he contemplated yet again the security tape.
It had confirmed many of his suspicions. He'd always known Clark was special, and Lionel had suspected he was linked in some manner to the Kawatche caves. The tape merely confirmed those thoughts. However, it also created new questions. Lionel had watched as Clark was absorbed into the cave wall in some manner. He'd ordered men to go over that wall inch by inch, but nothing was found. It remained a mystery, one Lionel was determined to solve.
Lionel's musings were interrupted as he saw a man approach out of the corner of his eye. He wasn't worried; he'd faced tougher crowds than this and come out unscathed. Lionel was a practiced survivor; prison was a simple environment to adapt to in comparison to others he'd been in. Still, Lionel turned and faced the man approaching him.
The man grinned at Lionel, revealing stained teeth and bad breath, "How's it feel to be ousted, Mr. Luthor?"
Lionel raised an eyebrow in response, but let none of his curiosity show on his face. "What are you talking about?" Lionel questioned in annoyance.
The man laughed, "You don't know? Take a gander at the screen."
Lionel turned, and saw that it was currently on the news. The logo of his company was on in the background, and Lionel's curiosity was peaked. He reached over and put the headphones over his ears.
"...not surprised by this move," the reporter explained. "Given Mr. Luthor's current situation, it's a smart move for the board of directors to appoint a new Chairman. In addition, his son Lex is the most logical choice to take the reins of his father's company. The question that is on the stock market's mind is 'can Lex handle Luthorcorp as well as his father?' If the stock market is any indication, the answer is yes. Luthorcorp stock rose ten points in the wake of the announcement. Investors are..."
Lionel put the headphones back down, and turned back to the prisoner. "Looks like you're out of a job," the man said sadistically. "Richie ain't so rich."
Lionel let nothing show on his face as he said in a cold, quiet voice, "Underestimate me at your peril. I suggest you move on...unless there was something else?"
The prisoner took one look at Lionel's face, and paled. He backed off quickly, and Lionel hid a grin. He'd long ago mastered the ability to stare people down; it was pleasant to know it worked in prison. That grin quickly faded as his thoughts went back to the broadcast.
So, Lex had taken over Luthorcorp. Lionel wasn't surprised; he'd been expecting this news for two months. It was always the case in business; when weakness is smelled, the jackals come running. He also wasn't surprised that Lex had pulled a coup over Lionel in his absence; after all, it was what he would have done. Still, the fact that he had managed to succeed in two months was a credit to Lex's abilities. 'I've taught him well,'Lionel thought as a flash of pride went though him.
Lionel took a deep breath. Even though he knew it was coming, this news still hurt. The loss of his control of Luthorcorp would cost him prestige and resources. Still, it wasn't too late. If he could get out of here, he could easily wrest control of his company back from Lex. Lex may be his son, but he still wouldn't win.
"Enjoy your victory while it lasts," Lionel whispered aloud. "Because rest assured, this isn't over yet."
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Lana entered the apartment gingerly. She had stepped out earlier to make a run for basic things. A part of her was worried that Clark wouldn't be there when she returned, but he was still sprawled out on the bed. She approached slowly, not wanting to wake him after last night.
Lana shuddered. It had scared her when Clark had started screaming. Clark refused to discuss much about what he had dreamed about, but it had to have been very bad. Lana had never heard Clark scream before; it was not a sound she ever wanted to hear again.
Lana's thoughts ended when Clark sat up in bed. He looked around wildly, and then winced.
"What hurts?" Lana asked in concern.
"Everything," Clark whispered. As Lana drew closer, Clark's gaze turned towards her. "What's that smell?"
Lana smiled. "I went out and grabbed a few things, including breakfast," she explained as she held up a box of donuts.
"Am I supposed to guess what's in the box?" Clark asked.
"No," Lana answered. Clark looked at her in puzzlement before she smiled and said, "You're supposed to close your eyes."
Clark smiled back at her before he complied. He heard the sound of scuffling around him. A few seconds later, Lana said, "Don't peek!"
Clark's smile widened as he placed his hands over his eyes. After a few seconds, Lana signaled, "Okay." Clark opened his eyes, and saw Lana holding a cake in front of him with candles burning.
"I know, uh, it's not you birthday for another seven minutes, but I wanted to surprise you."
Clark came out of his vision with a gasp. He looked over at Lana as she gazed at him in concern. "Another flash...?" Lana guessed.
Clark nodded, "I remember you...and some candles. My birthday..."
Lana nodded, "I snuck up to the loft at your parents' place."
"My parents," Clark whispered.
Lana sat down next to him, "I know they're probably worried about you...you really should go see them."
"No, no..." Clark shook his head violently, "I can't, not yet."
"Clark, why won't you see them?" Lana pressed.
"I...can't," Clark said quietly.
"Then will you let me tell them you're alive?" Lana asked. "Please." She wasn't sure why Clark insisted on not going near his parents, but she had to let them know. They deserved to know their son was okay.
Clark was silent for several minutes. He was struggling against the memory of the man in his memory's face. As he gazed into Lana's eyes, Clark felt something deep inside him asking him to agree. Clark wasn't sure what it was, but he decided against his fear.
"Okay."
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Lionel felt annoyance rise within him. His lawyer, Michael, was supposed to meet him to discuss what had happened in the cave, and he was late. Lionel despised lateness when he wasn't the one doing it; it was even worse in here. It was merely a reminder of the lack of power he had while here, a sign of disrespect he never would have tolerated when he was outside of here. Still, Michael had his uses; it would be best to allow this tardiness to pass...for now.
Finally, the guard opened the door and Michael entered. Lionel allowed some of his displeasure to enter his voice as he stated, "I expect punctuality from my employees. I trust you have a reason for your lateness?"
As the guard left, Michael stopped on the other side of the table, "My lateness is irrelevant, Lionel Luthor."
"Oh, ho, it's Lionel Luthor now," Lionel responded in slight amusement. Such a sign of disrespect was out of character for Michael, who had always shown him deference just short of cringing. "And why is it irrelevant?"
"Lionel Luthor, we have more important matters to discuss," Michael stated.
Lionel raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? And what matter is that?"
"I allowed you to view the videotape so that you could better understand," Michael began.
"What are you...?" Lionel began, but trailed off. Michael's eyes began to glow white. Lionel studied Michael for a few seconds, not letting any of his shock show on his face. "That's an interesting trick, one I know Michael couldn't do. Who are you?"
"I think you know who I am," Michael responded.
Lionel leaned back against the wall, and allowed a small smile to come onto his face. "Indeed I do...so you are the infamous Jor-El? I must admit, you're not as impressive outside of the booming voice."
Jor-El gazed steadily at Lionel for several moments, before he said, "Do you honestly think that your knowledge of my existence was not allowed, even caused by me?"
"And now you've possessed my lawyer," Lionel mentioned. "I do hope you aren't doing any permanent damage in his body. He was a useful tool, and those are hard to cultivate."
"When he has served his purpose, I may consider releasing him," Jor-El commented. "For now, this vessel is useful in our discussion."
"And what are we discussing?" Lionel asked.
"I wish to pursue a partnership," Jor-El explained.
"A partnership...really...and what are you offering me?" Lionel asked. He had long ago learned as long as he kept the opponent on the offensive without promising anything, he could gain more in the end.
"What I am offering you is almost beyond your imagination," Jor-El stated. "I can give you more power than you've ever believed possible."
Lionel raised an eyebrow, "That's rather vague. Could you be more specific?"
Jor-El stood up and approached Lionel. Lesser men would have backed down, but Lionel had iron control. When he got closer, Jor-El whispered, "Lionel Luthor, I know of your problems. Your power base has been stolen from you, your freedom revoked. And I know you are dying. It must be frustrating."
It was hard, but Lionel did not allow anything to show in his face or transfer to his voice. "You seem to know quite a bit about my situation. What are you offering?"
"I can make all those problems disappear. Your incarceration, your son...your disease; I can fix all of it."
Inwardly, Lionel felt hope rise within him. He had almost given up; he had come close to surrendering to fate, a thing never done by a Luthor. Now, Jor-El was offering him a cure. "Very intriguing," Lionel finally said, "and what exactly do you want in return?"
Jor-El retreated back to the other side of the table, "Like you, I have a son who seeks to defy the future he is destined for. And like you, I find my ability to influence him...limited. I need an agent, and you have shown yourself a man similar to me."
"And who is this errant son that needs guidance?" Lionel asked. He already suspected, but he wanted confirmation.
Jor-El met Lionel's gaze. The two began a stare down, two powerful wills unwilling to back down. Finally, Jor-El smiled slightly, "I think you know who."
Lionel felt a smile creep onto his face. "Clark Kent," he stated affirmatively. When Jor-El nodded, Lionel's smile grew. He'd suspected something like this, but this confirmation was just what he needed, "So, you are the unknown biological father of Clark. What exactly do you need me to do? After all, Clark is no longer around."
"Clark has been back for almost two days," Jor-El corrected.
Lionel kept surprise off his face...barely. He hated to be surprised, and he will be having a...talk with his agents when he got out. Lionel thought about it for several moments; Jor-El seemed to be offering him everything he wanted. This told Lionel two things: Jor-El was desperate, and he was probably planning a double-cross. That was fine with Lionel. It was standard operating procedure in his book anyway. All he had to do was play along, for now. "Very well, Jor-El. You heal me, get me out of here, and I will help you."
Jor-El began to leave as he said, "I will have you out within a day. We will then discuss your end of the bargain." The light faded from his eyes as he said, "Guard, I'm ready to leave."
Lionel watched him go. Just before he left, Jor-El turned back around and his eyes flashed for a split second. Lionel recognized it as a show of strength and threat in one; he nodded in response. After Jor-El was gone, Lionel grinned. It seems fate had thrown him another change, at both life and power. Lionel wasn't going to let it waste; he knew that Jor-El was planning on betraying him. They were very similar, similar enough that Lionel could predict what he was thinking. While he waited to see if Jor-El would follow up on his promise to get him out, Lionel let one thought permeate his mind.
Things are starting to get very interesting.
TO BE CONTINUED...