[The Talon, Smallville]
Lex had returned from the bank. He had just given Oliver a tour of the town and now they were stopping for lunch. He didn't feel comfortable keeping Clark out of the loop on the rift between Oliver and Bruce, and he still wasn't sure if inviting Bruce to the museum party was the great idea he once thought it was. Oliver Queen may have been a ladies' man, an adrenaline junkie and someone who chose passion over reason – but one year lost at sea had changed him profoundly.
Ollie once exuded limitless confidence, Lex mused. Now, he seems tentative. Or cautious. Perhaps that would be a good thing, he thought. We need to proceed carefully if we are to take on the might of LuthorCorp.
When he entered the Talon, Oliver was already at the café bar. It was no surprise that he had entangled Lana Lang in one of his conversations. Lana laughed playfully at one of his stories. Clearly, Oliver still fashioned himself as someone who relished the company of attractive women.
"Lex!" Oliver called over the blaring music. "Over here! I've just met your business partner at the Talon, Lana Lang. Who'd have thought I'd find a Midwestern rose hidden behind Smallville's frontier roots."
"Oh, stop it, Mr. Queen," Lana giggled. Oliver Queen was definitely a big flirt, she grinned. A flirt, but harmless. And nothing like the brooding Bruce Wayne or Lex's reserved nature (at least in public).
"It's Oliver," he replied. "There'll be no further talk of 'Mister' from you, Lana."
"Alright ... Oliver," Lana said, "And how would you like your coffee?"
"Double, double," Oliver stated, as he settled into one of the nearby couches. Lex had planned to discuss their strategies for challenging Lionel's takeover of Queen's company, but he knew he had to bring up the 'Bruce issue' eventually.
When he did, Oliver's response was expected.
"That is not a good idea," Oliver shook his head vigorously. "Those things I said about his family ... he'd never forgive me now. Even if I didn't really mean it."
"Which is why you need to demonstrate that you've changed," Lex pleaded. "And you have changed, Oliver. You seem more reserved than I've ever known you to be. And it pains me that you and Bruce have to remain locked in this unspoken feud."
"I do appreciate what you're trying to do," Oliver nodded. "And you're right. I have changed, perhaps more than I would have wanted. I always had a zest for life. Living large. Now, I'm just glad to be alive. You heard it here first, Lex: my reckless days are over."
"So what is it that you want, with this new lease on life?" Lex asked.
Oliver slowly sipped the coffee. He enjoyed the aroma, its comforting warmth. He would never have paid attention to such details one year ago. Now, he treasured those small delights.
"Until I was shipwrecked," Oliver noted, "I didn't appreciate all that my family – the Queens – did. Their work meant something. It represented who they are. They wouldn't join those awful clear-cutting lumber projects in Brazil. They refused to trade in conflict diamonds from the Congo. And now Lionel Luthor is going to use our legacy to fund those same schemes! I'll tell you what I want, Lex Luthor. I want my company back."
"Then we are agreed," Lex smiled. "My allies on the NAFTA board will reserve judgment until we have all of our pieces on the board. Mark my words, Oliver: Queen Enterprises will be yours. If my father has declared war on you ... to hell with family bonds! I will not rest until you have what is rightfully yours."
Across the street, Clark pulled up his truck in front of the photo shop. Chloe left the store with her developed photos.
"Chloe," Clark replied. "I got your phone call. What is it you wanted to tell me?"
Chloe hesitated. She had photocopied a few articles and photos from the Planet archive. All of them mentioned Bruce Wayne, Lex, Oliver ... and the still-mysterious Dinah Lance. She didn't want Clark to come to conclusions that might be proven false. She needed to check the facts first.
"When you mentioned that you didn't know what was behind the Bruce-Oliver silent treatment fest," Chloe replied, "I thought it might have something to do with their time at Metropolis U."
"Right," Clark realized. "Lex and Oliver were there at the same time. And Bruce was taking some elective courses as part of a program exchange. I know it shouldn't be any of my business ... but I feel as if I have to walk on eggshells whenever Oliver's around. I'm always afraid I might say something that could offend him, Bruce, Lex – or all three of them."
Chloe sympathized with him. She often found herself in similar circumstances whenever Clark and Lana were around. Chloe, you Girl Scout, he frowned. It's up to Clark to figure out what he wants in life.
Who he wants in his life.
Chloe shook her head to push away those thoughts. "Clark, if you're content to be merely a peripheral friend of the millionnaires' club, then don't press this rift issue any further. If you see yourself as a real confidant and friend of Lex and Bruce, then neither of them have a right to expect you to steer clear of any controversial issues just because it's convenient for them." She seemed stunned at her own words for a moment. But Clark needed to hear the cold, hard truth. Clark was their friend: an equal partner. And not someone they can dismiss like one of their liveried servants.
Clark appeared to be more resolved. "I am their friend. And you're right. It isn't fair."
Chloe reluctantly pulled out one of the photocopies. "I wouldn't call this real legwork, only a lucky Google search. And I don't want you to start speculating for no reason ..."
"Why, what is that?" Clark wondered, as he plucked the photocopy from Chloe's hand. He mumbled through the story. "It's all about Metropolis U.'s varsity sports. Lex was a fencer, Oliver was known as an archer. I can't see anything here that would cause –"
He stopped. The photo caption read: "Queen wins another archery title. Accompanied by friend Dinah Lance, Oliver accepts dean's award."
"What do those other stories say?" Clark skimmed through the other photocopies. There she was again, he noticed. That blonde-haired student, Dinah Lance.
"Look, I don't want you jumping to conclusions," Chloe offered. "Maybe she's just a friend of theirs."
Clark digested all that he could from the news stories. "Her name ... it's everywhere! Maybe she was the reason Bruce and Oliver had a falling-out in the first place."
"You don't know that, Clark," Chloe argued. "I said you had a right not be left in the dark. But it's a fine line. Maybe they didn't fill you in because the issue is more complicated than just some girl."
Clark looked at the Talon's entrance. "Well, there's one way to find out." He returned the photocopies to Chloe and marched into the café.
"Clark!" Chloe protested. This is precisely what I didn't want to happen, she mumbled. Maybe this Ms. Lance had a part to play in this present rift, but she didn't have enough information to know for sure.
When Clark entered the Talon, Lex and Oliver appeared to be in serious discussions.
"Is this a bad time?" Clark inquired.
"We'll go over those ideas another time, Oliver," Lex stated. "Not at all, Clark. Please, have a seat. I trust that you'll be able to come to the museum party tomorrow?"
"I'll definitely be there," Clark replied. "It'll be a good time for you and Oliver to get in touch with your old friends from Metropolis U." Clark was hoping that Lex or Oliver would open up eventually, and tried not to appear too curious about that period in their lives.
"Oh yeah, most of the gang will be there," Oliver answered. "Our frat brothers, classmates ... and hopefully, not too many ex-girlfriends!"
Clark held his tongue. He really – really – wanted to find out if Dinah was one of those scorned ex-girlfriends. It wasn't his business, but his friendship with Bruce and Lex was his business. And the whole rift crisis was becoming a problem of confidence. Did Bruce and Lex not trust him, even after he had proven his loyalty many times? Trust in this town was an issue, since Clark knew he had misled Lex several times about his coincidental, nick-of-time heroics.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Bruce again," Clark stated. Lex appeared to be uncomfortable, but Oliver tried to put on a brave face.
"As you might gather," Oliver said, "Bruce Wayne and I have some unresolved issues. And I realize that you're a friend of Wayne's, and I have no desire to hurt him. He was – is – my friend. Even if Bruce doesn't realize it."
"They'll work things out, Clark," Lex added, hoping to end this awkward thread in their conversation. "Don't worry about it. It's not your concern." Lex regretted that last remark as soon as he finished saying it.
But it was too late.
Bruce Wayne was Clark's close friend. They had forged a solid bond. It was indeed Clark's concern. In trying to protect his buddy Oliver's feelings, Lex had neglected Clark's own stake in his friendship with Bruce.
"Not my concern?" Clark blurted. "Bruce is a good friend of mine. You're a friend of mine, Lex. And I hope to be a good friend of Oliver, in time. But Lex, you've placed unfair expectations on me since Oliver's arrival. I'm your friend. You can't just send me away like the hired help when your problems affect my friendships!"
"Clark, I –"Lex began, realizing that he had overlooked Clark with all the excitement over Oliver and their plans to battle LuthorCorp. for the spoils of war.
"I had no intention of stepping on toes," Oliver stated. "And I don't want to be a wedge between you and Bruce. I apologize if that is the case. But I am entitled to some degree of privacy. And some issues between us belong in that category."
Clark continued his pressing. "And were one of those issues a girl by the name of Dinah Lance?"
Lex and Oliver shared stunned glances. The debate had caught Lana's attention, as she brought a new pot of coffee to their table. Lex stood up and straightened his blazer.
"I was going to apologize to you, Clark" Lex announced. "But that line you were afraid of crossing earlier? You've long passed it now. I don't know how you got the nerve to make such an allegation, but Oliver's personal relationships are none of your concern. Simply put: you wouldn't understand."
"Understand what?" Clark demanded. "How can I understand when you and Bruce don't tell me enough to make any sense of some of your problems?"
"Ever heard of the phrase 'let sleeping dogs lie'?" Lex challenged. "A word of advice, Clark: don't bring up her name again with Oliver. Ever."
Clark frowned in disappointment, once he saw Oliver's face. The mere mention of that girl's name had stung him. He was not prepared to discuss her, Clark realized, but I got so caught up in the moment that I made of mess of the whole thing. Now, they won't confide anything to me, he feared.
"What did you say to them?" Lana wondered.
"More than I should have," Clark grumbled.
Chloe had seen the argument from the Talon's front window. She was about to go inside when Oliver Queen stormed outside and walked down the block. Lex tried to catch up with him, but collided with Chloe. Her photocopies scattered all over the sidewalk. Chloe tried to pick them up, but Lex had already gathered most of them.
"Sorry, Chloe," Lex explained. "Clark still needs to learn a thing or two about minding his own business ..." He glanced at one of the photocopies, and his mood soured. He had found where Clark had learned about his bombshell information. And who found that info.
"It appears you need to learn that lesson, too, Miss Sullivan," Lex growled. "Oliver's college social life is out-of-bounds for the Torch and would seem to exceed the school paper's mandate. Stick to coverage of the senior prom and the Crows' basketball woes." He tossed the photocopies at Chloe and caught up with Oliver.
Clark raced outside to try to make amends, but Lex's Porsche had screeched away from the main street. He helped Chloe to collect the rest of the photocopies.
"I pushed things too far," Clark groaned.
"I warned you to be careful," Chloe replied. "And the problem is, there is no wrong party here. Wayne and Queen have as much right to privacy, as you have a right to remain in the loop of your friends' ups-and-downs."
Clark sighed in frustration. Chloe couldn't be faulted for being curious. Heck, everyone in town was curious. But he seized upon her – so far – unproven discovery and forced the rift issue.
Lex was right. The fireworks were yet to come, and the museum party was still one day away. Then, Bruce and Oliver would have no choice but to resolve their problems ... or end their friendship forever.
[Metropolis University, Metropolis]
The clocktower atop the Faculty of Arts and Sciences chimed 5 p.m. The rusted green spires of the Gothic building soared into the dusk sky, as the students below hurried home from their afternoon classes.
Pete had to stop by the athletics building to interview one of the Crows' star players at their training camp. The pressure on the team was intense. Another loss to Fawcett City, and their journey to the state championship would end abruptly. Chloe saw his trip as an opportunity to look through the college varsity paper's archives ... and uncover who Dinah Lance really was. From Lex and Oliver's reaction at the Talon, she meant something to Oliver – and possibly to Bruce. She was no mere friend.
But Chloe's arrangement with Lionel had clear and present dangers. She would have welcomed Pete's help, but she felt that if she told him about her investigation of Queen's college years, she may be forced to admit her other investigation: Clark Kent. Then Pete would be on Lionel's radar. Pete's loyalty to Clark was unquestioned, and he would surely take offense at any hint of Luthor collusion.
"You sure you don't want to come to the gym?" Pete asked. "I could introduce you to some of the team players?"
"Oh, that's alright," Chloe replied, as she crossed the grassy campus quadrangle. "I need to use the library for some research. Biology 201. Even reporters have to finish their Petri dish experiments."
"Suit yourself," Pete shrugged. "I'll meet you at the coffeehouse at eight." When he disappeared around the corner of the faculty building, Chloe changed directions. The varsity paper was in the journalism department. Even though she had been to the campus before, she still felt a shiver whenever she entered the halls of the School of Journalism.
"I'm back again," Chloe grinned, as she patted the school plaque on the front gates.
In the lecture hall, one of the professors was debating the difference between fair comment and libel. Chloe wanted to slip into the lecture, but she had immediate concerns. She settled into one of the archives' CD-ROM terminals and began her search:
ITEM SEARCH: 'wayne, queen, dinah lance'
Found: 30 item(s)
Interesting, she thought. The first article revealed that 20 students from Gotham State's criminology department participated in a program exchange with Metropolis U.'s justice studies department, around the time Lex and Oliver enrolled at the university. One of those Gotham students was the elusive Dinah Lance.
The next link opened a large photo. Bruce, the son of legendary Gotham industrialist and State Department icon Thomas Wayne, had taken some electives at Metropolis U.'s famous Corporate Management School. He was in- training to assume the CEO's chair of Wayne Enterprises, so it was no surprise that he would educate himself in the best schools.
Perhaps Bruce had taken interest in the gorgeous Dinah, who – in the following photo search result – must have set the college boys' hearts afire as a member of the house league women's volleyball squad. She studied Dinah's blue-grey eyes. What is it about you Dinah, Chloe pondered, which caught the interest of two of America's most eligible bachelors – and possibly drove their friendship apart?
She heard footsteps, but assumed that it was just another student using the archives room. Her next search revealed another interesting article:
'West vs. East: High society rivals compete. Queen, Wayne finish 1 & 2 in triathlon'
In the photo, Oliver Queen reveled in the crowd's adoration ... and the attentions of one Gotham State criminology student. Dinah had her arms wrapped around the blond, athletic champion. Bruce, who had placed second, was visibly disappointed. He looked uncomfortable, forced to witness – in defeat – Queen and Lance's love-fest.
"That must have really gotten under your collar, Bruce," Chloe muttered to herself. She still didn't have nearly enough information to determine why Bruce and Oliver's friendship soured, but Dinah Lance appeared too many times in this search to be discounted as a factor.
"If you have any questions about Master Bruce," a voice announced in a clipped English accent, "perhaps I could be of service ... Miss Sullivan."
Chloe jumped in her seat and turned around. A tall, middle-aged man in khaki pants and a smart, collared shirt stood above her. It was Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce's longtime butler and – in every sense of the word – his father-figure. "With Bruce off on academic meet-and-greets," he revealed, "I thought it would be good for me to read the news from across the pond. But your work seems more relevant to me."
She was caught red-handed, she realized. So many excuses popped in her head.
'I was just curious about Bruce's time in Metropolis.' No, that won't work.
'Lionel's blackmailing me to help him eliminate Queen, then move against Wayne to secure his hemispheric supremacy.' Definitely not that one, Chloe concluded.
She was all alone in her quest to double-cross Lionel's grand divide-and- conquer scheme. Give me my Austerlitz, he had demanded. Austerlitz was also known as the Battle of Three Emperors: those of Russia, Austria and the French. This modern day version could pit Bruce, Oliver and Lex against each other. Or they could unite against Lionel. He threatened to end her reporting dreams for good. She would plan a victory, but it wouldn't go to Lionel. Like the Duke of Wellington, she recognized that she needed help.
And help, in this instance, came in the form of an English butler. Mr. Pennyworth's low opinion of Lionel was well-known. He never forgave him for slandering the Waynes in the Luthor tabloids, even after their deaths. She couldn't tell him everything, because that would tip her hand to Lionel. But she could tell Alfred just enough to help him protect Bruce from Lionel's schemes – without Lionel ever knowing that she was behind it.
It was a gamble, but the alternative was victory for Lionel. That was unacceptable. I'll settle for a shade of the truth, she decided. Instead of admitting all and letting Lionel wage his secret war against Queen and Wayne.
"I'm concerned about how Lionel might behave, in light of Queen's arrival," Chloe stated.
"True," Alfred noted. "I am also keeping my eye on Lionel. What does this have to do with Bruce?"
Chloe gulped. "Umm, because Queen, Lex and Bruce are college buddies?"
"I'm not so sure about how close Lex and Bruce are," Alfred said, "but I don't think Master Bruce can count on Oliver Queen's assistance in any future showdown with LuthorCorp."
Chloe was shocked. Was Alfred actually confiding in her? "But they were such close friends in college," she continued. "And even earlier, in boarding school!"
"You know far too much for a simple high school paper editor," Alfred observed, but it seemed to be a compliment. "I take it you've concluded Miss Dinah Lance was the object of Oliver and Bruce's competing affections." He had noticed the photo on the screen.
"It's none of my business," Chloe professed. "but Lionel will no doubt make it his business, whatever we think."
"You know, he would," Alfred's eyebrow raised in suspicion. "Miss Lance was special to both Oliver and Bruce. But Oliver won her over. The rift – there were harsh words. Words I care not to repeat. But I'm certain Mr. Queen did not mean them. But Bruce, he can be so stubborn at times! He needs to have his wits about him, if Lionel is up to his usual plotting."
Alfred paced around the room. Chloe Sullivan was far too nosy, in his opinion. And perhaps too smart for her own good. But she was a good friend of Clark Kent, who had become such a loyal friend of Bruce. One couldn't have too many friends in times like these, Alfred concluded. He glanced, intrigued at this brewing conspiracy against Lionel Luthor.
"Keep searching those articles about Queen and friends," Alfred declared.
"Excuse me, Mr. Pennyworth?" Chloe blurted. She couldn't believe her luck. Alfred had joined her quest for answers.
"You heard me, young lady," Alfred grinned. "I have always wanted to expose Lionel for the reptile that he is. Queen's return is an opportunity for Luthor mischief, I'm sure of it! You keep on searching, Miss Sullivan. I'll fill in what relevant details I can. It would probably be in our best interests to keep our conspiracy to ourselves, with Bruce's stubbornness and Luthor paranoia as our biggest problems. Timing is everything."
"Agreed," Chloe beamed. "I think we're going to get along just fine ... Mr.- former-secret-agent-in-Her-Majesty's-service." Alfred blanched at Chloe's snarky reply. But he let it pass ... this time.
They had much work to do.
Lex had returned from the bank. He had just given Oliver a tour of the town and now they were stopping for lunch. He didn't feel comfortable keeping Clark out of the loop on the rift between Oliver and Bruce, and he still wasn't sure if inviting Bruce to the museum party was the great idea he once thought it was. Oliver Queen may have been a ladies' man, an adrenaline junkie and someone who chose passion over reason – but one year lost at sea had changed him profoundly.
Ollie once exuded limitless confidence, Lex mused. Now, he seems tentative. Or cautious. Perhaps that would be a good thing, he thought. We need to proceed carefully if we are to take on the might of LuthorCorp.
When he entered the Talon, Oliver was already at the café bar. It was no surprise that he had entangled Lana Lang in one of his conversations. Lana laughed playfully at one of his stories. Clearly, Oliver still fashioned himself as someone who relished the company of attractive women.
"Lex!" Oliver called over the blaring music. "Over here! I've just met your business partner at the Talon, Lana Lang. Who'd have thought I'd find a Midwestern rose hidden behind Smallville's frontier roots."
"Oh, stop it, Mr. Queen," Lana giggled. Oliver Queen was definitely a big flirt, she grinned. A flirt, but harmless. And nothing like the brooding Bruce Wayne or Lex's reserved nature (at least in public).
"It's Oliver," he replied. "There'll be no further talk of 'Mister' from you, Lana."
"Alright ... Oliver," Lana said, "And how would you like your coffee?"
"Double, double," Oliver stated, as he settled into one of the nearby couches. Lex had planned to discuss their strategies for challenging Lionel's takeover of Queen's company, but he knew he had to bring up the 'Bruce issue' eventually.
When he did, Oliver's response was expected.
"That is not a good idea," Oliver shook his head vigorously. "Those things I said about his family ... he'd never forgive me now. Even if I didn't really mean it."
"Which is why you need to demonstrate that you've changed," Lex pleaded. "And you have changed, Oliver. You seem more reserved than I've ever known you to be. And it pains me that you and Bruce have to remain locked in this unspoken feud."
"I do appreciate what you're trying to do," Oliver nodded. "And you're right. I have changed, perhaps more than I would have wanted. I always had a zest for life. Living large. Now, I'm just glad to be alive. You heard it here first, Lex: my reckless days are over."
"So what is it that you want, with this new lease on life?" Lex asked.
Oliver slowly sipped the coffee. He enjoyed the aroma, its comforting warmth. He would never have paid attention to such details one year ago. Now, he treasured those small delights.
"Until I was shipwrecked," Oliver noted, "I didn't appreciate all that my family – the Queens – did. Their work meant something. It represented who they are. They wouldn't join those awful clear-cutting lumber projects in Brazil. They refused to trade in conflict diamonds from the Congo. And now Lionel Luthor is going to use our legacy to fund those same schemes! I'll tell you what I want, Lex Luthor. I want my company back."
"Then we are agreed," Lex smiled. "My allies on the NAFTA board will reserve judgment until we have all of our pieces on the board. Mark my words, Oliver: Queen Enterprises will be yours. If my father has declared war on you ... to hell with family bonds! I will not rest until you have what is rightfully yours."
Across the street, Clark pulled up his truck in front of the photo shop. Chloe left the store with her developed photos.
"Chloe," Clark replied. "I got your phone call. What is it you wanted to tell me?"
Chloe hesitated. She had photocopied a few articles and photos from the Planet archive. All of them mentioned Bruce Wayne, Lex, Oliver ... and the still-mysterious Dinah Lance. She didn't want Clark to come to conclusions that might be proven false. She needed to check the facts first.
"When you mentioned that you didn't know what was behind the Bruce-Oliver silent treatment fest," Chloe replied, "I thought it might have something to do with their time at Metropolis U."
"Right," Clark realized. "Lex and Oliver were there at the same time. And Bruce was taking some elective courses as part of a program exchange. I know it shouldn't be any of my business ... but I feel as if I have to walk on eggshells whenever Oliver's around. I'm always afraid I might say something that could offend him, Bruce, Lex – or all three of them."
Chloe sympathized with him. She often found herself in similar circumstances whenever Clark and Lana were around. Chloe, you Girl Scout, he frowned. It's up to Clark to figure out what he wants in life.
Who he wants in his life.
Chloe shook her head to push away those thoughts. "Clark, if you're content to be merely a peripheral friend of the millionnaires' club, then don't press this rift issue any further. If you see yourself as a real confidant and friend of Lex and Bruce, then neither of them have a right to expect you to steer clear of any controversial issues just because it's convenient for them." She seemed stunned at her own words for a moment. But Clark needed to hear the cold, hard truth. Clark was their friend: an equal partner. And not someone they can dismiss like one of their liveried servants.
Clark appeared to be more resolved. "I am their friend. And you're right. It isn't fair."
Chloe reluctantly pulled out one of the photocopies. "I wouldn't call this real legwork, only a lucky Google search. And I don't want you to start speculating for no reason ..."
"Why, what is that?" Clark wondered, as he plucked the photocopy from Chloe's hand. He mumbled through the story. "It's all about Metropolis U.'s varsity sports. Lex was a fencer, Oliver was known as an archer. I can't see anything here that would cause –"
He stopped. The photo caption read: "Queen wins another archery title. Accompanied by friend Dinah Lance, Oliver accepts dean's award."
"What do those other stories say?" Clark skimmed through the other photocopies. There she was again, he noticed. That blonde-haired student, Dinah Lance.
"Look, I don't want you jumping to conclusions," Chloe offered. "Maybe she's just a friend of theirs."
Clark digested all that he could from the news stories. "Her name ... it's everywhere! Maybe she was the reason Bruce and Oliver had a falling-out in the first place."
"You don't know that, Clark," Chloe argued. "I said you had a right not be left in the dark. But it's a fine line. Maybe they didn't fill you in because the issue is more complicated than just some girl."
Clark looked at the Talon's entrance. "Well, there's one way to find out." He returned the photocopies to Chloe and marched into the café.
"Clark!" Chloe protested. This is precisely what I didn't want to happen, she mumbled. Maybe this Ms. Lance had a part to play in this present rift, but she didn't have enough information to know for sure.
When Clark entered the Talon, Lex and Oliver appeared to be in serious discussions.
"Is this a bad time?" Clark inquired.
"We'll go over those ideas another time, Oliver," Lex stated. "Not at all, Clark. Please, have a seat. I trust that you'll be able to come to the museum party tomorrow?"
"I'll definitely be there," Clark replied. "It'll be a good time for you and Oliver to get in touch with your old friends from Metropolis U." Clark was hoping that Lex or Oliver would open up eventually, and tried not to appear too curious about that period in their lives.
"Oh yeah, most of the gang will be there," Oliver answered. "Our frat brothers, classmates ... and hopefully, not too many ex-girlfriends!"
Clark held his tongue. He really – really – wanted to find out if Dinah was one of those scorned ex-girlfriends. It wasn't his business, but his friendship with Bruce and Lex was his business. And the whole rift crisis was becoming a problem of confidence. Did Bruce and Lex not trust him, even after he had proven his loyalty many times? Trust in this town was an issue, since Clark knew he had misled Lex several times about his coincidental, nick-of-time heroics.
"I'm looking forward to seeing Bruce again," Clark stated. Lex appeared to be uncomfortable, but Oliver tried to put on a brave face.
"As you might gather," Oliver said, "Bruce Wayne and I have some unresolved issues. And I realize that you're a friend of Wayne's, and I have no desire to hurt him. He was – is – my friend. Even if Bruce doesn't realize it."
"They'll work things out, Clark," Lex added, hoping to end this awkward thread in their conversation. "Don't worry about it. It's not your concern." Lex regretted that last remark as soon as he finished saying it.
But it was too late.
Bruce Wayne was Clark's close friend. They had forged a solid bond. It was indeed Clark's concern. In trying to protect his buddy Oliver's feelings, Lex had neglected Clark's own stake in his friendship with Bruce.
"Not my concern?" Clark blurted. "Bruce is a good friend of mine. You're a friend of mine, Lex. And I hope to be a good friend of Oliver, in time. But Lex, you've placed unfair expectations on me since Oliver's arrival. I'm your friend. You can't just send me away like the hired help when your problems affect my friendships!"
"Clark, I –"Lex began, realizing that he had overlooked Clark with all the excitement over Oliver and their plans to battle LuthorCorp. for the spoils of war.
"I had no intention of stepping on toes," Oliver stated. "And I don't want to be a wedge between you and Bruce. I apologize if that is the case. But I am entitled to some degree of privacy. And some issues between us belong in that category."
Clark continued his pressing. "And were one of those issues a girl by the name of Dinah Lance?"
Lex and Oliver shared stunned glances. The debate had caught Lana's attention, as she brought a new pot of coffee to their table. Lex stood up and straightened his blazer.
"I was going to apologize to you, Clark" Lex announced. "But that line you were afraid of crossing earlier? You've long passed it now. I don't know how you got the nerve to make such an allegation, but Oliver's personal relationships are none of your concern. Simply put: you wouldn't understand."
"Understand what?" Clark demanded. "How can I understand when you and Bruce don't tell me enough to make any sense of some of your problems?"
"Ever heard of the phrase 'let sleeping dogs lie'?" Lex challenged. "A word of advice, Clark: don't bring up her name again with Oliver. Ever."
Clark frowned in disappointment, once he saw Oliver's face. The mere mention of that girl's name had stung him. He was not prepared to discuss her, Clark realized, but I got so caught up in the moment that I made of mess of the whole thing. Now, they won't confide anything to me, he feared.
"What did you say to them?" Lana wondered.
"More than I should have," Clark grumbled.
Chloe had seen the argument from the Talon's front window. She was about to go inside when Oliver Queen stormed outside and walked down the block. Lex tried to catch up with him, but collided with Chloe. Her photocopies scattered all over the sidewalk. Chloe tried to pick them up, but Lex had already gathered most of them.
"Sorry, Chloe," Lex explained. "Clark still needs to learn a thing or two about minding his own business ..." He glanced at one of the photocopies, and his mood soured. He had found where Clark had learned about his bombshell information. And who found that info.
"It appears you need to learn that lesson, too, Miss Sullivan," Lex growled. "Oliver's college social life is out-of-bounds for the Torch and would seem to exceed the school paper's mandate. Stick to coverage of the senior prom and the Crows' basketball woes." He tossed the photocopies at Chloe and caught up with Oliver.
Clark raced outside to try to make amends, but Lex's Porsche had screeched away from the main street. He helped Chloe to collect the rest of the photocopies.
"I pushed things too far," Clark groaned.
"I warned you to be careful," Chloe replied. "And the problem is, there is no wrong party here. Wayne and Queen have as much right to privacy, as you have a right to remain in the loop of your friends' ups-and-downs."
Clark sighed in frustration. Chloe couldn't be faulted for being curious. Heck, everyone in town was curious. But he seized upon her – so far – unproven discovery and forced the rift issue.
Lex was right. The fireworks were yet to come, and the museum party was still one day away. Then, Bruce and Oliver would have no choice but to resolve their problems ... or end their friendship forever.
[Metropolis University, Metropolis]
The clocktower atop the Faculty of Arts and Sciences chimed 5 p.m. The rusted green spires of the Gothic building soared into the dusk sky, as the students below hurried home from their afternoon classes.
Pete had to stop by the athletics building to interview one of the Crows' star players at their training camp. The pressure on the team was intense. Another loss to Fawcett City, and their journey to the state championship would end abruptly. Chloe saw his trip as an opportunity to look through the college varsity paper's archives ... and uncover who Dinah Lance really was. From Lex and Oliver's reaction at the Talon, she meant something to Oliver – and possibly to Bruce. She was no mere friend.
But Chloe's arrangement with Lionel had clear and present dangers. She would have welcomed Pete's help, but she felt that if she told him about her investigation of Queen's college years, she may be forced to admit her other investigation: Clark Kent. Then Pete would be on Lionel's radar. Pete's loyalty to Clark was unquestioned, and he would surely take offense at any hint of Luthor collusion.
"You sure you don't want to come to the gym?" Pete asked. "I could introduce you to some of the team players?"
"Oh, that's alright," Chloe replied, as she crossed the grassy campus quadrangle. "I need to use the library for some research. Biology 201. Even reporters have to finish their Petri dish experiments."
"Suit yourself," Pete shrugged. "I'll meet you at the coffeehouse at eight." When he disappeared around the corner of the faculty building, Chloe changed directions. The varsity paper was in the journalism department. Even though she had been to the campus before, she still felt a shiver whenever she entered the halls of the School of Journalism.
"I'm back again," Chloe grinned, as she patted the school plaque on the front gates.
In the lecture hall, one of the professors was debating the difference between fair comment and libel. Chloe wanted to slip into the lecture, but she had immediate concerns. She settled into one of the archives' CD-ROM terminals and began her search:
ITEM SEARCH: 'wayne, queen, dinah lance'
Found: 30 item(s)
Interesting, she thought. The first article revealed that 20 students from Gotham State's criminology department participated in a program exchange with Metropolis U.'s justice studies department, around the time Lex and Oliver enrolled at the university. One of those Gotham students was the elusive Dinah Lance.
The next link opened a large photo. Bruce, the son of legendary Gotham industrialist and State Department icon Thomas Wayne, had taken some electives at Metropolis U.'s famous Corporate Management School. He was in- training to assume the CEO's chair of Wayne Enterprises, so it was no surprise that he would educate himself in the best schools.
Perhaps Bruce had taken interest in the gorgeous Dinah, who – in the following photo search result – must have set the college boys' hearts afire as a member of the house league women's volleyball squad. She studied Dinah's blue-grey eyes. What is it about you Dinah, Chloe pondered, which caught the interest of two of America's most eligible bachelors – and possibly drove their friendship apart?
She heard footsteps, but assumed that it was just another student using the archives room. Her next search revealed another interesting article:
'West vs. East: High society rivals compete. Queen, Wayne finish 1 & 2 in triathlon'
In the photo, Oliver Queen reveled in the crowd's adoration ... and the attentions of one Gotham State criminology student. Dinah had her arms wrapped around the blond, athletic champion. Bruce, who had placed second, was visibly disappointed. He looked uncomfortable, forced to witness – in defeat – Queen and Lance's love-fest.
"That must have really gotten under your collar, Bruce," Chloe muttered to herself. She still didn't have nearly enough information to determine why Bruce and Oliver's friendship soured, but Dinah Lance appeared too many times in this search to be discounted as a factor.
"If you have any questions about Master Bruce," a voice announced in a clipped English accent, "perhaps I could be of service ... Miss Sullivan."
Chloe jumped in her seat and turned around. A tall, middle-aged man in khaki pants and a smart, collared shirt stood above her. It was Alfred Pennyworth, Bruce's longtime butler and – in every sense of the word – his father-figure. "With Bruce off on academic meet-and-greets," he revealed, "I thought it would be good for me to read the news from across the pond. But your work seems more relevant to me."
She was caught red-handed, she realized. So many excuses popped in her head.
'I was just curious about Bruce's time in Metropolis.' No, that won't work.
'Lionel's blackmailing me to help him eliminate Queen, then move against Wayne to secure his hemispheric supremacy.' Definitely not that one, Chloe concluded.
She was all alone in her quest to double-cross Lionel's grand divide-and- conquer scheme. Give me my Austerlitz, he had demanded. Austerlitz was also known as the Battle of Three Emperors: those of Russia, Austria and the French. This modern day version could pit Bruce, Oliver and Lex against each other. Or they could unite against Lionel. He threatened to end her reporting dreams for good. She would plan a victory, but it wouldn't go to Lionel. Like the Duke of Wellington, she recognized that she needed help.
And help, in this instance, came in the form of an English butler. Mr. Pennyworth's low opinion of Lionel was well-known. He never forgave him for slandering the Waynes in the Luthor tabloids, even after their deaths. She couldn't tell him everything, because that would tip her hand to Lionel. But she could tell Alfred just enough to help him protect Bruce from Lionel's schemes – without Lionel ever knowing that she was behind it.
It was a gamble, but the alternative was victory for Lionel. That was unacceptable. I'll settle for a shade of the truth, she decided. Instead of admitting all and letting Lionel wage his secret war against Queen and Wayne.
"I'm concerned about how Lionel might behave, in light of Queen's arrival," Chloe stated.
"True," Alfred noted. "I am also keeping my eye on Lionel. What does this have to do with Bruce?"
Chloe gulped. "Umm, because Queen, Lex and Bruce are college buddies?"
"I'm not so sure about how close Lex and Bruce are," Alfred said, "but I don't think Master Bruce can count on Oliver Queen's assistance in any future showdown with LuthorCorp."
Chloe was shocked. Was Alfred actually confiding in her? "But they were such close friends in college," she continued. "And even earlier, in boarding school!"
"You know far too much for a simple high school paper editor," Alfred observed, but it seemed to be a compliment. "I take it you've concluded Miss Dinah Lance was the object of Oliver and Bruce's competing affections." He had noticed the photo on the screen.
"It's none of my business," Chloe professed. "but Lionel will no doubt make it his business, whatever we think."
"You know, he would," Alfred's eyebrow raised in suspicion. "Miss Lance was special to both Oliver and Bruce. But Oliver won her over. The rift – there were harsh words. Words I care not to repeat. But I'm certain Mr. Queen did not mean them. But Bruce, he can be so stubborn at times! He needs to have his wits about him, if Lionel is up to his usual plotting."
Alfred paced around the room. Chloe Sullivan was far too nosy, in his opinion. And perhaps too smart for her own good. But she was a good friend of Clark Kent, who had become such a loyal friend of Bruce. One couldn't have too many friends in times like these, Alfred concluded. He glanced, intrigued at this brewing conspiracy against Lionel Luthor.
"Keep searching those articles about Queen and friends," Alfred declared.
"Excuse me, Mr. Pennyworth?" Chloe blurted. She couldn't believe her luck. Alfred had joined her quest for answers.
"You heard me, young lady," Alfred grinned. "I have always wanted to expose Lionel for the reptile that he is. Queen's return is an opportunity for Luthor mischief, I'm sure of it! You keep on searching, Miss Sullivan. I'll fill in what relevant details I can. It would probably be in our best interests to keep our conspiracy to ourselves, with Bruce's stubbornness and Luthor paranoia as our biggest problems. Timing is everything."
"Agreed," Chloe beamed. "I think we're going to get along just fine ... Mr.- former-secret-agent-in-Her-Majesty's-service." Alfred blanched at Chloe's snarky reply. But he let it pass ... this time.
They had much work to do.