Set after "Gone"

Lex sat at his desk in his mansion studying the scepter. The symbols on it confused him. The ones on the base were clearly Aztec but the one on the top was something else. He had no idea what it meant. Miguel walked into his office.

"Sir I gave some of the guards the night off tonight." Miguel said.

"Why?"

"They have been working really hard installing the new security system, I think they deserve it."

"You know Miguel I gave you this job with the assumption that you would actually do it. You can't just give your workers the day off because you feel like it besides things like that you need to run by me first."

"I'm sorry Mr. Luthor it won't happen again."

"It's ok, I trust you. Any other problems I should know about?" Lex asked.

"The security system will be down for a few minutes tonight, it's nothing to worry about though." Miguel said as Chloe walked into Lex's office.

"Chloe let me introduce you to my new head of security. This is Miguel Rodriquez." Lex said.

Chloe and Miguel exchanged pleasantries then he left.

"Now to what do I owe this visit?" Lex said setting the scepter on the table.

"I just wanted to thank you for everything you've done for me even if it was all about your father."

"I want you to know that first and foremost I'm your friend. My father going to jail is only a benefit out of my relationship with you. I care about you Chloe and I hope we have the chance to become better friends."

"Thanks."

"In fact how about you join me for dinner tonight?"

"I don't know Lex."

"Oh come on we haven't exactly had time for each other, I'd like to catch up with you."

"Well there's not much to catch up on Lex I was in a safe house for pretty much the whole summer. Not a lot happened."

Lex picked up the scepter and then asked again.

"I would love for you to join me tonight."

"Ok Lex sure." Chloe said succumbing to the power of the scepter.

"Dr. Swann it's good to see you again." Clark said as he step further into Dr. Swann's office.

"Hello Kal'el."

"You wanted to see me?"

"I want to apologize for not coming to see you in person but I have recently taken ill. Don't worry though I'll be fine."

"At first I thought your behavior over the past few years meant you weren't ready to embrace who you truly are, but since your sudden reemergence as Kal'el I've realized something."

"What is it?"

"Everything you've done, everything you've been told by Jor'el has all been a test."

"A test for what?"

"To prepare you for who you will become."

"You mean a conqueror."

"I still believe despite your biological father's wishes your destiny lies in a different direction."

"Did you get another message?"

"No, but I have discovered artifacts from places around the world. They all have a connection to your Kryptonian heritage. A story that most intrigues me is about three stones that when united lead to a place of ultimate knowledge. Tell me have you found any of them yet?"

"No I've never heard of them."

"I see. For months now I've been trying to gain access to an Aztec temple in Mexico with no success. It seems that the temple caught the attention of your young friend Mr. Luthor."

"Lex?" Clark asked in shock.

"He's in grave danger Kal'el. The artifact he took will endanger himself and everyone around him."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Screen." Dr. Swann said as one appeared from behind him. It displayed an overhead picture of the temple. There was a symbol on the roof of the structure. It was a diamond with a small circle in it.

"What does it mean?" Clark asked.

"It's the Kryptonian symbol for power."