The Black Coats
Written By: The Ascended Ancient
Chapter XII: "Records"

In the Black Coats' compound, Clark Kent is led into a research lab by Joshua Hammond. As soon as they arrive, Josh hands the cotton swap with Clark's DNA on it to a lab tech. Then he walks over to a computer.

"You know, Clark," Josh says, "with all the resources at our disposal, I thought we'd be able to figure out these meteor rocks pretty quick." He turns to look at Clark. "I was wrong. We've been in this town studying these rocks for over a week and we've made absolutely no progress."

"I'm so sorry," Clark says sarcastically.

"Ah, don't worry, Clark," Josh tells him with a smile. "Now that you're here, I think we're on our way towards a major breakthrough."

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At the Luthor Mansion, Lex Luthor is in the middle of a phone call with Lana Lang when one of his servants walks in.

"Lana, are you sure you haven't heard anything?" Lex asks. There's a pause while he listens to Lana's reply. "I understand." He hangs up his phone and turns to the servant. "Daryl, Clark Kent has gone missing," the billionaire says. "I want him found."

"I'll see what I can do, Mr. Luthor," Daryl replies.

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"So, let me get this straight," Clark says to Josh. "You want me to break into LuthorCorp and steal all their records on meteor rock research?"

"We know that LuthorCorp is years ahead of us in their understanding of these rocks," Josh explains. "Lex Luthor isn't being very cooperative, and all the LuthorCorp scientists we've been able to get our hands on apparently don't know very much."

"Which is why you want me to break into a secure corporate building and steal valuable documents," Clark tells him.

"Exactly," Josh replies. "We know you have a few... abilities. Put them to use."

"How does being bulletproof help me get into LuthorCorp without being seen?" Clark asks.

"First of all, we don't care if you're seen or not," Josh tells him. "Secondly, we know that you can also move at speeds equivalent to Mach Two. And I'm pretty sure there are other things you can do that we don't know about."

"And if you're wrong?"

"Then I guess we have a problem." Josh's expression becomes cold. "And if we have a problem, your parents have a problem. Understand?" Clark nods.

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In a maximum-security federal penitentiary, Lionel Luthor is escorted into the visitors area. He had been locked up there several weeks ago, having been convicted of murder, insurance fraud, and so many other charges. His son, Lex, had been instrumental in the conviction.

Now a guard roughly shoves Lionel into a chair in front of a bulletproof glass window. Lionel picks up a telephone receiver.

"Hello," he says. "I don't think I know you."

"You don't," Major Woodward tells him. "My name is Major Jeremy Woodward. I'm here regarding your son."

"Well, now, what has Lex done now?" Lionel asks.

"He has deliberately avoided providing us with information necessary for an operation that is vital to national security," the major explains.

"Well, now, that's interesting," Lionel says.

"In light of your son's interference, we've decided to take matters into our own hands," the major tells him.

"And you want my help," Lionel finishes.

"Any assistance you give us would be most appreciated," the major says.

"Well, if that 'appreciation' is given in the form of a transfer to a regular prison," Mr. Luthor tells him, "then I'd be delighted to help you."

End of Chapter XII

Author's Note: A bit short, but it got its point across. So, what will the I.T.C. get in exchange for Lionel's transfer? Will Clark go through with the heist? Is Lex going to figure out what happened to Clark? And if he does, what's he going to do about it? Stay tuned for some answers in "Theft", Chapter XIII of The Black Coats.