-1 Superman 2

Chapter 2

" Kandor"

Clark, the Doctor and Lois made their way into the tiny elevator. Lois stood next to the Doctor. Due to the elevators lack of space she found herself rubbing shoulder to shoulder with him. She couldn't help but notice that the doctor smelled like mothballs. The dark brown tweed suit he was wearing must have been hanging in his closet for sometime. She guessed he didn't have much of a social life and didn't get to wear it very often. He turned his head just in time to catch Lois looking over his choice of clothing. She noticed his head turning and their eyes locked for a moment. Being a naturally shy man, the doctor blushed a bit and quickly looked for something to spot on the ceiling.

Just then, Lois's cell phone rang. She opened it and placed it to her ear.

"Hello?"

She answered.

"Lois, It's Richard"

The familiar voice comforted her.

"Where are you?"

She asked.

The bell chimed and the elevator doors opened up. There stood Richard with cell phone in hand. Standing beside him, holding his hand was Jason. The little boy was dressed in a heavy blue coat and a bright red hat. He looked up and pulled the crooked hat away from his eyes. His face lit up when he saw his mother.

"Mommy!"

He yelled as he ran to Lois and wrapped his arms around her neck. She squeezed him back, picking him up off the ground and gently swinging him back and forth.

She looked at Richard.

"What are you doing here?"

Richard smiled.

"I thought we could accompany you to the marina."

Lois looked perplexed.

"How did you know we were going to the marina?"

Richard grinned smugly.

"I'm Perry Whites nephew remember? I found out about this little expedition last night."

Lois smiled.

"You planned this didn't you?"

Richard shrugged.

"It was Perry's idea, honest. He said it would be good for you. You know, getting back on the horse and all."

Some how Mr. white had gotten the idea that Lois had gone soft, lost her edge. He had been pushing her for weeks to go somewhere more adventurous, but she found it difficult. After what happened with Superman she realized how much her family meant to her. Now she couldn't turn away. She had to face her fears.

Lois gently placed her son back on the ground. She walked over to Richard and hugged him. Jason looked at Clark. Their eyes met and Clark smiled. Jason smiled back. It was killing Clark inside. He wanted so badly to scoop him up in his arms and fly away. He wondered, did Jason really know who his father was. Some how he MUST know. Clark asked himself if Lois had figured out what happened between them. Maybe she somehow remembered everything that happened before the kiss that erased her memory. He felt worse now than anytime in his life. He had given Lois the most precious thing in the world , his secret. Then he stole it back with a kiss. Now, knowing about little Jason, things were really messed up. How could he even start to make amends for what he had done.

"Richard, I'd like you to meet Dr. Fezenbacher."

Lois introduced them and they shook hands.

"He'll be leading the expedition to the island."

Richard smiled

"So, how many trips have you made to the island Dr?"

The Doctor sighed.

"This will be my first. If you'll excuse me I must secure may baggage now."

Richard looked at Lois

"OK, that's it, you're NOT going."

Lois's mouth opened with shock.

"What! What's the meaning of….."

Richard could see Lois was getting mad. She didn't respond well when people tried to keep her from doing something she wanted. Even if her safety and best interests were at heart. He went out on a limb by agreeing to let his uncle send her on this assignment. Perry told him the Doctor was an expert and had plenty of experience in this sort of thing, but after meeting their guide he changed his mind. There was no way he was going to let Lois go to such a dangerous place with that little quack leading the way

"Lois, I don't trust this guy. I don't think he has any idea just how dangerous that place is. We've seen it before first hand. I don't think he's qualified…….."

Lois placed her finger over Richard's lips and smiled. He sighed and stopped talking. He could tell by the look in her eyes that she was going to that island and no one was stopping her.

"Sorry folks, looks like we're not going anywhere today."

The pilot of the chopper walked over and addressed the group.

"I'm having problems getting her engine going, It's probably going to be a while, maybe tomorrow."

Clark was relieved. Lois was staying here. The Doctor just sighed and shook his head once again his plans were put on hold.

Lois looked at Richard. He could tell what she was thinking.

"No way Lois, We're NOT taking my plane."

Lois crossed her arms and cocked her head.

"Look, there's no way we can make our charter now. The only way we can get there is if you fly us in."

Richard stood firmly.

"What about Jason? We can't take him there. It's too dangerous."

Lois was caught between her mothering instincts and her drive as a reporter. The reporter won.

"Look, all you have to do is fly us in and drop us off. You can stay with Jason on the plane. He'll be safe with you."

Richard looked her in the eyes tenderly.

"Yeh, but who will take care of you?"

Lois smiled.

"Don't worry, I've got Clark to look after me."

Lois wrapped her arms around Richard. He knew there was no way to keep her from going. Even if he refused, she would find someone else to take them. At least if he did the flying he would be around to keep an eye on her.

Lois smiled, Richard sighed.

"OK, you win."

Lois turned and addressed the group.

"OK, no problem. Richard has agreed to fly us in on his plane. Is that all right Doctor?"

The Doctor smiled.

"Yes, that would be wonderful."

He walked over to the chopper to retrieve his gear. Clark knew there was no stopping Lois. He figured he might as well start taking notes for his story.

"So Doctor."

He asked.

"Do you have a name for the island? After all, you did discover it."

The Doctor paused for a moment as though he was pondering a decision. Finally he spoke.

"Yes, I call it…….Kandor."

Next Chapter: "Brainiac"