Saga One
Episode I: Superman
Chapter 3: New Beginnings
The blaring horn of an extremely irritated commuter focused Clark's racing mind to his current surroundings. Instantly taking in every detail of his environment, Clark waved to the fuming motorist as he dashed across the hectic metropolitan street. There it is. He thought to himself gazing skywards at the lofty White Media Tower the headquarters of mainstream media tycoon Perry White. Stepping inside the cool air conditioned lobby of the towering skyscraper was like stepping from an oven into a refrigerator, total relief from the scorching western sun. Images flashed across massive screens, constantly updating with breaking news from all over the world brought to the viewer by the courtesy of WGBS news, Perry's brainchild station. Tearing himself away from the captivating newsreel Clark strolled up to the main desk, an island in a sea of exciting hard hitting action. "Hello, my name is Clark Kent. I'm here for a job interview." The man behind the desk ignored Clark's introduction, typing away furiously at his desktop, "Uh, excuse me my name is Clark Kent I'm here for a job interview… about the Daily Planet." Said Clark again attempting to gain the man's attention. Looking up from his screen the young secretary gave Clark a look that could kill, "You'll want to be going to management then won't you? Just like it says on the appointment letter." He spat out with a voice dripping in so much antagonism that it could have filled three Olympic size swimming pools, "Ok, thanks." Clark replied giving the peeved man a smile. What was wrong with people these days? he thought to himself as he headed over to a large electronic board showing a map of the building, customer service has truly gone down the drain!
After twenty minutes of endeavouring to find management, and then another fifteen spent being redirected to the employee's desk, Clark was finally redirected to the correct office for his interview. A good thirty minutes after his scheduled appointment. "Excuse me, I realise I'm terribly late but my name is Clark Kent and I had an interview for a position as a reporter for the Daily Planet." For the fourth time that day he was greeted by an unfriendly and unaccommodating face, "Job interviews were over twenty five minutes ago." The secretary replied with a razor blade tongue, as she turned as quickly as she could back to her computer screen. "Oh, I see. Is there any way I could schedule another time perhaps? Leave my apologies to Mr. Rennalds? It's just that I…" Clark began before being interrupted by the secretary "Look, you've clearly blown your chance. Now just go back to wherever you came from and mooch of your parents or the government or whatever else it is losers like you do all day." That was the final straw, after being hassled, hooted at, jibed and now insulted Clark was fed up with the treatment he had been receiving. "Listen here Miss. Now I don't know what's been happening in your day, whether your dog died or you just plain got up on the wrong side of the bed today, but I have just about had it with your attitude. Now I would like to get in touch with Mr. Rennalds and apologise for missing my appointment and, if possible, reschedule for another time at his, and my, convenience. I would be very thankful if you would be so kind as to do the job that you are so blessed to hold and be paid for, and do as I ask. Expecting some snarky response Clark was surprised to the woman's eyes widen into saucers, however she was looking over his shoulder at the person standing behind him. Turning, Clark was shocked to see none other than Perry White standing in the middle of the reception room with a grin that could've split his face in two. "Well, well, who have we here?" Perry said stepping forward, his hand outstretched to Clark. "Clark Kent sir, I apologise I didn't mean to…" "Stop right there son don't you dare apologise for that little display, if only half the people that turn up here expecting a job had the same spunk as you. Hell, if that was the case our competition wouldn't stand a chance." Clark smiled "Well sir it's just been a rather slow day you see, and I was rather put out about running late." "Well I sure hope there's more where that come from, follow me to my office and we'll have a chat about that job you were after." Clark followed Perry to his office situated at the top floor of the White Media building, with a commanding view over Metropolis and a miniature indoor golfing green for Perry to practice his swing in between meetings. Reclining in his Aeron desk chair Perry motioned across his desk to its twin. "Have a seat son." He said, Clark grinned to himself, Perry White must've been in his sixties Clark had a good ninety years on him and yet here he was being called 'son'. "So, what was this job you were after?" Perry began as Clark seated himself across from him, "I applied for a position as a reporter in your Daily Planet blog sir. Frankly, I think your ideas towards internet journalism are ahead of anyone else in the field." A small smile played on Perry's lips as he mused over Clark's words, the interactive Daily Planet blog allowed reporters to take the initiative, seeking out stories on their own. Under the supervision of White Media, a handful of employed journalists could report on issues from all over the globe, interacting with their followers by receiving information directly from them as they partook in current events. Compatible with all the major social media networks, the Daily Planet had become the go to method of receiving and sharing news online, all thanks to Perry White and his media empire. "And what kind of stories would you be reporting on exactly?"
He queried, "Mainly stories affecting people right here in Metropolis primarily in lower income areas, such as suicide slum." Clark replied "Some of these areas are being affected on a big scale by various mega corporations as well as local politics. I'd be focusing on the little man and telling his story in this ever changing, fast paced city." Perry liked where Clark was taking his spin, a good controversial and social justice related blog directly from Metropolis was exactly the sort of thing he was after. "I like you Clark, I can tell you've got a real heart for the story and that you've got the guts to go after the truth of the matter." Standing up Perry continued, "And that's why I'm offering you a place in this little operation we've got going here." Leaning across his desk he shook hands with the now standing Clark, "Welcome to the Daily Planet Mr. Kent."
The heavy metal doors clanged shut, hissing as the lock reengaged, sealing of the long dazzlingly white hallway from the world. Squinting, the bespectacled middle aged man sighed as he moved to keep up with his fast paced guide as she walked with a confidence only ruthlessness could bring down the hallway. "Sure is an awful lot of security" he said as he quickened his pace to match hers, "Could this place have been made more difficult to access for the chronically tardy?" Without slowing her gait his guide answered, "I'm sure I don't have to remind you the extreme delicacy of the work done here Professor Hamilton. Years of dedicated work and sensitive information could be lost without the proper precautions." Professor Hamilton sniffed, "Still, five different scans and three passcodes seems a bit extreme." Without answering his guide marched up to yet another security door, swiping a card before entering a passcode and leaning in towards a retinal scanner, Hamilton did the same before they were allowed access. In contrast to the passageway this new room was dimly lit, except for the countless screens on every wall and surface. It gave the Professor that photographer's darkroom kind of vibe. "There's someone I want to introduce you to professor." His guide began as she made her way past numerous people working at desks and screens, little headsets in their ears, completely ignoring their presence. "Professor Emil Hamilton, I'd like you to meet Lex Luthor, head of operations here." A young man in a white shirt with sleeves rolled up to his elbows turned from a large screen, showing numerous strands of DNA merging and morphing, as he heard his name. What little light in the room reflected of his smooth bald head "Ms. Waller, what a pleasure to see you in this neck of the woods." Then looking at Professor Hamilton he held out his hand "And this must be the Professor I've heard so much about. Your expertise will be most welcome here Professor." Emil shook Lex's hand, taking an instant dislike to him as he did so. "Well, as soon as I'm made aware as to how my research will fit in with the sort of work you do here, I'm sure I'll be happier myself." "Lex here will brief you on everything you'll need to know Professor." Ms. Waller informed him, "Until then just make yourself comfortable." "Yes, have a look around, play with all of our fancy toys." Lex smiled waving his arms around the room. Emil nodded, how long would he be forced to work under this pretentious jerk? "Oh, and by the way." Lex said as he turned back to face Emil, "Welcome to Cadmus Professor Hamilton."