The Men who Look Down on the World
Chapter One
July Ninth 2012
Lois Lane of the Daily Planet is sitting at her desk early in the morning, she see's Jon Hasten the janitor as the only other person on the floor at five thirty in the morning. Jon is use to Lois coming in early in the morning and her being the first person to enter and the last person to leave every day. At first he asked her why she was always working or if she lived at the Planet's office and she laughed at him and never gave a real answer. He realized that Lois is a very hard worker who wants to be one step ahead of everyone else.
"Hey Miss Lane I have to go, I'm locking up as it's still an hour and a half before the building opens." Jon says to Lois who just nods and returns to her computer. He wonders if Lois is working on some big scoop.
Lois does not have any big scoop not an official one anyway. No she is free writing, keeping her mind fresh with potential stories to see if it's something she can work with. She opens up one of her side projects, one on Intergang. This is the story that would make her career, if she could only prove her theories correct.
'Who is truly in control of Intergang? Intergang is Metropolis's unified organized crime syndicate that is rumored to control nearly seventy five percent of Metropolis criminal underworld. Intergang popped up around three years ago and quickly gained domanace. Intergang is known for their high level of technology, stuff that is the cutting edge of weapons tech and often ahead of what the police and military have. How does Intergang get their hands of such technology? Do they make it themselves? Do they steal it? Are they working with someone with money and power?'
Lois wrote that a while ago and looks it over, it is completely true. This is where she is stuck, what she knows about Intergang is what everyone knows about Intergang. There is no known secret leader, no connection with some rich big shot, no nothing. Just Bruno Mannheim, a grade A scum bag who runs the organization, and has the best lawyers in the world in his pocket.
'The leader of Intergang is one Bruno Mannheim. Bruno Mannheim is scum, everyone knows he's scum. The man was a low level gangster for years, he ran rackets and took collection money but he was always a bit player. Then something changed. Mannheim was locked up for a few years and when he got out he started Intergang and suddenly he was untouchable. Intergang had weapons that matched the military's top secret weapons and then some. There is no way someone like Mannheim could be behind this. The man was never this organized and he alone does not have the connections.'
Lois has her theories she has written them before, told Perry White about them, Perry dismissed them. Lois did some research on Mannheim during his three years in Stryker's Island Penitentiary and fond a connection most people just ignored. He was in jail at the same time as Vincent Edge, the father of Morgan Edge head of Galaxy communications. The elder Edge was in jail for illegal gambling and for extortion and was in Stryker's Island Prison for thirteen months. Yet for a six month period Vincent Edge and Bruno Mannheim shared a cell.
Perry told Lois to never print that, and to stop digging into the Edge Family. Perry White is a good friend of Morgan Edge and does not want his friend's name sullied without proof. Still Lois is not one to stop digging. She has put her suspicions of Edge on hold for the time being.
'Someone is pulling Mannheim's strings, Mannheim might not even realize he's not the one in control.'
Lois stopped typing, there is not much more she can say about Intergang. Not without diving into her crazy theories. The information on them is sparse to say the least. She believes that she knows more about Intergang then anyone else though. Lois starts typing about other news reports, such as the upcoming Luthor Corporation press conference, the first big conference since Lex Luthor took over. She is sure she will be Perry's representative for the conference and hopes it's not boring. She also hopes Lex Luthor is there, she has never seen the dark son up close and really wants to.
People slowly started entering the Daily Planet building as the work day begins. The second person to enter the office today like almost every day is Perry White the Editor in Chief. The man has a smile on his face and he walks into the office with a cup of coffee in his hand and a Danish in the other, "Hey Lois." He says with a slight southern accent.
Lois does not respond, she is writing about Lex Luthor, what she knows about him, what she believes and does not even realize that White is looking over her shoulder. "If the wrong person sees you write that miss Lane you could make enemies." He says his smile not wavering.
"You know I'm afraid of no one chief." Lois says not even looking up. "Besides it's free writing, none of this will end up in the paper. I never let my opinion effect my writing you know that."
"And that's why you have a job here Lois." He sets down a cup of coffee on her desk, "No cream three surges, the way you like it."
Lois smiles, Perry is a good boss, more of a father then an authority figure. She drinks the coffee and feels the extra energy perk her up. She has been working too long. "No rest for the wicked so no rest for me." She says as she sets the coffee down and continues writing.
The next person to walk in like always is Jimmy Olson. Jimmy is a very enthusiastic young intern going for his degree in photo journalism and really really wants to be lead photographer at the Planet. He is a brown noser of the best kind he will do everything for everybody in hopes of catching his break. So far his break has been being gofer for everyone at the Planet, getting lunch and being a doormat. Yet that does not seem effect Jimmy's attitude in the slightest.
"Hey Lois I see your here already." Jimmy says as he says every day. He always sounds surprised to see Lois even though it's the most common thing in the world. "Man one of these days I will beat you and the chief here."
"Never going to happen Jimmy." Lois says not looking up.
Jimmy does not let that deter him, he turns toward the Chief's door which is open. "Oh yeah I brought the photos. Hey Mr. White I got those photos I was talking about. The ones I took." Jimmy runs to the chief's office some of the photos in his hands falling to the ground as he runs.
Lois smiles, thinking how nice it is to be young. She knows Jimmy will try to sell his photos but stumble over his words. Then Perry will tell him they are good but lacking that professional flair and that Jimmy really needs some field experience. Jimmy will ask to go with a reporter and Perry will say that the time is not right. It's not a daily occurrence here at the planet but it's damned close.
The rest of the employees for the planet start to pour in and around eight thirty the place as pretty much crowded and busy. People are talking about the latest headlines, going on about crimes, sports, celebrity sightings and everything else. Lois looks at her phone and types out a message, 'Lucy where are you?' She sends to her sister, as she needs to get out of here.
There is a beep on her phone and her sister's message pops up, 'Across the street from the Planet, Nero's Cafe.'
Lois told her sister she would meet her for breakfast after catching a few early hours at work. She types 'See you in five.' and then gets up from her desk. "Hey Jimmy."
The red headed intern turns his head, "Yeah Miss Lane can I help you?" He asks enthusiasticly.
"Tell the chief I'm taking a break if he asks."
"Isn't it early to take a break?" Jimmy asks.
"Not when you have been here since five. I need to leave." Before Jimmy could react Lois has her bag over her shoulder and is already at the elevator riding down. She will let Jimmy deal with damage control. Lois pays no attention to the people in the elevator as she rides down or any one in the building's lobby. As she reaches for the door it opens.
There is a tall man looking at her, smiling at her, "Here you go miss." He says with a kind voice.
Lois nods and looks at him, his face is partly concealed with a large hat and a big pair of sun glasses covering his face yet he looks familiar. He is rearing a blue business suit and a red tie and has a black brief case in his hands. "Do I know you?" She asks.
"Not that I know of miss ah..?" The man says his expression not changing.
"Lane."
"Ah I'm Clark." He says and then watches as she leaves though the front door of the planet before moving on.
Lois cannot get 'Clark' out of her head, she knows she has seen him before, that she should know him but she can't put her fingers on it. "Who are you?" She asks to herself as she walks over to the stop light and gets ready to cross to meet her sister at the cafe.
Lois sees her sister sitting under an umbrella outside the cafe at a table with three seats. Lucy Lane is sitting by herself waiting for Lois and smiles as she sees her, "Hey sis over here."
Lois walks over to her sister and hugs her, "Hey Lucy." They meet at this cafe every week at the same table and they always meet each other with a hug. Lucy sits back down and motions for Lois to sit. "No I'm hungry I need something to eat. You want anything."
"It's being handled, sit." Lucy says smiling.
Lois is surprised her sister never handles anything. Sure she always shows up first and knows what Lois eats but Lucy never orders, never pays. "Is that so?"
"Yeah John's getting it."
Lois expression changed, she frowns and there is a sour taste in her mouth, she then says a name with disdain, "John Corben." Lucy's on again off again boy friend John Corben. She keeps telling her sister to forget Sgt. John Corben, to stop giving the man chances but Lucy never listens. Lois is about to say something when she see's John near the entrance to the cafe.
John walks over to the table in a military uniform holding a plate of eggs and sausage in one hand, and a couple muffins in the other. He sets down the plate next to Lois, "I hope you don't mind that I came with Lucy." John is thick headed and does not realize that Lois clearly hates his guts. He thinks everyone likes him and he has a crush on Lois, had had one since high school. Sometimes Lois thinks he only dates her sister because John could not have her.
"No I don't mind." Lois says her voice dripping with sarcasm. She starts eating fast while John and Lucy look at each other with love struck teenagers with John talking about why he's in Metropolis. Lois figures what keeps their relationship going is that John is often away from Lucy on one mission or another.
"Lex Luthor is introducing a new weapon today and I get to test it. I'm an expert pilot you know." John loves talking about himself and his job.
Lois's interest is perked, "The Luthor Corp press conference?"
"Ah yes you might be there." John says looking at Lois with more interest then he ever shows Lucy. "I can't get into detail but this will revolutionize weapons. I hear Lex's science team developed a new metal alloy for demonstration."
Lois takes a mental note of that and now she wants to be at the conference even more. Something big is going to happen. Something big indeed. She finishes her food and looks at her sister who looks really happy. Lois feels really bad for Lucy, being madly in love with someone who takes his aggressions out on her. Lucy was such a wild child and that streak seems to be gone now. "I have to go, I need to get back to work." That's a lie she still has fifteen minutes but can't stand to look at Corben any longer. She gets up to leave.
"Okay See you later." John answers in place of Lucy who kept her mouth shut.
Lois closes her eyes as she walks away. She walks toward the planet and then turns away looking over to see if ether John or Lucy watched her. Neither were. Lois is going to take a walk, clear her head before she returns to the office. After wondering for about fifteen minutes down the streets of Metropolis she returns to the Daily Planet building. She looks across the street and sees that her sister and John are gone as she enters the building.
The office is even busier now then it was when she left for breakfast. She sees Cat Grant working on her gossip column for the paper. Cat was not in the office when Lois left but that did not surprise her Cat is normally the last person to come to work everyday. Lois walks by Cat and heads to her desk as she sits down Jimmy moves over to her, "Lois the chief needs you."
"Thanks Jimmy." Lois walks over to the Chief's office and sees there is a tall man standing in front of Perry's desk talking to him. The man is the same person Lois met on her way out of the building, his hat is sitting on Perry's desk and he is talking to the chief. "Him again." She still can't figure out just who he is. Lois walks into the office, "So you needed me chief?"
Perry stands smiling, "Glad you could make it Lois, yes I want you to meet someone."
The tall man shifts his weight and turns to look at Lois. He smiles and looks at her with cool blue eyes, "Hello again Miss Lane." The man offers his large hand. "I'm..."
Lois shakes his hand and grips it tight, she then cuts him off, "Kent Luthor. The daylight son." It is a nickname for Kent Luthor, he is the daylight son and Lex is the moonlight son. It has to do with when they are normally seen, Kent during the day and Lex at night. "What are you doing here rich boy?"
"I wanted to see my investment Miss Lane. I'm heading to all Luthor Media establishments to check up on their progress." Kent says not even feeling slightly bothered by Lois calling him rich boy.
"The Daily Planet is not part of Luthor Media." She looks at Perry, who does not say anything.
Kent shakes his head seeing that Lois is pissed. "Miss Lane, Luthor Media has owned the Planet for the last three years."
She looks at Perry. "He's right Lois. Franklin Stern," The previous owner of the planet and Perry White's close personal friend. "Was going though financial trouble years ago and needed help. He got offers from multiple investors and Lionel Luthor gave Stern the best deal. He became a silent partner and Stern was allowed to run the Planet the way it always ran."
Kent Luthor then continues, "My father was a firm believer in freedom of the press and did not want people to think the Planet was a new pawn following his agenda." He looks at Lois and winks at her, "After all he hired a reporter who ended up being one of his most vocal critics."
Lois looks at Kent coldly, "So now you have decided to change that?"
Kent does not accept Lois's challenge, "No no you misunderstand. I want the Planet to continue running the way it's always been ran. I simply plan to be more hands on then my father was. Perry will still be editor in chief of course."
"And what do you want?" Lois knows Kent sees himself as a reporter, that he went to school for journalism but she never read his articles and never will he's not a writer he's a pampered rich kid.
"I want to be a reporter Miss Lane. I want to be there as the news happens. I want to report it fairly and honestly." Kent while he is far from looking like an idealistic kid sounds just like Jimmy does when he talks about being a photographer. "I was a reporter for Metropolis University and I have had several articles published. I was also a travel reporter for the World Explorer. Have you read any of them?"
"No I have not." Lois says not really caring. "So the Daily Planet is going to be the playground for a spoiled rich kid so he can play reporter."
"LOIS." Perry yells. While Perry is normally calm he has a temper. "Watch what you say please."
"No that's fine." Kent puts his hands in his pocket, "I like her bluntness. That's why I wanted to see her. She always speaks her mind. Miss Lane I am not playing. I realize I can't be a reporter, I will be running this place with Perry still being in charge and you as head investigative reporter. Nothing is going to change Miss Lane."
Lois is getting impatient now, is that what Kent Luthor wanted to tell her that nothing was going to change. This rich boy needed to make a big deal about that. To show who might be his biggest critic that he plans on letting her write what she wants. She smiles thinking is Kent will still think that way when she tells the truth about Luthor Corp. "So is that all."
Perry looks at Kent then back at Lois, "No Mr. Luthor wanted to speak to you for another matter."
"Yes I would like you to be the Planet's correspondent for my brother's press conference today. Apparently I am not the only one who wanted you there. So did a General Sam Lane. Any relation?"
"Yeah he's my father." Lois is not really all that fond of her father.
"Bad blood I take it." Kent says catching her expression.
"Yeah. Oh and I will be there. I would not want to miss Lex's first conference. It's so much better that I'm officially invited. It means I don't have to sneak in." She starts laughing. Lois then walks out of the office but turns back to Kent, "See you later 'Clark'."
Kent whose laughing at her joke as well stops when he realizes Perry has a serous expression on his face, "Wait was she serous?"
Perry looks Kent straight in the eyes, "Yes Lois would have crashed the conference if she had to."
Lois spent the next few hours getting ready for the conference. She went home and took a shower and got dressed. She does not want to get kicked out of this conference not before she can get the scoop of a life time. After eating a sandwich she calls up the office, "Hey I need a cameraman for the conference."
"Sorry Lois." A stammering Jimmy says, "All the camera men on duty with other reporters, no one is free." Jimmy then clears his throat, "Well that's not true, I'm free."
Give Jimmy a chance really? Lois thinks for a second, what choice does she have? "Okay Jimmy meet me at the Lionel Luthor Conference Center at four."
Jimmy's loud enthusiastic voice rings though the phone, "Yes sir, Miss Lane thank you. I will make you proud." As Lois hangs up the phone she can hear Jimmy laughing and jumping being very happy he's getting the opportunity he always needed. Lois sighs and hopes she made the right move. She turns on the TV and watches the GBTV news broadcast while she gets ready.
"This is Angela Chen." A young looking Asian reporter in a light blue suit says. Chen is standing in front of a Bank where a destroyed high tech tank is in two pieces and four thugs are tied up by a light post. "Here at the sight of Metropolis First National Bank where our mysterious new hero Superman just stopped an attempted robbery. The perpetrators were Intergang using a prototype Luthor Tank that was reported stolen last month. I guess that answers that question."
"Superman." Lois says. The man of steel is a reporters dream. The mystery hero first appeared nine months ago and every time he stops a crime or saves a life it is a huge news story. Reporters are fighting for the chance to get the first interview with the elusive man of steel who has only said a few words and for the most part stays out of the way of the camera. Everyone wants to know the full story about Superman.
The news report shows a replay of the crime, it shows the high-tech tank driving up to the bank's front entrance and crashing though. It then shows a blue blur and the tank stops moving and is lifted up into the air by Superman. He then rips the tank open and the four Intergang members fall out. One of the men has a high tech pistol in his hand and says something Lois can't here but it looks like a boast and he fires at Superman. The gun fires a yellow ray that seems to make Superman stagger back but does not stop the man of steel who in a flash grabs the gun from the gangster and crushes it with his hands.
"Once again Superman saved the day, he is the hero of the people. He asks for nothing in return and is quick and efficient. He was gone by the time cops and reporters came to the scene." Angela stands there for a couple second and then the screen changes back to the studio.
"Thank you for that Angela." The older graying brown haired man says. "Coming up when we get back an interview with General Sam Lane as he talks about what we can except at Lex Luthor's press conference."
Lois turns off the TV that is the last thing she wants to see right now. She will deal with her father soon enough.
The Lionel Luthor Convention Center is already busy getting ready for Lex Luthor's big conference at two thirty. It is the thirty five year old Luthor's first press conference as the head of Luthor Technologies and it is going to be a big event. Lex Luthor is not in charge of setting up the conference no he is locked in his dark room practicing his words and getting reading for the event. No the busy work is being handled by Mercy Graves his personal assistant and body guard.
Graves is a tough as nails woman, she is five feet seven and has a stern emotionless face, She is thin but muscular and a force to be reckoned with. She is dressed in a tight blue business suit and matching skirt and is walking around the convention center with an air of authority to her. Even people who don't know her knows she's in change, she just has that feel about her.
"Alright set up the hard light projectors up on the stage. Yeah yeah Lex wants to be seen by everyone and his condition makes that hard." She says to the work crew who are setting up small round spheres, holographic projectors. Lex rarely appears in person especially during the day.
Mercy watches the crew set up the spheres with no emotion on her face. She makes sure they do not screw up and nods before moving on. "Good." She walks over to what will be the press section, a small area for people to stand up and ask questions in front of the seats for the general audience. The press conference is open to every one, it was one of Kent's ideas. Mercy is not really to fond of it but Lex decided to let his brother have this little victory. That and the Planet correspondent. Mercy would rather have the Planet no where near Lex Luthor, the Planet especially miss Lane smudges the good Luthor name too often and yet Lionel and now Kent allow the Planet to do so. "Things have to change."
Mercy is greeted by Kent as she enters the press area. Kent is very hansom, and very charismatic, talking friendly to everyone working on setting up the conference no matter how unimportant they are. He turns and sees Mercy his looking at him with an irritated expression, "Hows it going Mercy."
"Everything is fine Mr. Luthor." Mercy says. She does not hate Kent but she does not like him ether. The man rubs her the wrong way. He's too nice, too forgiving, and always looking for the best in people.
"Come on Mercy we have been over this how many times? Call me Kent." Kent is not really a fan of formal titles and wants everyone to call him by his first name.
Mercy won't do that but kindly says, "I will remember that sir."
"Good well everything is fine on my end. The press box is ready and the seats are ready for the general public. Oh General Lane is looking for you."
Mercy nods and takes her leave from Kent, the General can't be kept waiting. Mercy makes her way past the press area ignoring everyone in her way and finds her way to the back of the conference area where General Lane, Sgt Corben, and other military personal are standing next to the Lex Weaponry Metallo Armored suit the LWM1. "You wanted to see me General?"
"I want to see Lex." General Lane is a large man, nearly seven feet tall, and is probably about two hundred and fifty pounds says. He makes Mercy look small and that is saying a lot. He is dressed in his military dress uniform and has a permanent snarl on his scarred face. His eyes are grayish blue and his hair is grayish brown. "However no one not even knows if he's here. They say if any one knows you would."
"Lex is here but he does not want to see anyone. He is getting ready for the conference." She looks at John Corben who is looking over the LWM1 with wonder in his eyes. "Are you Sgt Corben?"
He looks away for a second. "Yes I am." He moves over to Mercy and shakes her hand tight, though is surprised when she squishes his hand. He lets go and shakes his hurt hand, "I will be piloting this baby during the demonstration. I have over fifty hours of practice with the simulation and I am completely synchronized. According to Dr. Vale anyway." He is talking about Dr. Emmett Vale who along with Dr. John Irons created the LWM1 suit and it's brain interface control system.
"I'm sure you are Sargent. Mr. Luthor has complete faith in you. Do not let him down."
General Lane who feels ignored moves in closer to Mercy and pushes Corben away, "Contact Mr. Luthor. I want to speak to him before the conference. Is that understood."
The general would intimidate most men but Mercy does not weaver, this is nothing she cannot handle. She nods and takes out her phone. "Hello Mr Luthor. Sorry for bothering you." There is a pause. "I understand sure but General Lane wishes to see you." And another pause. "I have told him that but the general is insistent to speak to you in person before the conference." She nods her head, "Yes thank you sir."
Mercy looks over at the general with cold piercing eyes, she then speaks to him in an irritated voice. "Come with me. Lex will speak to you." She starts walking looks back to see Corben and others following her and the General, "Only you, the Sargent will wait here."
"Stand down I will see Lex alone." The general orders and then follows Mercy.
Mercy leads General Lane into the back of the convention Center and then up to the third floor where all the offices are. As she leads him to Lex they turn down a corridor and the lights start getting dimmer and dimmer, it is for Lex's protection as the general is well aware. They reach the end of the corridor to a door with an electronic lock. It is the only office with a lock on this floor and has a sign marked private and one below it saying now bright lights. Mercy takes out her key card and unlocks the door, "Give me a second." She says to the General before walking into the room.
The room is nearly pitch black, there is dim red light in the room that illuminates the surfaces so people don't trip but they still can't see details. Mercy pulls out a pair of yellow tinted glasses and her eyesight in this area improves. "Lex."
Lex Luthor is sitting at a desk with his head down deep in thought. He is always deep in thought especially when he is not working. He looks up and smiles, it is a creepy smile, all his smiles are creepy. He can see Mercy perfectly without any special eye wear. "So the general would not take no for an answer. Fine send him in."
Mercy opens the door again and the general grabs it and enters. Walking into the room the general can't see anything. He makes out a shape at the desk that might be Lex Luthor but it could be anyone. "How do I know that's Lex?"
"You know my voice general." A low scraping voice said. Lex is in constant pain when he talks, he alters his voice during public announcements so few people know Lex's real voice. The general along with Mercy is one of those people. "But if you need more proof. Mercy." He snaps his fingers.
Mercy hands the general a pair of glasses and the general puts them on. He can suddenly make out features and knows the man sitting at the desk is none other then Lex Luthor. "Thank you for seeing me Mr. Luthor."
"I hate being disturbed you know that. Make it quick." Lex is a very private person, his conduction makes human contact hard and so outside Mercy he stays alone for the most part.
"It is about this presentation. I don't know how wise it is to have the demonstration of the LWM1 open to the public."
"I agree. This is my brother's idea. Take it up with him." Lex really does not care one way or the other. He is already thinking of ways to use this to his advantage.
"I did. I don't really agree with what Kent is doing. His response is that Luthor Corporation is an open book, every thing we develop should be open for the world to see." General Lane said those words with bile in his voice, "Idealistic crap. He's worse then your father."
"Hey Kent is not stopping me making weapons for you. He can't. So I threw him a bone. The convention center is part of Luthor Media which he owns." The will was a pretty clean Split. Lex gained Luthor Technologies, Kent got Luthor Media and Lena received Luthor medical. Of course Lena's control is in name only and really Lex and Kent co own Luthor Medical, that's fine.
"I still don't like it. What if something happens? Corben has had plenty of hours in the simulator with the mental controls but I still don't think he's ready. He has never tested the real mental up link which Dr. Vale says he should have before we present the LWM to the public."
"Vale is a worry wort." Lex ignored Vale and Iron's warnings that there should be more tests on the LWM1 armor and the up link before a true demonstration. That Corben should experience the suit in a test environment first. Lex ignored both of them. He does not have the time for that. "There are plenty of fail safe's, everything's fine. Corben is mentally sound right?"
General Lane nods, "Corben is the best pilot I have, he is sound in body and mind."
"Then we have nothing to worry about now do we. The technology is sound, the human element is sound. We won't fail." Lex stops with that.
The general does not share Lex's confidence but realizes that there is no further arguing here. "Thank you for your time." The general then leaves the room.
As Mercy leaves Lex calls for her, "See that I am not disturbed. Thanks to the general I now have a spiting headache that I must deal with."
Lois gets out of her car and hands her keys to a valet after showing him her press pass. "Thank you Miss Lane." The young man says as he drives the car off to it's parking spot. Lois then looks for Jimmy who is not hard to find. Jimmy has multiple cameras on hand and is jumping around looking for Lois.
"AH Lois, there you are." Jimmy says enthusiasticly. "Thank you for this chance, I will not let you down."
"I am sure you won't Jimmy." Lois says not completely certain. She has seen his work and knows the kid is capable of some really good work, he just seems to rush things and tries to do too much. "Let's Go." Lois heads to the door where she is surprised to see Kent Luthor greeting people as they walk in. That man never ceases to surprise her he really is trying to live up to his reputation of 'billionaire of the people.' Kent sees her and walks over to her and shakes her hand.
"Lois so glad I can see you."
Lois moves past him, "This is Jimmy I think you two will get along." She says as she slips past Clark and tries to get lost in the crowd.
Jimmy shakes Kent's hand with both of his, "Wow I'm meeting Kent Luthor, I'm shaking your hand WOW. I'm Jimmy Olson of the Daily Planet."
Kent's smile never weavers, "I know you are. I know all my employees."
"Oh yeah that's right you run the planet now, Wow. Hey I have to get going." He looks around for Lois, "I have to find Miss Lane, this is going to get my big break." Jimmy leaves Clark and runs into the crowd, "Lois? Lois."
Lois makes it to the press are and sees fellow newspaper reporters, as well as reporters for Metropolis's three major TV stations, from Gotham, New York, and other stations, she even sees someone from Tokyo. A huge conference like this brings in reporters from everywhere in the world. She is surprised though that it's open to the public, given that there is going to be some demonstrations for military weapons happening here. Normally that sort of thing is closed to the public. "Must be Kent's doing, he would do something like that." she made it to the press area without running into her father or worse John Corben and she is happy about that.
Lois talks to some of the other reporters for a while and sees if they know what's going on. Lex is suppose to be in the building but no one has seen him in person. Also while he's not going to be at the conference personally he has a new technology that will make it seem like he's there. "Rumor has it Luthor Corp has been working with Queen International to improve Queen's holographic technology." Angela Chan told her.
After a while Lois gets impatient waiting for Jimmy. How hard can it be for him to find the press area? As time is dwindling down she starts to think Jimmy might have gotten lost when she heard his voice, and her fathers. She moans as Jimmy walks into the press area with Sam Lane and Lucy. Lois hugs her sister and then shakes her father's hand, looking at him and forcing a smile.
"Are you hiding from me Lois?" General Lane asks.
"Not at all daddy. I simply saw no point in bothering you." She is relieved John Corben is not with his father, seeing that man once in a day is hard enough. "I figured you were busy."
"I am, I am." As the large man laughs around his daughters he relaxes slightly. " But I always have time for you and Lucy."
Lois stops herself from saying 'where were you when we were growing up?' but figures now is not the time to open old wounds. Her father has been trying to be a part of her life these days though it's too little too late. "What are we going to see a new aircraft?" This is her theory as Corben is one of if not the best pilot under her father's command.
"That's classified." He then looks around, "Though not for long. Damn that Kent. It's crazy that he would want a demonstration of a military weapon be a public event." Lois actually agrees with her father on this but smiles at the idea that someone can irritate her father so easily.
Jimmy is talking with Lucy, stammering over every other word. He has had a crush on her since he first saw her and Lois would love to hook them up. Sadly Lucy keeps returning to the arms of John Corben. "Ah hey Lucy?" Jimmy starts.
"Yes?"
"Would you ah you know like to go for dinner when this is done?" Jimmy asks stumbling over every third word.
Lois feels bad for him knowing his sister's response before she says it, "That's sweet Jimmy but I have a boy friend. John is taking me out when this is over."
Jimmy looks heart broken and looks away saying things like, "Stupid, stupid." And sulks away.
Lois decided right there that she will buy Jimmy dinner as friends, and maybe give him advice about how to find girls. The kid is hopeless but is kind of cute. Her father and sister start to leave, "Well dear I do have to get going." The general walks off.
"I can't exactly be at in the press area." Lucy states. "I want to be near John to give him my support."
Lois looks at her watch, the conference is about to start in ten minutes, she looks at Jimmy who is still down in the dumps over Lucy. It took him months to work up the courage to ask her out he never knew she had a boyfriend even though it's obvious in retrospect. "Jimmy Cheer up, you can't let rejection bring you down. Remember this is your big shot."
Jimmy looks up, "You're right." He jumps up and grabs a camera, "You're right Lois. This is Jimmy's time to shine." That perked him right up. "Yes I will do this. Thanks Lois."
"Jimmy I will take you out for a burger if you don't let me down. I'm counting on you." That should let him know it's just as friends.
"Thank you Miss Lane. You can count on me." He feels much better, he is not going to screw this up.