A/N: Only two more chapters to go, guys! *sniffles* In this next chapter, the search for the transmitter continues, Clark has a proposition for Lex Luthor, and (brace yourselves), we have another fateful visit to the Fortress. I hope you like it. Read on everyone! :D

Chapter 19: World's Finest

Previously:

Lois thought about it and it did make sense that he hadn't told her. "And you've never done this kind of thing before?" She asked her husband.

"No, I haven't. It's not possible to do it, unless the other person is Kryptonian. Jason is half-Kryptonian, but I never for a moment thought we could connect on that level."

Lois was so amazed at this new ability and just a bit jealous. "You're right, Clark. I would have been even more devastated if it hadn't worked, so I suppose I can understand your reasoning, but what really matters is that it did work, and you're home, honey, you're home," Lois said giving Jason another hug.

Father and son shared a look over her shoulder. They both smiled.

~o~o~

Later that night on the Watchtower space station:

Bruce, J'onn and Diana had just told Clark about their mission to save the Kryptonian survivors and how they had failed, and that there had been only one lone survivor.

"Only one?" Clark asked crestfallen.

"I'm so sorry, Clark," Diana said touching his shoulder hoping to give him some comfort.

Clark took a deep breath trying to get control over his emotions. "And you said three years, father? Is that right?" He asked his father.

"Yes, Kal-El. Three years from now, barring any unforeseen problems, the lone survivor will be here on Earth at the exact coordinates where you landed, my son," Jor-El said.

"In Smallville?" Clark asked amazed.

"Yes, Kal-El," Jor-El responded

"Unbelievable," Clark said shaking his head at the irony of the situation.

"Amazing," Bruce said.

"Father, you said unforeseen problems? What did you mean by that?" Clark asked concerned.

"I was referring to the lone survivor's health, Kal-El. The read-outs indicated that the entire population was very sick at the time of the explosion, but there was hope that once the ship had been launched into space that the survivor's health would improve once the ship left the planet's orbit."

"I hope you're right, Father. I really do," Clark said as he closed his eyes and prayed for the best.

Bruce decided it was time to change the subject to a more pleasant discussion. "So, how's Jason? We were all so relieved you found him so quickly Clark. We all want to know how you did it."

"Yeah, how did you do it, Clark?" Bart asked as everyone else chimed in questions about Jason's rescue.

Clark realized what Bruce was doing, but he had to admit he didn't mind talking about his brilliant and amazing son. "Well, what happened was quite extraordinary actually," he said smiling at everyone's confused expressions.

"Well, what happened?" Diana asked wondering what it could be.

"Tell us, Clark, don't keep us in suspense," Bart said.

"Well, Jason and I had a talk … in our minds," Clark said and smiled and looked around the table and waited for everyone's reaction.

"What did you just say?" Bruce asked shocked.

"You're joking, of course," Bart said. "Come on, Clark, what really happened?"

"You don't believe me?" Clark asked. "It really happened. You see, Kryptonians have the ability to speak telepathically. They've been doing it for generations, but when Jason and I spoke to each other today, it was for the very first time."

"Wow, I'm impressed," Arthur said. "I can communicate with sea creatures, but this… this is something else entirely. How did it feel, Clark?"

"Incredible, unbelievable and wonderful," Clark said trying to find the words. "That's how I found him. He told me where he was," he said shaking his head still not quite believing it actually happened.

Silence followed that statement.

Clark looked around the table. "It's true. Jason told me where he was," he said emphasizing every word.

"We believe you, Clark. We're just trying to digest this," Bruce said.

"It is a lot to believe, I know. He's one amazing little boy. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought we could connect in that way. I still can't believe it," Clark said still in awe of his little boy.

"You must be so proud, Clark. We're all very happy for you," Diana said.

"Thank you, Diana. Lois and I are very blessed to have him," Clark said smiling.

"Well, we have one more thing to discuss and I think we can call it a night … Edge," Bruce said.

"Isn't he in jail?" Clark asked. "What about the kidnapper?"

"Yes, they're both in jail," Bruce said.

"That's a relief," Clark said.

"But the transmitter is still out there though and so are Edge's traps set for all of us. I think the transmitter is in one of Lex's hideouts," Bruce said.

"But why even bother trying to locate the transmitter now? Edge can't use it," Bart asked wondering why they were even discussing it.

"Lex has too many contacts out there. Edge was just one of them. If Lex or one of his cronies finds the transmitter, we could have another visit from you know who," Bruce said trying to make a point. "We have to find the transmitter and destroy it."

Clark sighed knowing what Bruce said was true. "I agree, Bruce, but what we need are the exact locations of Lex's hideouts," he said.

"And who has this list?" Bart asked doubtful of this entire mission.

"Lex, of course," Clark said.

"Of course," Bart said shaking his head, not the least bit surprised by that answer.

~o~o~

Edge's office in Suicide Slum, the next day:

Lois was on a mission. Clark had told her that Edge was behind Jason's kidnapping and she had to be sure that nothing fell through the cracks and that he would pay for what he had done to her family. "Lois Lane-Kent, Daily Planet," Lois said to the policeman as she held up her press badge for the officer to see. She was attempting to get inside Edge's office.

The policeman sighed knowing exactly who she was. "The forensics team isn't done yet, Mrs. Kent. They should be done in about half an hour," the policeman stated.

Lois wasn't going to let that stand in her way. "I'll wait," she said. She looked around at all the police vehicles and forensic trucks looking for someone to give her more information about Edge's arrest and what they had on him. She spotted a good friend from the force, Detective Maggie Sawyer. Maggie and Lois went way back to their days in college. "Detective Sawyer, got a minute?" Lois asked her friend walking up to her.

Maggie Sawyer had been a hard-nosed detective on the force for many years. She had paid her dues as a woman on the police force and had made many strides moving up in the ranks of the Metropolis PD. "Hey, Lois," Maggie said waiting for the inevitable barrage of questions from her friend.

"So, what ya got?" Lois asked getting right to the point.

"You know I can't talk about evidence, Lois," Maggie said.

Lois wouldn't be deterred. "Maggie, he kidnapped my son," she strongly stated staring at her friend hoping she would help her.

Maggie stared right back and found it hard not to be moved. She looked away then. "I'm sorry Lois, but I can't help you. The D.A…" Maggie began but Lois interrupted her.

"The D.A. is probably in bed with Edge. Don't you read the papers, Maggie?" Lois couldn't believe she didn't know they were partners. "You know what we're up against here. If we can't nail him on this kidnapping charge, he'll be back in business as usual in no time."

"We have him this time Lois. He won't get away," Maggie said realizing she'd said too much.

"Really, you have him?" Lois asked feeling a bit more satisfied with her answer.

"I have to go now, Lois," Maggie said giving Lois a look. "Trust me," she said.

Lois didn't say anything after that. She nodded at her friend and Maggie nodded back.

~o~o~

Gotham City, Daily Planet offices:

Richard was on the phone with Lois. He continued making edits to their article as the phone dangled from one ear. They were putting the finishing touches on the Edge article. Perry was pleased with it, but now that Edge had been arrested for kidnapping, it had to be updated with the news. "Yes, Lois, I know Maggie. What happened at Edge's office?"

"She pretty much gave me the hint that Edge was going down this time, Richard," Lois said relieved.

"What did she say? Is there anything we can use in the article?"

"I'm afraid not, but I think we can say that the police are confident in their arrest this time. It gives the impression that it's a done deal," Lois said.

"Are you sure you read her right?" Richard wanted to know.

"I'm very sure, Richard, we should run with it," Lois said.

"Alright, I'll run it by Perry and if he says go for it, then we'll do it," Richard said happy Edge would be behind bars for a long time, especially after what he had done to Jason.

"Great, call me once you get the go ahead from Perry. I'm headed back to the office. Bye Richard, and thanks," Lois said.

"Bye, Lois," Richard said and hung up.

~o~o~

Several days later, Federal Prison, upstate New York:

Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a daily metropolitan newspaper, stood in the waiting area of federal prison waiting to speak with Lex Luthor. Lois thought he was insane to go see him and the League was split in two by the idea. A few thought it was brilliant, while the others wanted to pull out the green stuff to stop him.

Alexander "Lex" Luthor was six months into his second stint in prison, but it was only a matter of time before he would convince the parole board he was no threat to anyone and that he wasn't crazy. He hated to admit it, but his last scheme to thwart Superman and to take over the world had been a complete bust, but he hadn't given up taking down the Man of Steel; no way, it was what kept him going in this hellhole.

There were two things Lex was allowed to do … exercise and read the Daily Planet newspaper. As he read the latest article about Edge and how he had completely blown Intergang wide open, he realized that the organization was now in shambles with Edge's arrest and imminent departure to prison. The police seemed pretty confident according to the front page story written by Lois Lane, Richard White and Clark Kent, three of his favorite people, he had to admit.

The guard came to his cell then. "You have a visitor, Luthor," he said opening the door.

Lex knew it wasn't Edge. He is in jail, so who could it be? Kitty wouldn't come to see me after turning state's evidence against me, but she would pay for that in due time. "Who is it?" Lex asked.

"Clark Kent," the guard said.

"What does he want, an interview?" Lex asked the guard.

"Come on, move it, Luthor," the guard said ignoring his question.

Lex was led to the visitor area and there waiting for him was Clark Kent. Clark didn't stand up to greet Lex. He wouldn't show any kind of courtesy to the man. He had to force himself to stay seated. Seeing him again after what happened on the island, he felt the urge to rub his back where Luthor had stabbed him, but he refrained.

"Clark Kent, what brings you here?" Lex asked sitting down.

"Answers to a few questions and … I have a proposition for you," Clark said coming to the point.

"Let's hear the proposition, and then maybe I'll answer your questions," Lex said finding this conversation interesting despite warning bells going off in his head.

"You may have heard about your friend … Morgan Edge going to jail for a long time?"

"Yes, I've read about it and who said we were friends?" Lex asked now leery about where this was going.

"Well, he did come to see you a few weeks ago. It's a known fact that you two know each other. It appears the police have uncovered a few things about Edge's involvement in bringing a certain … individual to Earth who caused considerable damage to the city, not to mention his kidnapping of Superman. Do you know anything about that?" Clark asked knowing Lex would deny any involvement with Edge.

"I don't know what you mean," Lex answered now completely baffled where this was going. Lex was also thinking he should stay as far away from Edge's schemes as possible. It certainly would not help his parole hearing coming up in a few months.

"Oh, I think you do and the police have proof of your involvement. Now, you give me the location of all your hideouts, the police may be lenient with you and you may be given a few more privileges in here, like maybe a television in your cell."

"A television, really?" Lex asked getting excited. He hadn't seen a television in months. He would do anything for a television. "Is that all, just my hideouts, nothing more?" Lex said warming to the idea. The police won't find anything. I have no use for them now anyway, but a television, now that I could use, and it may help grease the wheels with my parole hearing.

"Yes, that's all the police want," Clark said as he inwardly smiled, took out a pen and a pad for him to write on and handed it to him.

Lex didn't need to think about it any longer, as he eagerly wrote down the addresses of all his hideouts and gave them to Clark. "Now, when do I get my television?" He asked rubbing his hands together.

"I have no idea, never probably," Clark said standing up, not in the least bit upset about tricking him.

"But you said …" Lex started confused.

"I lied," Clark said. "Guard, I'm done here," he said and left Lex sitting there with mouth agape.

~o~o~

The Watchtower later that evening:

After Clark stopped bowing to everyone's applause, Bruce smirked but he had to admit Clark's idea had been brilliant and to think it actually worked. He shook his head amazed. He had been one of the members who wanted to bring out the green stuff. He remembered and chuckled again at Clark's expression when he had mentioned it.

"You wouldn't dare do that to me again," Clark had said shocked at Bruce's words.

"You know I would. Don't even think about going to see that lunatic," Bruce had answered.

"Bruce you have to admit, the idea has merit, and it will save us a lot of time, and it could save our lives. Clark can do this, and I think it's a brilliant idea," Diana had said.

"Of course, you would agree with him. You always do," Bruce had mumbled aloud and had dared her to deny it.

Bruce and Diana stared at each other not liking the direction of the conversation.

Clark had picked up on their vibe, had frowned and indicated it was his decision and he was going and that was that.

Bruce came back to the present and stared at Diana. She wouldn't look at him. He was an idiot for saying those things, but a part of him did feel Diana was always on Clark's side in any conversation. I hate feeling this way. Jealousy is such a useless emotion. We need to talk about this. He went to her then, whispered in her ear, and asked if she would join him later in his room downstairs.

"I remember someone mentioning something about a launch party for this place?" Bart asked as he couldn't wait to have a party.

Another hour went by while they made preparations for the launch party, setting a date after Lex's hideouts were destroyed and the transmitter recovered, and after that everyone left for the evening.

After they had changed into their regular clothes so they could be more comfortable, Bruce and Diana were in his room but neither knew how to begin. Bruce couldn't help staring at her. She looked lovely with her hair brushed out like that, and that outfit, the skirt and that halter top.

Diana couldn't help noticing his outfit too. He really fills out those slacks and that tee shirt fit him to a tee. Damn, he's distracting, she thought. She crossed her arms trying to stay mad at him. "Well, are you going to explain that remark?" She asked finding it hard to believe that Bruce could be jealous of Clark.

"I think you know what I meant," Bruce said not apologizing for his feelings.

"Let's not play games, Bruce. Clark is a dear friend, that's all. I hate conflict and you two are always at each other's heads. I hate it sometimes," Diana said.

Oh, so that's it, Bruce thought. He came closer then. "Diana, Clark and I, we always disagree, that's just how it is." He shrugged, trying to explain. "You know us, most of the time we don't even remember half the stuff we argue about."

"Well, I remember and I hate it. Most of the League members take it in stride, but I don't like it at all," Diana said.

"So you take his side in everything to keep the peace? You could take my side sometimes," he said pouting a little.

Diana chuckled. "Well I would, if you were right," she said and laughed at his expression.

"Hey, watch it," Bruce laughed and pulled her to him. All too soon, they were in complete agreement about everything!

~o~o~

Later that evening at Riverside Drive:

After a late dinner, Lois and Clark were in their bedroom getting ready for bed. She smiled at the look on his face. "You must be feeling pretty proud of yourself?" Lois asked smiling at her smirking husband. Lois shook her head still not quite believing he had pulled it off.

"Yep, feeling pretty good right now," Clark said smiling at Lois's expression.

"Um, huh, I'm sure you are. So, what's the plan now that you have the addresses of Luthor's hideouts?"

"First of all, I gave the list to the police, keeping a copy of course," Clark stated. "They have a lot to go through, and the Chief was very pleased with what we accomplished. Once the bomb squads can go through all those places, they can search them out and find the transmitter. I'd do it myself, but most of them are lead-lined. It wouldn't do me much good to search them."

"The Flash, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern will be working with the police. As soon as they get the transmitter, then we can all breathe a little easier."

Lois was so happy about that. "Then, that's it, no more Edge, no more Darkseid, and no more D.A.?"

"Speaking of the D.A., no one has seen or heard from him since Edge was arrested."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Lois asked not surprised he would just disappear.

"Don't worry, he won't get far," Clark said.

"I have no worries on that score," Lois said smiling. "Oh my," she said looking down at her stomach. "Clark?"

"What is it, Lois, is it the baby?" Clark said coming to take her arm. "Here, sit down for a moment."

"The baby … she feels like … a butterfly … it's so strange," she said smiling. Taking his hand, she placed it on her stomach. "I think you can hear the heartbeat now, Clark. Do you want to try?"

"Did you say she? It's a girl?" Clark was overjoyed. "How can you be so sure?"

"It's just a feeling I have. I could be wrong, but I had a dream about her while you were away," Lois said smiling remembering the dream.

Clark touched her cheek and taking a deep breath, he smiled. "Well, here goes," he said and got down on his knees in front of her. He then leaned in toward her stomach, closed his eyes and tuned out all other sounds and listened, and there it was. The fast and steady heartbeat of his little girl drumming in his ears, a sound so beautiful, so amazing, tears sprang into his eyes. It was a true miracle.

Lois stroked his hair. "Well, do you hear it?"

Clark raised his head, eyes shining, giving Lois an answer without speaking. "That was wonderful Lois. I'll never tire of hearing that sound."

Lois smiled, her eyes shining too. She stroked his cheek. "Anytime."

Taking her hands in his, he sat down next to her. "Now that things have quieted down a little, can we plan our trip to the Fortress? You know Jor-El has been wonderful through this entire Krypton situation. I don't know what I or the League would have done without his help. Will you think about it?"

She smiled. "How does this weekend sound? We should go in the late afternoon, get all that morning sickness out of the way. I'd hate to think of that happening while we were flying." She wrinkled her nose at the thought.

Clark tried not to laugh, but he couldn't do it. He burst out laughing.

"Haha," Lois said smiling and then swatted his arm for good measure.

~o~o~

Jason was on top of the world, literally. When his Dad had told him they were going to the Fortress of Solitude to meet his grandfather, he was very excited, but he did manage to control the urge to float as his father had taught him. Now, there they were flying high in the sky heading north. He wasn't cold like his mother was and he kept his eyes open every second. He didn't want to miss a thing.

Soon enough, they landed just outside the Fortress, as his Dad punched in some security codes, they went inside, it came alive with lights and he could feel a little heat too. "I'll take you on a tour in the moment, son. I want to make sure your Mom is warm enough."

"I'm fine, Clark," Lois said actually feeling a bit overheated. Clark had her bundled with at least six layers of clothes.

"I don't want you to catch a cold or anything," Clark said. "We could have done this at the station, Lois, but I don't want you going through that teleportation chamber now that you're entering your second trimester."

"Clark, I'm fine," she said.

"Jason, are you alright?" Clark asked his son.

"I'm great, Dad. Is grandfather here now?"

"My son," Jor-El's giant floating head slowly appeared before them.

"Father, this is Jason, my son," Clark said.

"Hello, Jason," Jor-El said.

"Hello, grandfather," Jason replied in awe at what he was seeing.

"And you know, Lois," Clark said hesitantly.

"Yes, hello, Lois," Jor-El said.

"Jor-El," Lois said waiting for the other shoe to drop.

"Umm, father, Lois and I have wonderful news." He pulled Lois next to his side. "Lois and I will be welcoming another member of our family soon. We're having another baby," he said smiling at Lois.

Silence followed that statement.

Lois became tense all of a sudden. "Clark, you said he would welcome us," she whispered worried that Clark would be devastated if Jor-El acted up now in front of his family.

"He's digesting the information. His programs are making adjustments. Please be patient, honey," Clark said hoping to reassure her.

Just when Lois was about to say they should leave and never come back, Jor-El's image began to fluctuate for a moment, and then images of Clark as a baby began to appear before them.

"Oh my goodness," Lois exclaimed not quite believing her eyes.

Clark gasped at the sight before him, amazed his father would do this now. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. It was Jor-El and his mother Lara and they were smiling and laughing with their son.

"Dad, is that you?" Jason asked pointing and smiling at his Dad.

"Yes, Jason, it's me as a baby. That's your grandmother, Lara, and … your grandfather, Jor-El," Clark said barely able speak past the lump in his throat.

"Oh, Clark," Lois said on the verge of tears. "It's beautiful. Thank you, Jor-El," Lois said speaking clearly.

"No, thank you, Lois," Jor-El said.

TBC!

##

A/N: Jor-El had to come up with a way to convince them that he had finally changed. I think he succeeded. Thanks for reading. The final chapter in one week! *cries on her laptop* Remember, reviews and comments are love!