Superman in Action FanFic 6

Honor Among Thieves

5:00 am rolls around quickly. Last night's fight with Rudy was hard on me. I'm still sore from when he knocked me through that wall. The wall itself didn't hurt, but that punch most certainly did. I haven't felt anything like that since Brad Wilson punched me in the jaw for holding Lana's hand. Man, does that bring back the memories. Last I heard he was working as a security guard for some computer firm that opened up a hub in Smallville. He's still trying to date Lana, even though she and my best friend Pete have been dating since the year I left for college.

Pete Ross, Kenny Braverman, and Lana made up our group of Musketeers. We were the best of friends and did nearly everything together. Brad however didn't like that we were friends and tried his hardest to make sure he was included on everything we did. He hated me because I was close to Lana. She, however, didn't want anything to do with him. Kenny's situation was on par with Brad's, but somehow Kenny wasn't arrogant. It wasn't bad enough that Brad had to be the all around jock, but he had to prove to us all that he could do it better than we could. We tried out for junior football and Brad had to be captain. However, as good as Brad was he had one flaw. That flaw was his skill for planning things out. His usual football play was the stereotypical 'charge on through and take as many players out as possible'. I wasn't good sportsmanship, it wasn't good anything. Still he tried to be impressive, because he liked Lana and he saw me as standing in the way of that. One day out of the field while we were practicing I was going over with the coach ideas I had for plays. I studied games and saw how the pros did it and I wanted to translate what I saw to things our team could pull. We got out on the field to try a play and Brad broke the line and hit me square in the chest. I flew back and hit the ground hard; luckily all it did was leave a nasty bruise and winded me. Kenny jumped him and proceeded to pound Brad through the face guard on the helmet. Kenny and Brad were immediately thrown off the team. Brad didn't learn his lesson, though. It actually made the situation worse, now he had to prove that if he was jumped by Pete, Kenny and I that he could take us all. Kenny on the other hand got the worse of it; he was grounded for 2 months.

I really wonder what happened to Kenny. He ended up leaving Smallville not too long after that. Brad however is still an arrogant jerk, he works for some computer firm in Smallville. I suppose people followed the progress that came out there from Metropolis. I know firms from New York, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Coast City were opening up divisions out there. It was amazing that it still feels like Main Street, America when you're there. Guess a town with the name Smallville should have that feeling; otherwise they'd have to change the name to Big Town, Kansas. What good is that?

The point the town really grew up was when LuthorCorp took over a lot of land. Lionel Luthor truly did miracles when he came in. In the first 2 years they opened up one of the big supercenter markets, brought in clothing stores, restaurants. It was nice to go to a Big Belly Burger that wasn't 30 miles down the road. Yet, there was still loyalty to the hometown stores. An old dry goods store where they still carried candy in glass jars. Our local gas station was run by the man whose father built it in the 1930's. The Country Kitchen where home cooked meals were still served fresh as you ordered them and a big piece of pie for dessert. There was fear those places would go out of business with all this, but that's what loyalty to the hometown heritage is all about. The good thing about the new business was that it attracted capital. Pa wasn't as thrilled about it though. He seemed to believe that commerce like that could ruin a town if the people that were bringing it didn't have morals. Often was the time he took me aside and said, "You have to watch out for people that worship the almighty dollar. They're out to make as much money as they can and ruin anyone that gets in the way of that. Lionel Luthor, he might be doin' all this good stuff for Smallville, but I'm not convinced he's doing it to stimulate our area. He wanted to buy me out of my land, this land that my great-grandfather bought when he was all of 28 years old. There's history here, Clark. You can't put a price on that, no matter how high you go. The minute you accept that check, you're selling part of your soul."

Luckily, Lionel was content enough to allow it to drop. Pa still didn't trust him any further than he could throw his tractor, but at least he was decent enough to leave it at that. Pa never did understand why Lionel never pressed the matter, he believed there was an ulterior motive to it. I wanted to say that he was being paranoid; he had bought a ton more farmland out on the other side of town. I didn't because I knew what the response would be. He'd just tell me that for a man like that it wouldn't matter. Enough is never enough, and the phrase 'too much' is rarely heard. Truth be told, I don't disagree with that. Spoiled and rich is something that I'd seen played out too many times. Sadly, we did have them in Smallville. There weren't very many. As matter of fact I could count the number on one hand. However, they were there and they pretty much treated us like common trash vs. their kind of people. Ma always told me that when confronted with a situation like this it was best to keep doing to others, as you would want them to do unto you. It sounds like simple logic, doesn't it? It's the best kind, in my opinion. It might not do a world of good to the person you're trying to be nice to, but it does make you the better person. That counts for something. Often it doesn't show it, but it does.

Okay, teeth brushed and now time to pick out the suit. I guess I can put it on once I get to work, I think I'll fly there. And off we go! The morning air is gorgeous. If bills didn't need to be paid, there's a good possibility I wouldn't come down. There's some birds flying in the distance, it's so cool to see them fly in formation like that. Why not join them for a minute. I can make it in plenty of time, or so I thought. "All Units, we have a car chase in progress on the corner of Wilshire and Sullivan. All available cars are asked to stop this vehicle. The vehicle is a green Lexion sedan with three masked males. CAUTION, suspects are armed and have been firing at pursuant officers." So much for the birds.

The three men turn the corner hard and a hot dog stand goes flying into its owner. I stop the owner and grab the stand as gently as I can. It bends just a little, enough to where I have to weld it so the water doesn't leak out. A dot of Heat Vision later and I take off. I hear the vendor below me "Thank you Superman! Come back and you can have a dog on the house!" With a smile and wave, my focus goes back on the escaping car. I go just above car level so that I can catch up with the bandits. As they go to turn the corner for the last time I dive under the car. The wheels spin uncontrollably as I lift it over my head and I shake its passengers free. Two of them fall with their guns still in hand; I use my Heat Vision once more to melt the opening to the barrel so it can't be fired. They start to scatter to the winds when the police show up. It's almost rewarding to see them run willing into the arms of law enforcement.

Gently, the car is put down and is turned over to the capable hands of the officers. There I see the Lieutenant that had a problem with me helping with the bank robbers. He angrily walks towards me, spewing out an almost hatred towards me. Apparently he's not changed his mind about me whatsoever. I can't say that I blame him, he's the police officer here. The guy standing in front of him is 6' 4" and wearing a cape. That hardly makes me qualified personnel. He gets right into my face and just starts screaming. "WHAT PART OF NOT A COP DON'T YOU GET, ALIEN?"

"Lieutenant, I'm just trying to help. I was afraid of the damage they might do if someone didn't stop them soon."

"Great, that's supposed to make me feel so much better. And what about the damage you do? S.T.A.R. Labs is a wreck from the dust up you had with the Parasite. I read this morning's paper. Too afraid to use your powers for fear of what they may cause. Guess you should reconsider the Good Samaritan thing after all, eh Superman?"

"I'm sorry you feel if I've been causing more harm than good. It's not my intention."

"Path to Hell is paved in 'em, E.T. Better get used to the treatment from guys like me." As he turns a few of his men stand there staring at him.

"Lt. Evans, I know he's not a cop. I still think you should lay off the alien cracks though. He ended this pretty peacefully and without people dying."

"You battin' eyes at this alien, Jackson? Are you telling me you want this guy taking your job from you? Cause that's exactly what this is! My granddad saw guys like this when he was in the big war. Never gettin' involved in the actual war itself, but bustin' up things that the cops were better suited to handle. That Green Lantern guy from Gotham City could've wiped out the Ratzi's and their bombs. Instead this All-Star Squadron hung back here and tried to catch the Nazi infiltrators on this side. Had a hero by the named of the Guardian around here, ran around with a group of street rat kids. Sure, he was great. The guy goes in and busts some heads, the cops catch 'em all tied up. Good old days. That ain't now! This is the age of redundancy! With him around we're redundant!"

"Capt. Sawyer likes him and with good reason!"

"Capt. Sawyer isn't here and I am! I say he's a menace!"

"I will avail myself to the police commissioner then so that I can explain myself and hopefully get permission to continue helping. Would that be reasonable, Lt. Evans?"

"Yeah, sure. That'll teach me, won't it? The commissioner giving you permission to help out. You don't get it do you? Get out of here you damned alien, we don't need you!"

My feet lift from the ground as his icy gaze washes over me. Then with a gust of wind, I take off for the Daily Planet. I rush into the building from the upstairs, switch into my regular suit, and tie. One pair of glasses later and viola! Clark Kent is ready to start the day. As the door opens, you can hear the hustle of morning news talk and story ideas. It's amazing the amount of energy just running through a place that most modern American's find obsolete. Ah, morning coffee smells so good, there's just a need there to have some. There standing next to the pot is our resident photographer Jimmy Olsen. The red hair and freckles make him look like he should be in an old Leave it to Beaver episode. However, the untucked shirt, bagged jeans, and hair slight spiked makes me realize that he's definitely one of the youth of today. "What's up Mr. K?"

"Oh, just getting ready to type up a story for today's edition." I take a sip of my coffee and Jimmy stares at me somewhat dryly. The question on his mind is obvious; 'you're a reporter, what's new?'

Before I get to go into detail the answer is already tossed over my shoulder, which makes Jimmy grin. "Oh, Smallville here has a huge story on hog futures. Doesn't want to give away the big tips, got too much at stake back in Kansas."

I turn back to her and slightly spill my on my suit jacket. I brush it out with the wad of napkins in my hand and look back up at her. "Hi Lois. Good one about the hogs. Um, but that's a big no. I gotta interview with Superman."

All of a sudden her sarcastic looks turn on me again; she has that predator stare that says she's on the hunt and willing to kill. "Superman? Really..."

"Yeah, he stopped a car chase this morning. I caught up with him in time to get an interview."

"What did he say?"

"Well, there's the interesting thing. These criminals are using the same type of weaponry that was used at the last two crime scenes he busted up. He says he wants to find who's supplying them to all these gangs so he can shut them down."

"What do the police think about all this?"

"As near as he can tell, there are those on the force that like him and those that don't. He wants to work closely with law officials in the hopes that it'll give him more credibility in future. However, one officer Evans was stated as saying that he felt that Superman would make him redundant."

"He is redundant. He didn't need a hero for that. Maggie Sawyer busts her butt to try and get things done, tries to petition for funding and generally helps out in neighborhoods that need her attention. Then you've got guys like Lou Evans, he was assigned as her partner 2 months ago when her usual partner got laid up. Evans' is a hardheaded, egotistical, and an all around jerk. The man has all the police skills of a hamburger."

"What happened to Capt. Sawyer's other partner?"

"During the first wave of these attacks, he was grazed by the beam. It gave him a good burn and he got a broken leg for the trouble. Dan was mad as hell about it. He hates Evans more than I do."

"Hmm...maybe I should talk to this officer?"

"For what Smallville? Trying to follow up some big scandal are you?"

"As a matter of fact, I think I am!"

"You might actually have some reporter in you after all! Get your story typed up, and we'll head over to see ol' 'Terrible' Turpin together."

"Terrible?"

"Cross him and find out why he's called that."

"No thanks, Lois. I've got enough of a time trying not to cross you." Just whistle and walk away Clark. Jimmy snickers at the comment. He stops abruptly which tells me Lois gave him one of those looks. I know her less than a day and I can already tell that. Still, this is working out better than I'd hoped. I'll meet up with Dan Turpin today and then with Capt. Sawyer tonight. This is shaping up to be a good story. Hopefully I can uncover facts that'll help me to figure out who's doing what and why it's happening.

The story gets written in a few minutes. I go over it for another 30 just to make sure that people think I'm fast, but not impossibly fast. That's a trick, let me tell you. I'm so used to typing at a rate that somewhere along the lines I just stop to let the document catch up with me. It adds a few minutes, but it's something I've had to control over time. I've burned out my share of keyboards doing that. "Superman Stops Car Chase" is a fast write up. I hate the fact that I don't have a photographer with me though. Hopefully someone sent a picture or two into Perry.

After a time I'm satisfied that I've corrected things and send it to Perry for editing. I get up to go find Lois when I hear him shouting my name. "KENT! MY OFFICE, NOW!"

My feet pivot and I walk towards his office. I tap on the door lightly and wander in. "You wanted to see my Mr. White?"

"Story's fair, but I want to talk to you about the impending story that's brewing from this one."

"Sir?"

"You deaf? I'm asking about the story that's obviously going to stem from this. Superman's looked at as a menace by certain officers, he's quoted here as saying that as one officer defended him the one in charge made it clear that he wasn't wanted or needed. This sentiment coming out despite the fact that no one's been able to stand up to these new guns before Superman showed up. Where's the mayor's support to the police? There's money going places in this city that's not flowing to the police, fire, or rescue. That's where it's needed! Where has it gone? Great Shades of Elvis, Kent! Are you going to follow any of that up or let it sit here? This could earn you some real respect out there in the bullpen, with Lois, and with the journalists of this city."

"Lois and I are going to visit Dan Turpin, see if we can get some answers about Evans and the support that Capt. Sawyer's asked for."

"Good. I want to see some results! This is a newspaper after all and while Superman's making news, there's nothing like a good political scandal to sell a few papers. Now, get out Kent and get me a big story. I want to feel the rafters shake, because of the quake you're gonna cause with it!"

I turn around and there's Lois waiting outside the door, looking in at us. She mouths, "Are we going?" It's best just to nod, she's not looking too happy at the moment.

We go to the elevator and Jimmy jumps in with us. "Sorry about that, had to get another memory card for my camera."

"You're coming with us?"

"Heck yeah, Mr. K. Big part of a story in the pictures. I figure when we've been at this a bit there's bound to be a shocked face or two."

"Smallville here knows all about shocked faces. When he broke the story of the tainted cream corn incident in town, the people demanded the person who poisoned it brought to justice!"

"Do I offend you in some way, Lois?"

"Yeah, you do! You're a hell of a writer, but you've got all the backbone of a hot dog! What you write is all third hand by the time you tell it. You've gotta get into the middle of the story! Witness the action from the inside, be in the midst of the news you're reporting! You're writing shows you want to, but you didn't reach it. I heard you with the Chief. 'Lois and I.' Forget Lois! Lois and I aren't doing anything that big. You're bi-lining three stories with me. Did that stop me from getting a Superman exclusive without you? No! You got your story and from the sounds of it timidly wrote about what you suspect the problem with the police is. Says he feels that some cops aren't supporting him. I never would've turned that in. Sure it starts a fire and it shows Superman's opinion, but there's no meat to it! I would've gone out and grabbed it before I turned in the story. If the Chief knows it's coming, he'll hold the press for you. He's done it for me a few times! Until you fight for your story Smallville, I think you'd be best suited for wedding announcements." If she only knew the truth.

We get to Turpin's fairly quickly. The way Lois drives though makes me glad to be invulnerable. Luckily he, Lois and Capt. Sawyer have a history together. It'll make it easier for us to get in. We go up to the panel on the wall and press his apartment number. In a moment the sounds of a gruff voice comes over. "Whadda ya want?"

"Hi Dan, its Lois Lane? I'm here with a couple of friends to talk to you."

"Lois, do I sound like a PR person? Go talk to someone at the department. I'm outta the loop for a few more days."

Best to speak up Clark, she's going to take all the glory if you don't. "Actually, Officer Turpin we want to talk to you about the lack of support you and Metropolis' finest haven't been getting."

"Is that so? Someone that cares we're gettin' screwed, huh?" The door buzzes us in and I turn to Lois. She gives me the raised eyebrow and a half-smile. At this point I'll take it. Anything to get her to quit making the Kansas jokes. I made the mistake when I went out of the country to tell someone that I was a farmboy that went to the University of Central Kansas. If I had just thought about what it was I had said, I wouldn't have been called something I won't repeat here. But until I left England, that's all I was called by the group I was staying with at the time. The Fortress is such a great escape some days...

The elevator ride is rather short. No one speaks to each other on the ride up and Turpin is already waiting at the door as we walk out. His skin looks like leather and he's got a few pounds on him. Still, for a man that looks like he's been around the block awhile, he's got some muscle on him. The look on his face isn't that of someone expecting guests. He's sizing us up. He knows Lois, so he glances her over for the most part. With Jimmy I think he almost takes a dislike to him. Jimmy's a good kid, but he's a product of the age. This guy doesn't look like he's too fond of this age. When he gets to me, it's almost like he's trying to penetrate the very depths of my mind. He's wanting to know if I'm serious about what I said. I just stand there and quiver a bit. "So you're the guy that wants to talk to me about the lack of support?"

"Yes, sir. Clark Kent, Daily Planet."

"Inspector Dan Turpin. Now that the intros are out of the way... What's with the leaf act?"

"I'm just a bit nervous."

"Don't play up to me, son. You're about as afraid as Lane is, you don't need to play up my image. If I'm mad at you, you'll know it."

I stand up as straight as I dare, but I still have to use the meek voice. If I don't then he'll really catch me. I guess the glasses won't fool everyone, but I've got to try. "Yes, sir. I'll do that. May we come in?"

"Sure. Anyone want a Soder? I keep it for the neighbor kids usually. How about you Red, Soder-Cola work for ya?"

"Yeah, thanks Mr. Turpin. That'd be cool."

Turpin grabs the drinks and comes back out our way. "So our lack of funding, that's a pretty quick story. Commissioner Jack Casey has been pushing for the past six months to get money into the PD. We're needing an infusion of new vehicles, better guns, and some armor to handle the crap out on the streets."

I was taken back! This has been going on six months?"No one's mentioned that it's gone that far back. I was under the impression you got hurt in the first known attack with this new gun."

"Yeah, we spun that story when a few kids got killed and I got wounded. I'm trustin' you to keep certain things a secret Kent. That goes double for you Lane! This is about the need for money, not what we've tried to keep quiet. "

"That's not responsible reporting Dan. You know that." She tries to make him realize that this needs to be told.

"No Lane, I don't. There are people that have been trying to investigate where the stuff is coming from. It's bad enough that it got out of hand and on the 10 o'clock news. The public finds out we've been keeping it under wraps longer, they're gonna wonder why. The media starts diggin' up names, and then it gets to leaks in the department. The guys that we've got undercover tryin' to find the supply line could get killed. Stick to what you came for."

"Fair enough, Inspector Turpin."

"Call me Dan, Clark. I appreciate the respect, but we're informal here. Besides, I don't feel much like an Inspector at the moment."

"Thanks, In…Dan. So if the Commissioner has been turning in requests for funding, what are the excuses that have been coming down from the city?"

"Of course, I don't know all of that. I do know that part of the reason is because the mayor has been cozying up to businesses. City Council is full of good people and a ton more crooks taking graft from the same businesses. There have been several meetings where mayor has expressed deepest wishes to get rid of Suicide Slum, a lot of the older buildings in town, and a few places on the river. Suicide Slum they wanted to turn into a new part of the city. Make it new downtown. Several CEO's have been pushing for it. Lex Luthor being the biggest name out of those. In turn, the mayor's ordered surveys to be done around the city for suitability of these impending projects. Luckily the moral group has stuck to its guns on the matter. They're not allowing anybody to touch the land unless owners and tenants want to leave and are given compensation for it. So far there's been maybe 2 of Suicide Slum residents that have taken up on the offer. The rest know even with the money it's not gonna be enough to move out and keep a place in town. Rent's cheapest in the Slum, especially for those that don't have the college degrees to pull down a decent living."

Lois, Jimmy and I just look at him intently. Lois doesn't seem as shocked as I am. Then again, she's probably heard similar schemes before. I always understood what Pa was talking about with the enough is never enough, but this was truly the best example of that. Best, is that the right word for this? It's despicable, it's greedy, and unfortunately these days it's business. Turpin sits down and he goes to turn the TV off when I see a press conference going on. The station's on WLEX and there standing at the podium is a smartly dressed gentleman with red hair cut very GQ. Turpin turns up the sound on the TV only to hear a flurry of questions being thrown at Lex.

He holds up his hands and the front goes silent. The ego is amazing; he smiles as if he knew that's all it would take. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to address the horrific events of yesterday. The lives of the LexCorp employees, myself, and even that of the city was threatened yesterday when the Lex Space Jet came crashing back down to Earth. We nearly lost some of our nation's greatest astronauts and even Lois Lane, one of our nation's greatest reporters. Not that I'm condemning any of you." There was a roar of laughter. "It seems though I have a new hero in Metropolis to thank for his timely intervention of saving the Jet, my tower, and even with some robberies that have taken place. I, of course, mean Superman. Superman if you're listening to this, then I would ask you to come down here and take a bow for your actions. I wish to meet you in person. I would call your agent, but I don't know if he's listed." And again, much like a studio audience, they laugh on cue.

I look back at the group, "I just remembered something! Ma and Pa are coming in on a flight in the next thirty minutes. I need to get out there and pick them up!"

"Good going Smallville, you always forget your folks?"

"It's been a strange day, Lois. Inspector Turpin, would you mind me coming back and talking to you later?"

"That'd be great, Clark. Go get your folks; you got the gist of what's been going on anyway."

I dash out the front door and take off to the roof instead of the elevator. In mere moments I'm in my uniform and I take off to the LexCorp Towers. Can't miss the double 'L' buildings. They're the tallest in Metropolis. Luthor's still talking into the microphone about how he's commending the police on their willingness to trust me instead of risking innocent lives on a "suicide mission". I land about 10 feet from him and the cameras turn towards me. "You called me, Lex?"

I walk towards him and he looks up to greet me. I can't see his eyes as he smiles, they've almost turned black. In the background as we start to shake hands I hear one of this media hounds say, "This is an historic meeting of the two most powerful men in the world."