Chapter Eight: The Speech
XXXIX
The Weight of the World
"We can't do that, Clark."
Lois would never sanction what Clark felt in his heart was the right thing to do. Luthor was a criminal, a mad man, only one small step away from being the greatest despot in American history. But she would not sink to Luthor's level.
"Lois, he tried to kill me. You know he did...in your heart. God knows what plans he has in that bald head of his for you… He knows my weakness. If I'm unable to protect you…"
"But never murder, Clark..." She buried her head into a chest that could stop armor-piercing rounds while sleep spilled over from the peripheries of consciousness once again, threatening to wash over her in much needed slumber.
"It wouldn't be murder, Lois… it would be self-defense. Let me give him to the Kahndaqi's at least, even the U.N."
"The truth always comes out, Clark. Even Lex Luthor can't hide from it forever. And then he will be revealed… Lover, your lady's fading fast, it's been 37 tough hours…"
President Lois Lane had had a very long day, a longer night with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and then the longest day of her life in front of the world and their cameras again. The second night had now fallen and she needed sleep. Tomorrow would be another day of crisis, but she had to make sure Clark wouldn't do anything to jeopardize the precarious balance of the world's shaky peace in the meantime.
With Clark now by her side, the president surrendered herself to slumber. The nights without him had been difficult. She had lost a soldier, but her love was still beside her.
For Clark, he found sleep impossible these nights. He had visions of corrupt would-be assassins roaming the halls of the White House, kryptonite knives in hand, waiting to catch him unaware. He wondered what Luthor's next move would be, to what depths he would sink to seize the reins of power.