Chapter 9

"We're here live at LexCorp plaza seconds away from Lex Luthor's last-minute press conference," said a young blonde woman into her microphone labeled WBGS. A hum of excitement thrummed outside the majestic and reflective glass building.

"Tammy, is it true that not many know what this is about?" asked a young man with dark hair and olive skin who sat behind a WBGS news desk.

"Well, Jeff, most likely he's here to talk about the Meta-Human Registration Act, which he is backing. However, there are rumors of an impromptu bid for Senate. Seeing as it's almost election time, that would be a risky move."

"It would be indeed, Tammy. But I'm sure that if he is running, he's not worried that he won't have enough supporters," he said with a grin.

"I suppose we'll find out in a few seconds-and here he comes!"

A man of medium build with a bald head approached the podium solemnly, but with an air of easy confidence. There was complete silence from the large gathering of reporters, occasionally broken by the small clicks of cameras and murmured conversations. When he finally ascended the stage, he greeted two men who were standing behind the podium: a tall, dark-skinned man with buzzed hair and a trimmed beard peppered with grey, and a shorter and wider, light complexioned man with thinning brown hair. Both of them smiled brightly at Lex and shook his hand. As he took to the podium, the audience fell into anticipatory silence.

"Good afternoon," he spoke in a deep baritone voice. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. I'm sure you're all wondering why you're here and I'm sure you've heard many rumors. All will be explained, but first I want to talk about something that I love. Something important: this country.

This country is the greatest nation in the world. And it holds that title because of all that we have here. Opportunity. Prosperity. But most of all freedom. We have the freedom to live our lives to the fullest potential and to give our children and future generations the best chance possible. As you can see here."

He gestured up to show the LexCorp building. The crowd chuckled a little.

"But my friends, we take these gifts for granted. For I come here today to tell you of grave news that threatens all that we hold dear. Our world today is different from what it used to be. Our threats are not our grandparents' or even our parents' threats. Where they had economic worries or war in distant lands, we have concerns that far outweigh those past hardships. Our dangers are far more mysterious. Camouflaged in our society, these dangers are our neighbors, our teachers, our doctors, even our taxi drivers. Seemingly normal and yet they can level cities, control our minds, and do other unimaginable things only if they concentrate. Ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about meta-humans."

There was a ripple of murmurs in the crowd, but they were again quickly enraptured by Luthor's rhetoric.

"In this country we debate about stronger gun laws, but these people are more powerful than a handgun or even an AK-47. Yet they walk around freely with no way for regular people to know who they are or what they can do. Simply put, our security is at risk. Now I am not saying that these people are inherently evil or that they intend to hurt us. But it would be naïve to suggest that these people do not present a threat to us and our way of life. For us to live safely and prosperously, we should know their identities and their abilities. It only makes sense. But our leaders in Washington, those whose job is to protect the citizens of this nation, sit idle; even ally themselves with the most dangerous of these super-powered people. They do nothing! That is why I and these two brave senators have drafted the Meta-Human Registration Act."

The words hung in the air like the cold as he paused.

"To the meta-humans of this country, I say this: I am not your enemy. All I want is your cooperation for the betterment of our country and our world. This goal will be met through the Meta-Human Registration Act. Your lives will not change in the slightest when you register. This is only a means of better understanding and trust between our Peoples. If you mean us no harm, if you have nothing to hide, then don't hesitate to come into the light."

He looked out sadly at the crowd.

"I only do this because I love this country. Now, you all know that for some time I have been involved in politics, although indirectly. My allies in the Senate," he gestured the men standing behind him "have helped pave the way towards reaching our goals. However, I realize that our government needs stronger leadership. Now is the time for me to take more direct action in helping my country."

He paused dramatically.

"Which is why I have decided to run for Senate."

Suddenly the press was in an uproar and Luthor could hardly be heard over the din.

"I stand before you today willing to protect this country from the threats at home, abroad, and beyond our atmosphere. As your leader, we will secure our country, and our world! Thank you."

The reporters surged forward for handshakes and quotes; pushing over each other to get in their question first. But there was one who stood away from the frenzy.

"Well, the rumors are true! Lex Luthor is running for Senate. And you heard it here live at the LexCorp plaza. I'm Tammy Saunders for WBGS. Back to you, Jeff."

Lex Luthor is running for Senate.

During the entire speech, Clark had kept his composure. Not even flinching when he was called 'the most dangerous', he had remained stoic and attentive. But the surprise ending had frozen him to the ground and all he could do was stare, unbelieving. Due to the questionable legality of his decision, he had naïvely hoped the rumors of his campaign were in fact rumors. After the speech had finished, he had clung to the belief that there was something to disqualify him. However with one phone call to Kassandra, he had learned the disheartening truth that it was technically possible for him to run as a write-in candidate.

It didn't really matter anyway. The fact was he was running and if Luthor won the seat, that would mean more political clout against him and the other super-powered people in the country. With a sinking feeling he realized that one day it could extend to the rest of the world. He had decided he couldn't go home so despondent. So he had escaped to the sky. Flying always helped put things in perspective.

Up high in the atmosphere he was literally on top of the world. Flying was like breathing and looking out on all the natural beauty was like a heart beating. The sounds of rushing waters, people laughing, walking, talking, the general ambience of life on Earth should have been a balm to Clark's worried mind, but instead the calm felt forced. Something was just off. Abandoning the attempt to hover supine above the clouds, Clark opened his eyes and 'stood'. On the emergency front, it was an unusually quiet night and the silence was foreboding and pressing. It made his body tremble with nervous energy to fly and to fight. Something was coming. And no matter how fast he travelled, he couldn't fly away from the storm on the horizon. He would have to find a way to face this reality.

His ears twitched as he picked up a low hum from the surface of the Earth. It was from Metropolis and it was his name. Or rather his alter-ego's name.

"Superman."

Nothing like a call for help, the voice was nonchalant, almost monotonous.

"Superman," it said again. The voice sounded familiar. He focused harder on the voice and it became as though the speaker were hovering next to him.

"Hello, Superman," the voice intoned. "I know you're out there looking down on us. I understand that you might be busy at the moment, but when you get the chance, I would like a word. It's important. Meet me in my office at the LexCorp tower. I'll be waiting."

Clark knew whose voice that was, but he didn't understand what Lex Luthor would want from Superman other than for him to leave. However he was curious, and a meeting like this could help not only Superman, but his mild-mannered self as well. Perhaps Lex Luthor was a reasonable man. Maybe Clark could convince Lex how destructive his legislation would be. Without hesitation, Clark began his descent.

As he came closer to the Metropolis skyline, he felt the pressure of the atmosphere increasing. The nervous energy started flowing more rapidly through him as he approached the LexCorp tower and hovered outside the top-most office. His muscles were as tense as they were during the battle with Zod. However, he ignored these irrational feelings. Lex had invited him politely and had made no threats.

A country boy in the truest sense, he courteously knocked on the window. Lex Luthor looked up and smiled. It didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello, Superman," he said as he opened the window. "Please come in."

Clark softly landed on the hardwood floor of the spacious office. In spite of his dubious feelings for this man, he was in awe of his office. The room was modern and metallic. Everything was angular and hard, with a steely reflection off of every object. A large black bookshelf stood against the wall. The Art of War, Machiavelli, The Fountainhead, Atlas Shrugged were some titles that stood out to him. There was a long broad sword propped up on the other side. The infamous CEO's desk sat before the expansive window overlooking the Metropolis skyline. War, power, success surrounded him. An emperor looking out at his empire. This room was designed to intimidate and Clark was sure that it didn't fail for most, but he felt unaffected. He was Superman after all.

When Clark finally turned to his host, Lex was giving him an appraising look, which was quickly replaced with a charming smile. Clark returned it with a polite one and decided to break the silence.

"You have quite an impressive office here."

"Thank you." There was another awkward silence in which Lex continued to stare at him.

"Can I help you with something, Mr. Luthor?" he asked feeling a little on display, like Lex was a general looking at a very big, powerful weapon.

"I certainly hope you can." He opened a tumbler of an amber liquid. "Would you like a drink?"

"No, thank you," Clark said.

His muscles twitched with distrust. Luthor had been nothing but polite since he dropped in, so there was no obvious reason for the unease he was feeling. However, the way he cast his gaze at Clark made him feel edgy. Regardless of his charming display, there was no warmth in those eyes. They were calculating and hard. Normal human or no, he sensed that this was a man not to be trifled with.

"I have to admit I'm surprised that you called for me."

"I'm a little surprised you came," he said with an easy smile. "I assume you've read the papers. You can read English, correct? You must know I'm not your biggest fan. But still you came to talk with one of us lowly mortals. I call and here you are. I'm flattered."

"I generally don't ignore cries for help when none is near."

"That's right. You're very helpful," he said casually leaning against his desk. "Are you sure you don't want a drink? You seem tense."

"I'm fine. Thank you." Clark looked at Luthor with increasing confusion. "It's just you don't seem to be in trouble. Why have you called me here, Mr. Luthor?"

He lightly shrugged. "I wanted to talk."

"About?"

"You." His eyes sparkled a little with deep interest.

"Me?"

He smiled widely showing perfectly straight white teeth. "Yes, you. Superman. The bringer of Hope. The one who will save us all. But I think those Second Coming nutjobs—what are they called Alien Adventists?-have it only half right. Above the world you seem like God, but now standing here, you look remarkably human."

"I may not be human, but I am not God either," he said a little uncomfortably.

"Oh, I know that and you know that, but do they?" Lex gestured out to the skyline. "You give a spectacular performance."

"I'm not sure what you mean."

It was Luthor's turn to look confused. "The people out there love you. The newspapers are plastered with hero-worship and some people believe that you are a god. And you stand there like it doesn't matter."

"I have never endorsed those beliefs or asked for worship." It was disturbing to Clark how many people believed he was the second coming of Christ. All he wanted was acceptance and trust, not reverence.

"Oh no, Superman. I'm not condemning you. I'm applauding you."

Clark narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand."

Luthor sighed. "I called you here Superman so I can help you. I'm impressed with what you've been able to do, but I think you can do more. But I'm getting ahead of myself." He paused for a moment. "If you'll indulge me, I want to ask you something."

Clark narrowed his eyes. From a man worth billions of dollars this was a strange request, but Clark nodded his consent anyway.

"You say you want to help humanity. That you want to inspire us. The people out there eat that up. Believe me, I understand the importance of good PR, I just wonder what this whole venture does for you."

"Excuse me?"

Luthor sighed a little impatiently, like Clark was a child who didn't quite comprehend the situation. "What do you get out of it? You don't get paid for this, do you?"

"No. I don't need to be."

"I don't understand."

"It's what I'm destined to do," he said sincerely.

Luthor scoffed. "That's it? You believe you have a duty to us?"

Clark nodded.

"We're not even the same species," he said incredulous.

"I love this world and the people in it. Earth is my home. Helping people, protecting this world. It's a part of me."

He scoffed again. "You can't expect me to be believe this farce is pure altruism."

"I'm afraid you'll have to. My calling is to protect people. It always has been." This didn't seem to clear up anything to him, but at the same time he also seemed almost disappointed. Clark couldn't understand why he would be, but perhaps Mr. Luthor didn't believe in that sort of thing.

"Don't you have a calling, Mr. Luthor?"

"Yes." He smiled a little as he turned toward the window. "You see, I'm a visionary. This world, it's so chaotic and barbaric. Ignorant people run rampant, squandering the wealth that this planet has to offer. Stalling progress. Humanity could be on an inexorable march upwards until we are like gods, but there is so much fear and doubt holding us back. Why? Because our leaders are weak. Imagine what humanity could do under the right leadership."

"And you think you can provide that leadership," Clark said slowly.

"Yes. To lead is my calling. But in order for that to happen, I need some help." He turned and looked significantly at Clark.

"I'm a man of business, Superman. I see a resource, I cultivate it to my advantage, and present the benefits to the rest of the world."

Clark could see the end of the tunnel and didn't like where it let out.

His smile was broad and hungry. "You present a very valuable resource. Your abilities, obviously, but also something priceless. Although money offers me power in abundant supply, what I lack is the love and belief of the people which they reserve for you. They give you more power than a million suns."

Clark felt a deep sickening sensation and frowned. Vehemently, he refused to be used, especially by someone like Lex Luthor. Luthor didn't notice his disgust, however, as he continued not really speaking to Clark anymore, but lost in his own twisted dream.

"With your help, I-we can finally protect the world. We can make this place perfect and use this planet to its true value, while both of us gain something. You will fulfill your destiny by aiding me in fulfilling mine."

"I don't understand. I thought you saw people like me as a threat."

He chuckled. "I do, but I also find you valuable. You're all just uncultivated resources. You all can serve a purpose. But you need leadership. Your freelancing willy-nilly across the planet just doesn't cut it anymore. You and I working together, it's synergy. We overcome the others' weaknesses."

"What do you want from me?" he said with an edge to his voice.

"I want you to support my legislation and my bid for Senate. If you are willing to register the rest will follow. We can bring them all together, Kal."

"For what purpose?"

He was staring out to the city, but Clark imagined what Lex really saw. He didn't like the picture. Luthor was a pensive statue for a few moments contemplating whatever arrogant thoughts he possessed before he spoke. Although to himself or to Clark, it was hard to tell.

"For the security of mankind."

It was strange. In a way working with Luthor would help him fulfill his destiny of protecting the planet and uniting Peoples, but Clark wondered at what cost? He sensed sincerity in his quest for security, but he was also lusting after power underneath the righteousness.

"I heard your speech today. I doubt any will follow you, regardless if I do."

"So you won't join me?" Luthor's voice dropped to a forced calm.

"No."

When he turned, his face had hardened around the edges and if it was possible, his eyes had become several degrees colder. However, Clark was unperturbed.

"You don't know anything about me. I am not a threat, nor will I be threatened. Or used. And I will not allow you to use other people."

Luthor's jaw tightened. "I'm not threatening you. I'm offering you an opportunity for you to fulfill your destiny."

"You don't understand my destiny."

He shook his head. "I understand you completely, Kal."

Clark didn't betray any emotion except a slight furrow in his brow.

"You're an idealist. If I had the powers you possess," he said softly, "I would use them...differently."

I imagine. "Good night, Luthor." Clark turned to fly off in disgust, but not before he heard Luthor say something that gave him pause.

"It's too bad really. I was hoping..."

Clark turned to face him and looked him directly in the eyes. They were hard and cold as steel. His face had lost the veneer of charm and instead showed the deepest loathing.

"Be careful, Superman. It would be a shame if something happened to you."