Chemistry

Chapter 3 Contract time

At the first three stops on his options tour Clark did his best to not just look interested, but to actually be interested. After all, even though he was 99.9% sure he would end up at the Daily Planet, he could always learn something from observing other newsrooms. He was never too old to learn, right?

When he got to Metropolis, he found that Lois had used her press pass to make it all the way to the gate.

'She is one resourceful woman!'

She flew into his arms and they embraced for several minutes as other passengers flowed by.

"Damn, I missed you so much," he whispered as he nuzzled her neck.

She returned the greeting as happy tears flowed down her cheeks. "I hope we don't have to be apart like this ever again, Clark!"

"Me too, I'll see what I can do to make that happen."

"Are you till wanting a hotel room, Clark? I just had to ask."

"Yes, I understand the ask, babe."

"Ok, I'll drop you off. Can I come up for a few minutes to discuss plans for the weekend?"

"Of course." He grins.

An hour and a half later he walked her to her car. They had re-acquainted themselves. The only plan discussed was a time for her to pick him up in the morning, and going out for breakfast before his meeting at the Daily Planet. The Metropolis visit was off to a good start.

The Daily Planet meeting was scheduled for 10:00; both Perry White (chief editor) and James Olsen (owner) had approved Lois for attendance and participation.

Lois picked Clark up at 8:00 and they stopped for breakfast at her favorite little diner. The food was amazing, the companionship even better.

"Clark? Lois starts.

"Um."

"What would you like to do while we have a weekend together? And, BTW, how long will you be in town?"

"Well as regards timing, if this meeting today goes as I hope it will, I may leave town only long enough to wrap up my Afghan assignment. Then arrange for living quarters here in Metropolis and move all my stuff. Which isn't a lot, by the way. Let's plan on discussing things after we see how this meeting goes."

"How are you doing with coming out of a combat theater?"

"Quite well. It helps knowing that I don't have to go back in to that kind of situation unless I volunteer to do so. And I have no plans to do that; but as they say – never say never." He grimaces.

"Well, I'll say NEVER for you, babe!"

"I know you will, sweetheart. And I appreciate the sentiment."

"What about lodging for the rest of your time here?"

"Later, please."

"Well, can I at least get you to commit to dinner with me at my apartment this evening?"

"Definitely, yes!" Clark agrees.

Lois sends a TXT and gets an immediate reply.

"Ok, we are on for 7:00. Can you grab a cab?"

"Yes, I can. I'll see you at 7 bells."

Lois grins like a Cheshire cat.

'What does she have up her sleeve?'

'Best to go with the flow' Clark thinks.

Lois and Clark take the elevator up to the top floor and are shown into James Olsen's office sharply at 10:00. Perry White is already there. After everyone is seated the proper introductions are made. Everyone is relaxed, the outcome almost a done deal.

Clark starts with a question. "Mr. White, what do you envision my role to be here at the Daily Planet, if I join your team?"

"Clark, please call me Perry. Mr. White reminds me of my grandfather – rest his soul. In regards to your role on the team; my initial thoughts are that you would work on the news floor in the bullpen. You would be partnered with Lois, covering the wide rang of stories that are her forte. Lois, can you elaborate on that as we have previously discussed?"

"Surely," Lois responds. "My work is firstly focused on local, Metropolis issues. The bigger ticket items on the local scene. But I always keep my eyes and ears open for the big stories . . . even going National or International if that story has even a peripheral connection to Metropolis. I have a cadre of sources that occasionally alert me to a story that has not yet garnered the spotlight. Of course, I will assist you in developing your own set of confidential sources as we work together. Your connection to the military will add a significant layer to our work as we develop our partnership. I am really looking forward to working together; I am confident that our 2-person team will be dynamite!"

James Olsen has been listening, enraptured. His brain is about to explode. "Perry, I think we are seeing the potential of a perennial award-winning partnership! I am blown away. Lois and Clark . . . I already love saying that . . . could you excuse Perry and me for a few minutes please? Just have a seat in the outer office, we will call for you shortly."

The pair leave and are seated outside.

Now alone, James Olsen starts. "Perry, I am sure you have heard, as have I, of the salary packages Kent has been offered by others. Do you have a suggestion for a starting point for that negotiation?"

"I have thought about that. I would like you to consider calculating Kent's salary as equivalent to Lois Lane's with a 50% raise; and offer Lois the same, keeping them equivalent. I don't think we'll have an issue with salary rivalry but I'd like to remove that possibility from the table up front."

"I like that, Perry." He picks up the phone, "Janice, in my office please."

His secretary enters. "Janice, Perry has a salary proposal for Clark Kent and Lois Lane. Can you type them up ASAP. Please?"

"Yes, sir, right away." She leaves with the info from Perry. 5 minutes later she returns with the two proposals.

"Please send Lois and Clark in," Mr. Olsen requests.

Lois and Clark come back in and take a seat.

Perry starts, "We have a starting salary proposal for the two of you. We know you were expecting this for Clark only, but we are desirous of keeping the salaries of our two top team members' the same. So, we are proposing a salary baseline as Lois's current salary plus 50%. There are also bonus points available, which are the same for all levels of employee company wide. In addition, the two of you are eligible for 2 weeks of paid vacation per year, which you can take together in 1-week increments with your supervisor's approval. Take your time to review the document; if you would like some privacy, Janice can show you to an unused office to confer. Any questions or requests?"

Clark speaks up, "I'd like that offer of privacy, please."

They are shown to an office and close the door.

Lois starts, "I wasn't expecting this! How does this compare with the other offers you've received?"

"It is just below mid-range. If we would ask for a 70% increase, we would be just above mid-range." Clark answers. "I like the idea of our salaries being equal. What about you?"

"I like it too. Shall we go back in and counter, asking for 70%?"

"Yes, let's. Shall I present our counter?"

"Yes, please," Lois responds.

They are shown into Mr. Olsen's office.

Clark starts, "We have discussed your opening offer and would like to counter in this way. Comparing your offer to the range of proposals I have been receiving you are somewhat below mid-range; we would like to go somewhat above mid-range. A 70% increase will do that . . . and that is what we would like to receive. All other aspects of your offer are acceptable. You agree, don't you Lois?"

"I do, Clark!"

James Olsen responds, "I'm fine with that. We will have contracts for you to review after lunch. Do either of you have an attorney to review the document?"

They both respond, "No, we will handle our own affairs, thank you."

"Very well, you may come up after 1:30 to review and sign and we will be in business. I am so looking forward to seeing this team in action!" James Olsen is effusive in his praise of Lois and Clark.

Even the hardnosed Perry White has a grin on his face. The only thing that will wipe that grin off is having to re-do his budget numbers. But he thinks it will be worth it.

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