Two weeks later, Lois and Clark return to Metropolis. It was early September now. The two had recently moved into a new townhouse together and today was their first day back to work. They walk into the office and are greeted by everyone.
"Lois! Welcome back!" Cat Grant shrieks.
"So Kent, you finally a man?" Steve Lombard asks as he puts his arm over Clark's shoulder.
Lois and Clark greet everyone and exchange pleasantries. Then Clark bumps into Jimmy.
"Mr. Kent, you're back!" Jimmy exclaims.
"And Mrs. Kent, er Lane, er Lane-Kent, or Kent-Lane." Jimmy stutters.
"It's still Lane Jimmy." Lois says.
"How are things going Jimmy?" Clark asks.
"Eh, they could be better. Mr. White has been in a mood for weeks." Jimmy says.
Both Clark and Lois recognized that Perry had been rather grumpy before they left, but they didn't think too much of it.
"It's good to see you both back. Lois, I think you're the only person that could get an exclusive like you did on your honeymoon." Jimmy says.
"It's good to see you too Jimmy." Clark says.
Clark takes a moment to look at Jimmy. He hadn't realized it until now, but Jimmy had really grown up. He wasn't the eight-teen year-old part timer that took photos anymore. He was twenty-three now, just graduated college and working at the Planet full time.
"Well, we better go greet the chief." Lois says.
"I wouldn't." Jimmy cautions.
Lois and Clark head to Perry's office. Lois knocks, then opens the door.
"Chief." Lois says.
"What?" Perry grumbles.
"Oh, Lois, Kent, it's you. Welcome back." Perry says, with a quick change in attitude.
"Chief, is everything okay?" Clark asks.
"We'll be going over some stuff in a company meeting later today. But how are. How was your trip?" Perry asks.
"London was great." Clark says. He was still unable to shake the concern that something was up with Perry.
"And you Lois, excellent story you got over there." Perry says.
"Thanks chief." Lois says.
"Lois, do me a favor." Perry asks.
"What is it?" Lois asks back.
"Don't call me chief." Perry says.
Lois and Clark exit Perry's office. Both feeling a bit confused.
"What do you think is up with him?" Lois asks.
"I guess we'll find out later today." Clark says.
The day goes on, seeming like business as usual. Then three 'o'clock comes along. Perry comes out to the news floor.
"May I have everyone's attention." Perry asks.
Everyone stops what they are doing and look at Perry. Perry sighs as he begins to speak.
"As you all know, it has been a very trying year for all news companies. Especially with the retooling of GBS." Perry says.
Following Lex Luthor's incarceration, GBS was hit with major scrutiny for their support of Luthor. The end result saw many of their top reporters and anchors losing their jobs, including G. Gordan Godfrey. Alex Evell was even forced to sell the company. He was put on trial for conspiring trying to get Luthor into the White House, but not enough evidence was submitted to convict. Still, he left the company in shame.
"And speaking of GBS, their dominance over the media continues to grow. For they have just finalized their acquisition of the Daily Planet." Perry continues.
Lois's heart sinks. This was the job she wanted her entire life. She had been here for the past decade.
"What are you saying chief?" Lois asks.
"I am saying that we are under new ownership." Perry says.
"Now hold on, we work very hard to keep this place running. You work very hard. And we're just going to roll over and give this company to some corporate wennie?" Lois asks, getting charged up.
"That would be me." A voice says from behind.
Everyone turns around, as a man stands at the elevator.
"Hello everyone, sorry I'm late. I am your new boss, Morgan Edge." The man says.
"You must be the famous Lois Lane." Morgan says as he approaches her.
"Oh, well I uh, sorry." Lois says.
"Don't apologize Miss Lane. Your fiery honestly is exactly what attracted me to this paper to begin with." Morgan says.
Morgan takes his spot next to Perry at the front of the room. Now I'm sure you all have a lot of questions. I will be happy to address your concerns. I am hoping to change as little about the Planet as possible. The truth is I think you run a great paper here and I want to help expand your reach. Do you have anything to add Mr. White?" Morgan asks.
"Yeah, everyone back to work." Perry shouts as he heads back to his office.
"What do you think?" Clark asks Lois.
"I hate everything that just happened." Lois says.
"Do you really think a lot is going to change?" Clark asks.
"I talked to Iris about him a few months ago. After he bought GBS, she didn't agree with some of his changes. She actually quit and started her own newspaper, The Central City Citizen." Lois says.
"Let's go talk to Perry." Clark says.
Lois and Clark head back into Perry's office. They close the door behind them, it's just the three of them. Perry is beginning to pack things up.
"What are you doing chief?" Lois asks.
"Oh, well, you know, with the changes around here, I've been thinking it's time for retirement. Well, uh forced retirement. I uh- ah hell, they canned my ass." Perry says.
"What?! They can't do that." Lois shouts.
"This isn't right. If you go, we'll walk too." Clark says.
"No, I need you two to stay here more than ever." Perry says.
"Give me one good reason." Lois says.
Perry sighs and looks out the window.
"Because there needs to be honest people on the inside." Perry says.
Lois and Clark both stop.
"It's probably just as well for me. Every year I promise Alice we'll travel more, and every year I fail to live up to that promise. Well, maybe it's finally time that I do." Perry says.
"But chief- Lois starts.
"Now don't go risking your careers over me. Off the record I have a bad feeling about where this paper might be headed, but I think you two can keep things in check and tell the stories that need to be told." Perry says.
"Aw, chief." Lois says.
"I said don't call me chief. I know you two will continue to fight for truth and justice. Isn't that right Superman?" Perry asks as he looks at Clark.
Clark and Lois both tighten up. They don't say anything.
"I'm an investigative reporter too. But don't worry, your secret is safe with me." Perry says.
Perry continues to clean out his office as he leaves the Daily Planet one final time.