Protector Plus
Chapter 11 Show Time
Kyoto hotel
The foursome has just finished an in-room breakfast when there is a knock on the door. CK x-rays the door, "It's Kensi and Deeks of NCIS. Do we want company?"
"Well, they are here," Chloe states the obvious.
"Let's see what they want," Oliver voices. He opens the door and asks "Yes, what can we do for you?"
"May we come in?" Kensi inquires.
"Yes," Oliver motions them in, and offers a chair.
They enter and are seated.
Silence, as the 6 people look at each other.
Lana's group maintain their poise, Kensi & Deeks fidget.
Deeks cannot keep silent, of course. "Thanks for your help last evening."
CK & OQ are in street clothes. They still hold their poise.
"Who are you thanking," Lana smirks.
Suddenly, Superman stands in the center of the room. "You are very welcome. I was honored to assist you and the JNP." Oliver slips into his and Chloe's room. He reappears in 3 minutes, in his Green Arrow outfit.
"We weren't going to do this, guys," Lana reminds them.
"Well, we are here, so we knew," Kensi admits.
"Cool outfits," Deeks admires.
"Thanks," Oliver voices.
"So, what can we do for you?" Lana is nervous.
"Nothing. We just wanted to meet our fav super-heroes," Deeks confesses.
Lana's team is incredulous! And unconvinced.
All 6 break out into laughter.
"Well, here we are," Superman smirks. He stands with hands on hips, arms akimbo. "What do you really want?"
"Superman, can you share the source of your extraordinary abilities?" Kensi asks.
"Yes, and no. That is complicated, a secret and closely held. Very few know the story; my 3 colleagues are on that very short list."
"We've heard that other law enforcement is on that list also." Deeks opines.
Lana looks at her team, then speaks "If you would go back down to the lobby, we will discuss this. I will call when we are ready to talk. Kensi, may I have your cell # please?"
Kensi acquiesces, then she and Marty exit.
"I don't like this," Chloe speaks up.
"They have their own secrets, their identity," Oliver adds.
"I could tell them the bare minimum," Clark admits.
"Will they be satisfied?" Lana wonders.
"Tough, that is all they get!" Clark is firm.
"Ok. You sure, babe?" Lana voices.
"Yup," Clark stresses.
"Ok," Lana calls Kensi.
88888888888888888888888
BACK IN THE ROOM
"In answer to your question I will share a bare minimum of facts," CK starts.
"And if we aren't satisfied?" Kensi asks.
"Tough!" CK snorts.
"Listening," Marty mutters.
"Millenia in the past my Homo sapiens sub-species split off from Homo sapiens terrae; my ancestors found a home planet millions of light-years from earth."
Lana, Chloe and Oliver catch their breath and raise eyebrows. Clark has never approached his explanation quite this way before!
"Over time my sub-species evolved faster than people on this planet. In the last century or so, scientists like my father, discovered that our planetary core was unstable. My father and mother (also a renowned scientist) advocated planetary evacuation . . . find a new home planet. The ruling council didn't believe, and forbade off-planet travel. MY father and mother, in secret, built a space pod. They placed me in it for a journey to earth; hoping to save at least one of our kind. I successfully landed in America – at the age of about 3 earth years. I was found, adopted, and raised as an earthling. And here I am today. My home planet imploded as my pod took off. Pieces of my planet accompanied me through space, and landed as a meteor shower. My special abilities are the result of earth's yellow sun's radiation. My home planet had a red sun. Questions?"
Kensi and Marty are stunned. They look at each other and gulp.
"You can see that Clark's abilities cannot be taught, learned or transferred." Lana adds.
"Your home planet's name?" Marty wonders.
"Not relevant," Clark adds.
"Can you share what powers you have?" Kensi asks.
"Super speed, strength, hearing among others."
"Others?" Marty raises an eyebrow.
"Others." Clark smirks.
"May I ask another thing, of Lana? Not related?" Kensi inquires.
"Surely," Lana is curious.
"Our office manager, Hetty, has been asked to send a delegation to an open house at the newly refurbished Japanese consulate in Los Angeles. She asked me to ask if you could provide authentic Japanese formal wear for such a delegation at such an event, Lana?"
"Well . . . how many people?"
"Four to six."
"Probably, but with at least one caveat."
"Such as?"
"I would require the delegation to spend the better part of 1 day learning the nuances of Japanese high society. They will be dressed as such. And, I have a fledgling foothold in Japan's fashion market – I do not want to jeopardize my hard-earned reputation."
The NCIS agents are surprised. Lana's attention to detail was not expected to be so fastidious.
"What would this cost?" Kensi prepares for a shock. She isn't prepared for what she hears!
"I can't give you an exact quote. But to do the job right – for NCIS and Lana's Fashions . . . it will be in the neighborhood of $10,000 per person. I can guarantee that nobody at the event will be as well attired. Not even close!"
You can hear a pin drop!
Kensi reaches for her cell: TXT
Kensi: Hetty, unofficial cost $10,000/person
Hetty: Ask for formal proposal ASAP
Kensi: will do
Kensi reads Hetty's response. She puts her cell down. "Lana, Hetty asks for a formal proposal ASAP."
"She will have it within 3 working days of my return to Metropolis."
Kensi: w/in 3 wk. days of Met return
Hetty: OK
888888888888888888888888
LANA'S FASHIONS
Lana's group spend 2 nights and 1 day in Tokyo. Lana spends the day at her design center in the city. She consults with her managerial staff; She tasks them with coming up with colorful, unique Japanese formal wear. She leaves suggestions she has come up with. She challenges them to be authentic, but to think outside the box. She plans to keep in touch with them daily, several times a day perhaps. She promises a significant bonus to designers who exceed her expectations. The staff are energized – exactly what she wants.
On the flight home CK/SM can feel her excitement. Her body is vibrating! He has never experienced anything like this. He knows that she will be depending on him to keep her from flying apart. He is determined to not fail her. This is, after all, why he suggested they get back together. HE MUST NOT FAIL HIS LOVE!
888888888888
Early on in this process Hetty decides to ask Clark/Lana and Oliver/Chloe to join Kensi/Marty and herself in the NCIS delegation. That makes 7 participants. Lana's final proposal was $12,500/person, for a total of $87,500 for formal wear. Lana added $1,500 per for footwear and accessories. Total proposal = $98,000. Hetty rounded it up to $100,000 . . . both Lana and Hetty excited!
8888888888888888888888
SHOW TIME
A stretch limousine pulled up to the LA Japanese consulate promptly at 19:00 on the appointed evening. 7 of the most smartly attired individuals LA had ever seen stepped out. Clark Kent had Lana Lang on his arm. Oliver Queen had Chloe Sullivan-Queen on his arm. Marty Deeks had both Kensi Blye-Deeks and Henrietta Lange on his two arms! (Lucky guy!)
As soon as the paparazzi caught sight of what this group was wearing, the camera flashes were non-stop!
The 4 ladies had Japanese formal wear based on 1 of 4 colors; Lana-Silver, Chloe-Green, Kensi-Scarlet, Hetty-Black/White. The tux worn by their man was color coordinated. Marty coordinated with Kensi, and so forth. The overall effect was stunning. When they stepped into the ballroom every head turned, every eye was fixed on the group. As they split up to circulate, other attendees had to choose who to watch. It was rather comical.
Unknown ahead of time, Akira Tanaka and her husband (the Kyoto Police chief) were in attendance. When Lana and Clark entered, leading their entourage, Akira's jaw dropped. She was stunned beyond belief. When she collected herself, she led her husband over to talk with Lana and Clark.
"Lana, my dear. It's so good to see you. I must say, your attire is stunning. I've not seen anything like it before."
"Thank you, Akira. My design center in Tokyo, and I, designed these formal outfits especially for this occasion. I'm glad you approve." (Stick it to ya, baby!)
"I do approve. Perhaps we should do some work together?"
'WHY?' "I will consider that. I'll be in touch." Lana and Clark turn and walk away, to chat with others.
Lana had given each member of her group 4 business cards for Lana's Fashions. They were under no obligation to pass them out; but if someone asked, they could do so.
Towards the end of the evening the Japanese deputy ambassador pulled Hetty aside. "I would like to compliment you and your group on the beautiful attire. And I deeply appreciated the way each one handled himself or herself. You did a great honor to Japan and her people. Thank you!" He bowed deeply, Hetty returned the gesture.
Hetty was ecstatic; she never has had a better spent $100,000! For NCIS and the USA!
8888888888888888888888
TBC