Chapter Summary

Previously, Meryl and Milly arrived at the Plant facility right in the middle of Lobo and Superman's fight. Meryl ran off to follow them, certain she knew who the flying man was. She found herself tracking them to the slums and ran into some thugs up to no good.

Now, Clark's secret is busted and he and Meryl skirt around the topic. Instead they focus on the Cluster story. The next day Derringer Meryl and Stun-gun Milly make their debut.

—T&J—

The three thugs scrambled out of the alleyway and sprinted far down the street out of view. All while whimpering like sad puppies.

Clark turned to walk over and help Meryl up. But his legs trembled, and he collapsed to his knees.

He was still feeling the effects of Kryptonite poisoning. Despite that, when he heard Meryl cry out and a gunshot crack, he'd found the strength to speed over to the rescue.

She'd been so close to finding him when he heard her call his name. He'd been just one street over. How in the world did Meryl get here? Why was she here?

Clark pulled his legs out from under him and sat cross-legged in the dirty alley. His red cloak spilled out around him. His whole body shuddered from pushing himself through the lingering weakness from Kryptonite exposure. His breathing was heavier than normal. All in all, he felt like cow pie—physically and mentally.

Meryl struggled to push herself up, favoring neither of her arms. She was at least able to get into a sitting position opposite Clark.

"Are you okay, Meryl?" he asked. His voice was shaky and nothing like the deep, confident tone he'd used in the presence of those street thugs.

Clark was caught off guard when the woman began to laugh. He didn't know whether it was appropriate to join her or not. His lips slid back and forth between a smile and a frown.

"Um, I'm not sure whether to take that as a yes or no…" he said.

"I'm sorry," she said between laughs. "It's just that I was trying to make sure you were okay." She first nodded at him and then just shook her head ruefully, looking down at herself. "And look where it got me."

She tried moving her arms and winced, hissing in pain.

Clark x-rayed her, looking for injuries. Yep, that was a dislocated shoulder. Her shoulder muscles were starting to spasm from the joint being out of place.

"Here, let me help with that shoulder." He scooted closer. He waved both hands, motioning for her to extend her arm towards him. "Gotta let your shoulder relax for a few minutes, then I can help it pop back in place."

He guided her to place her palm just below his own left shoulder, letting her elbow bend slightly. He mirrored the motion with his left hand on her left shoulder. He then placed his right hand on her forearm just above her elbow.

"So, uh, h-how'd you wind up in a place like this?" Clark asked, glancing around the alley.

"Oh, you know, following a lead for a new story," Meryl replied. "Seems like a pretty big one. Involves some kinda of intergalactic business empire. Call themselves traders, but they look more like thieves if what happened at the Plant is any indication."

"Looks that way, hm?" Clark replied, concentrating on her shoulder.

"Yeah. Not to mention the alien dressed in black with the hoverbike clashing with a flying man in a red cloak." She peered up, catching his eye with a knowing look.

He couldn't help but flinch. So, she did see the fight, then?

They were quiet for a minute. Clark was exhausted and was feeling anxious under Meryl's gaze.

Meryl randomly started chuckling lightly. "So. Superman? I mean, I suppose it fits, but really? Superman?" She tilted her head with a small smirk.

Clark pouted, looking at the ground with a blush. He mumbled, "My girlfriend gave me that name…"

Meryl laughed a little louder. "Oh, a girlfriend, eh? How did I not know about this sooner? She a Superwoman, too?"

Clark blushed even redder and mumbled even quieter, "To me, she is."

Meryl's smile widened and her eyes softened. "She's a lucky gal."

Clark shook his head, "I'm the lucky one."

Gosh, I miss Lois. Maybe Mxy was right. Maybe I'll never have a normal life. She must be worried out of her mind. How can I keep doing this to her?

"Clark? Are you okay?" Meryl asked. She must've seen the look of distress on his face. That or the half-still-wet, half-dried blood on his face.

"Um, yeah, could be better myself too. How bad do I look?" he asked, giving her a cheesy grin to try and lighten the mood.

She practically snorted out a laugh. "Sorry! I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh. But you…you look like an extra for a horror movie."

Clark just laughed with her. Well, at least she's honest.

"And I mean a cheap horror movie. Wardrobe couldn't even get you some grungy, torn-up clothes? That's just sloppy. Look, still as flashy as ever."

Meryl turned from joking to curious. "How is your outfit still in perfect shape?"

"Uhhh," Clark gulped. "Would you believe me if I told you it was space magic?" He asked with a nervous grin. She'd probably think he was joking. He wasn't quite sure how much she put together on her own.

Meryl looked pensive for a long moment. She opened her mouth a few times as if to ask something but was clearly hesitant.

Before she could, Clark spoke up again first. "Alright, ready?" He started putting downward pressure near her elbow. When she nodded, he then shifted to his right, rotating her left arm outwards. Her shoulder easily popped back into place.

"Better?"

"Yes, thank you." Meryl shifted to sit on her knees and then stood up without using her arms.

Clark stood up as well, and luckily, his legs held him up better this time. "We should get that arm in a sling so your shoulder can fully heal."

He thought for a moment, looking around. Oh!

Clark took off his cloak and wrapped it around her shoulder to make it into a sling. It was a little large, but it would do temporarily.

After that, Meryl dug into her shoulder bag, pulling out a handkerchief and a half-full canteen. "Here. Why don't you clean yourself up a little?" She handed the items to him.

"Thank you, too," he said with an embarrassed grin. He wiped his face, getting most of the blood off with Meryl's help pointing out spots he missed. She seemed understandably surprised at how quickly his wounds were healing underneath all the blood.

With both of them mostly taken care of, Clark looked around the alley uncertainly. "Um, is there somewhere I can take you?"

Meryl's eyes widened. "Oh, great. I forgot about Milly! I left her back at the Plant facility."

"Milly? Wasn't that the name of your new partner?" Clark asked, recalling their discussions on the road.

"Ugh, yes. This is why I work alone. I just ran off without her. I hope she doesn't tattle on me to the Chief about this." Meryl scrubbed her cheeks and her eyes. Then she gave herself three light slaps on the cheeks and let out a big sigh.

"C'mon, let's get outta this dump. I gotta get back and find the newbie." Meryl started speed walking out of the alley.

"Um, Meryl? Do you… do you want to get there by Superman Express?" Clark offered with a nervous smile.

Meryl stopped and turned around. "What?" She raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Oh! Oh… you mean like?" She made a swooping motion into the air with her hand.

Clark laughed and mimicked the motion, saying, "Uh, yeah. Do you trust me?"

Meryl's face shifted through various expressions in the span of a few seconds. Disbelief, panic, curiosity, excitement, and finally, trust. "I trust you."

She stooped to pick up her fallen derringer. Rising up, she gave him a wicked grin as she spun the pistol and reholstered it. "I didn't have a reason to shoot you while traveling together, so I don't think I have to start worrying now."

Clark shifted from smiling to an aghast expression, taking a step back in mock terror. "Miss Stryfe! Seriously? I was quite vulnerable when we first met, you know?"

"Oh? You weren't so bulletproof that day, huh, Mister Man of Steel?" Meryl replied, giving him a skeptical once over.

"Ugh, how do you all keep coming up with names like that for me?" Clark moaned, his shoulder sagging slightly.

Meryl shrugged. "Part of a reporter's job, you know? Anyway, are we going or not?"

"That's the problem. I do know." Clark grumbled. He stepped forward and swooped her up. He rose gently into the air, carrying them high above December City.

Meryl squawked at the suddenness of it all. She covered her eyes with her slightly less injured right hand. She peeked through her fingers and risked looking at the city below. "This is very spectacular and all, but I would very much like to be on the ground! Please and thank you!" she squeaked.

Clark chuckled. "Working on it." He scoped out another secluded spot down by the Plant facility to land. He sped down fast enough to avoid onlookers but safe enough for his passenger.

Meryl stepped away a little shakily, getting her land legs back under her. "Wow, that was something. Ahem. Well, uh, are you sticking around?"

"I should go help inside." His expression turned regretful. "Several people were injured in the Plant chamber by that… those thieves." He hated having to use the word 'alien.'

"Could you… Would you mind helping me with the story? Later, that is? This Lord Manga Khan and his Cluster ship… I think this is really bad news for No Man's Land. Milly and I are writing an article for the morning edition."

Clark nodded, "I am here to help after all." He paused before asking, "Where should I find you?"

"I suppose back at the office. Not a lot of people work late… Ugh, no, scratch that. With this story, everyone will be there late, I bet." Meryl started walking back and forth a few paces.

"You wouldn't be able to take one step into the office without at least one person connecting the dots. Everyone's going to be on the lookout for the Flying Red Cloaked Man."

"Yeah, that one is a mouthful."

Meryl shot him a look that said, "Not helping!"

"Um, I have a suggestion… I could go to your office as just Clark Kent, mild-mannered reporter for a metropolitan newspaper… from some other city."

Meryl stopped pacing and gave him a calculating look. She asked her question slowly. "What exactly does that mean?"

He sighed. "It means… I need a civilian disguise."

Meryl stared at him blankly. "Go on."

"Uh, I just… I kinda don't have any other earthly possessions but the uniform I'm wearing now. Clark even pulled out his pocket linings in the sign of 'I have no money.'

Meryl staggered a bit at his comment. "I guess you didn't have any belongings on you while we traveled…" she mumbled. "Okay… Okay. Just meet me back at the van at 5 pm?"

Clark nodded. "Alright. Be safe, Meryl." He was about to fly off, but Meryl stopped him.

"Wait! Here, take this back," she said, untying his cloak-turned-sling.

He gave her a displeased look, concerned about her shoulder. But she'd already had it off before he could stop her. So he sighed and wrapped it back around his shoulders, letting it drape around him, completing his look.

"Go. Go help, Superman."

He smiled genuinely and flew back to the Plant facility and the awed cries from the crowd.

—T&J—

After finally locating Milly and repeatedly apologizing to her junior partner, the reporter team got back to work.

Right after Meryl bumped into her junior, Milly made a show of being upset about Meryl running off on her, but she said she pulled her big girl pants up and hit the pavement like they said they would.

She forgave Meryl after the third apology, which included an explanation of her behavior and, of course, her bad luck running into the thugs and getting injured (leaving a few details out). Milly fussed over Meryl, hearing about how her senior got hurt. She'd somehow found a replacement sling for Meryl's shoulder even.

From there, it was all smiles and professionalism. Milly mentioned she was able to gather plenty of information while Meryl was MIA.

They consolidated their notes, conducted a few more interviews with Plant engineers, and even tracked down the Plant Operations Director herself.

After a solid two hours of work at the facility, Meryl and Milly grabbed a cab back to the business district.

Milly convinced Meryl they should stop at her favorite cafe at Bernardelli Square.

They ate a late lunch and discussed ideas for the rough draft of their article. After a long day's work, they both caved and finished with dessert. Milly ordered her go-to of gateau mille feuille and ceylon tea. Meryl gave in to her guilty pleasure of a banana sundae and an espresso.

"I have to meet someone back at the office at 5 pm. You don't have to stay late if you don't want to. It's been a busy day."

"I don't mind working more on the article while you have your meeting. That way, we'll both get it done sooner. You just got home, so you shouldn't have to stay late either." Milly said, taking another sip of her tea and giving her senior a concerned look.

Milly was too sweet for her own good.

Meryl smiled and gave her a shrug. She swirled her spoon around in the leftover melted ice cream. "Alright, newbie. I like the gusto. Just don't burn yourself out."

With that, they paid their bill and strolled back to the BNA office building.

It was still not quite 5 pm, so the two women headed upstairs. The bullpen was bustling despite it being close to the usual quitting time.

Meryl popped over to Karen's desk to see what info her friend might be willing to share. Fortunately, it didn't seem like anyone else from the office had been at the Plant facility right when the heist occurred. A couple of business section reporters ended up heading out to follow leads there after hearing of the theft secondhand over the radio.

Meryl didn't mind since it was likely they would tackle, well, the business angle—not dig deeper into the story she and Milly were building.

After sharing a tale of her latest travels in return, Meryl checked the time and made her excuse to leave.

Meryl headed over to a clothing store not too far from the Square. She picked out a few articles of men's clothing that could mix and match to create at least two or three outfits. She hoped she guessed Clark's sizes correctly, tending to overestimate. Better to go slightly too big than too small. Clark was a big guy after all.

She glanced over at the accessories section. She picked out a few ties to go with the clothes she added to her cart. He usually wore a wide-brimmed hat with his 'Superman' uniform. Maybe something to give him a different look, like a fedora?

Also, if people happened to see him up close while he was using his powers and needed to disguise himself, perhaps a pair of glasses to change the shape of his face? Shoes were expensive, so she debated on a couple of pairs and the right size. Meryl ended up going with classic black oxfords.

Done with her shopping, she went to the counter to pay, dreading how much this would cost her. She could use the company funds, but she'd run out of her monthly allotment for the sandsteamer fare. One way or the other, she'd have to pay out of pocket.

She groaned and pulled out her wallet. Superman's story was worth it, she told herself.

With a few minutes to spare, Meryl exited the store with three shopping bags. She walked over to the office building again and then around to the back lot where her van was parked.

She was dead tired from all the running around, especially her now throbbing arms and sore feet. She resigned to unlocking the van, tossing the bags to the passenger side, and plopping down into the driver's seat.

She rested her head back and shut her eyes. The late afternoon sunlight coming in through the windshield was bright even with her eyes closed. She grumbled and lowered the visor to block it from shining on her face.

The photo of her and the three men—Roberto, Vash, and Wolfwood—fell into her lap. She'd forgotten she stashed a copy there.

She just sat and stared at the photo. Except for her own exasperated expression in response to Wolfwood stealing her camera, everyone looked so happy.

Wolfwood had the biggest shit-eating grin from nabbing her camera and successfully getting a group selfie. Vash wore his endearingly goofy, open-mouthed smile. His fingers were crossed in what he dubbed his Love & Peace sign. Even Roberto cracked a smile. Of course, he was also lighting up a cigarette—that nasty habit.

Damn, what a crazy day. Her nerves were already shot, and before she knew it, the waterworks had begun. She let the photo rest on her lap and wiped her face with her right arm. Her right side was still sore, but she'd pushed it aside to get her job done.

A sudden tapping on her window startled her, and she yelped and jumped an inch in her seat.

Clark gave a small wave and a sheepish smile. She knew he probably didn't mean to scare her, but she was so spaced out that the world around her ceased to exist for that moment.

She opened the door and went to step out of the van. The photo in her lap fluttered to the paved ground from the movement.

Clark bent down to pick it up for her. He stood up, examining the photo as he did so.

Oh no. No one was supposed to see that photo. It was meant for Meryl's eyes only. Being associated with the most wanted outlaw on the planet would've gotten her into big trouble.

"Is this…" he began to say something, but she cut him off.

"Oh, thanks, Clark." She grabbed it back rudely with a flick of her wrist. She shoved it into her shoulder bag, not wanting to put it back under the sun visor for anyone else to find.

"Glad you could meet me. I got something for you here." Meryl quickly pivoted, stepped up onto the running boards, and leaned over the driver's seat.

She reached and tugged out the shopping bags. She turned around, raising the bags between them with an anxious smile.

"Hello again to you too. Thank you?" he replied. He sounded just as tired as she felt.

He took the bags from her and peered into one. His eyes lit up seeing neatly folded new clothes. "Oh, wow. You really didn't have to get all this for me."

"I figured you'd need a few things. Uh, you have been kinda wearing the same outfit for like three days straight now."

"Ah ha ha, um, yeah, I could use a shower too." He tilted his head in an embarrassed manner.

Clark's comment reminded her that she'd promised to drop him off at a hotel earlier. And how had he planned to get a room with no money? She asked that exact question.

He laughed awkwardly. "Uh… I hadn't planned that far ahead."

Meryl rubbed her eyes and the bridge of her nose. "I guess I can borrow some money from my emergency savings to front you for a hotel room."

"Oh! No, no. You really don't have to do that." Clark tried to wave his hands in protest of the offer, but it was awkward holding the bags.

"I'd say you could crash on the couch in the office. But I'm pretty sure the Chief hasn't been going home to sleep lately. Plus, no showers…"

The last idea Meryl felt hesitant about suggesting, but it was probably the best solution. "Would your girlfriend freak out if she learned you stayed overnight at another woman's place?" She asked, trying not to look at him directly.

Clark was silent for a moment. She glanced up, and he looked absolutely scandalized, as red in the face as his cloak.

Meryl coughed a little forcefully. "You know, forget I mentioned the idea."

Clark cleared his throat as well. "Er, well… I'm kinda out of options. It's, uh… I mean, we already spent two nights, er, t-together driving here. If Lois woulda killed me for that, I guess a third night wouldn't make much difference." His voice had gone rather high-pitched, and the stutter was at its worst.

"Right, well. If anything, one less night sleeping on sand, eh?" Meryl said, trying to cut the awkward tension.

"R-right!" Clark replied. "Thank you for the offer. I hate to impose. It's just been… well, it's been a lot these last few days." He paused and blinked wearily. He added, "And weeks… and months… Heck, it's pretty much the story of my life." He didn't seem to know whether to laugh or cry about it.

"Alright, drama king. Why don't you take those and get changed in the van? Then, we can get this story straight for the morning edition. Once that's done, we can head to my apartment and finally get some R&R?"

Clark nodded. In a blur and a small gust of wind, he disappeared. Before she could count to three, he returned to where he'd just been standing fully dressed in a new outfit. He nudged up the glasses like it was a familiar gesture.

Her eyes went wide as she gave him a once-over. If she didn't know any better, she'd swear the man who stood before her was a completely different person.

"Hello! Nice to meet you. I'm Clark Kent. Reporter for the Augusta Chronicle." His voice shifted just slightly enough that it took her off guard.

And he held out his hand, which she shook weakly in mild shock.

"Hi. Meryl Stryfe, Bernardelli News Agency."

—

Meryl led Clark into the bullpen trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.

Of course, Karen had to have caught her trying to sneak back to her desk with an unfamiliar man. A tall, dark, and handsome one at that.

"Ohh, Meryl~ Who's your friend?" Karen cooed, rolling in her chair and then standing up to sit on the corner of her desk.

Clark stepped forward. "Hello! I'm Clark Kent, Augusta Chronicle." He held out a hand to the blond woman.

Karen smiled and batted her eyes at him. She held his hand gently, "It's very nice to meet you Mr. Kent. What brings you all the way out from Augusta?"

"I was visiting family here in December when I heard about the commotion over at the Plant facility. Miss Stryfe and I met while we were conducting some interviews of the employees. She offered to let me join her at your office to work on an article myself for the Chronicle."

Meryl glanced over, surprised how quickly he came up with a cover story. She was rather impressed, he was a natural.

"That was awfully generous of Meryl." Karen gave her friend a coy look. "Have you been to December before? I could show you around town. Perhaps we could get dinner together?" Karen swept a lock of hair over her shoulder.

Meryl failed to stifle a scoff.

"That is, if Meryl hasn't already asked you out?"

Meryl choked out a strangled cough.

Clark and Meryl both said, "No" at the same time which only made the situation much worse. Meryl could die right now and be okay with it.

"A-ah. I appreciate the offer. But I know my way around December well enough. Plus I'm sure my girlfriend back home wouldn't appreciate it." Clark said, seeming to cut the tension slightly.

"Hmm, that's too bad. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." Karen gave a defeated smile to him and returned to her work.

Meryl walked off mumbling under her breath with Clark trailing behind her.

"That cougar!" she hissed.

"Oh! Miss Meryl! Here, I have the rough draft completed. Do you want to take a look?" Milly's head popped up from behind the desk divider and waved a few pieces of paper for her to see.

Meryl nodded and took the papers from Milly, thanking the girl.

Milly smiled warmly, seeing Meryl's companion. "Hello! I'm Milly Thompson. Miss Meryl's new partner. I haven't seen you around the office before. Are you new too?" She shook his hand enthusiastically.

"Hi, Miss Thompson. Pleasure to meet you. I'm Clark Kent. I'm a reporter for the Augusta Chronicle. Just happened to bump into Ms Stryfe and since we're working on a similar story she offered to let me accompany her back to your office."

Milly briefly gave him a skeptical look before smiling her usual friendly smile again. "You wouldn't be trying to scoop us would you?"

"N-not at all! I'm happy to share any information equally," Clark replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Okay! Because I really can't stand scoopers. Just because I'm a junior reporter doesn't mean I'll put up with bullies. And Miss Meryl takes no prisoners, right?"

"Mhmm, no prisoners," Meryl mumbled, half an ear to her friends but otherwise busy reading the article draft.

Clark chuckled and pushed up his glasses. "Good to know."

—

With Clark's help and first hand account, Meryl was able to add the exclusive information needed to polish off their article. Meryl was hoping for a front page placement but they'd have to wait until it went through edititorial before finding out.

Honestly, she just wanted to get the heck out of the office and home. Milly said good night to them and Meryl and Clark left separately before meeting back up to avoid unwanted attention. Darn Karen fueling the gossip mill.

They swung by a takeout food place on the way to her building and tiredly made their way up the steps to her fourth floor apartment.

She of course still had a million questions for her friend but she supposed they could wait. He'd also seemed so reserved about it all and didn't want to pressure him. A guy who could fly and was bulletproof, cagey and insecure? Damn if Clark really didn't remind her of him. What was up with her running into such… unique individuals?

She sighed. After eating dinner with some insignificant small talk, she set him up for the night on her pull out sofa. She'd never really used it but on the off chance she had a family member or college friend visit, she thought it might come in handy since she only rented a one-bedroom apartment.

She warned him that hot water was a commodity even in a big city and to anticipate a quick shower.

Meryl took hers afterwards. All fed and cleaned up, she finally, finally got to sleep in her own bed.

—

The next morning, Meryl woke to the smell of breakfast. She rubbed her eyes, momentarily forgetting she was home. And forgetting she had an overnight guest. A guest who was apparently making breakfast in her tiny kitchenette.

"Good morning!" Clark said cheerily, flipping a flapjack in a pan she rarely used.

"Morning. What is all this?" she asked, drawing out the word 'what' as she shuffled into the open concept living room and kitchen.

"This is Kent family breakfast essentials. Or as close as I could make it with the food I found here," he replied. "Take a seat. Everything is almost done."

In a blur, her breakfast nook table was set with plates and drinkware. The plates filled with flapjacks, plant-generated sausages, and scrambled toma eggs a moment later.

Meryl blinked, trying to process what happened. She unconsciously took a seat.

"Oh! I also picked up the morning edition. Congrats on the front page article! Above the fold even," he said, handing her a copy of the BNA paper.

She looked down and saw a black and white photo of the man in front of her in his Superman uniform in the middle of a grapple with the character he'd said was called Lobo. Only after staring at the photo for a minute did she see the headline of her article. "Black vs Blue: Alien Heist at December Plant Facility and the Threat from Above."

The photo, in addition to the article, hit home with the insanity of the person sitting across from her shoving his face full of pancakes and eggs.

She couldn't help but blurt out the question she'd been holding back. "Are you an Independant?"

Clark looked up from behind his low-strength reading glasses that made his blue eyes look even wider than they really were. His mouth was still full of food.

He swallowed and took a sip of his tea. "Um, what? Is that how you ask if someone is single around here? I thought I was pretty clear about having a girlfriend…" Clark said, raising an eyebrow.

Meryl was sure she had guessed correctly. But clearly, she'd been mistaken.

"No, no. I know you're not single. I mean, you're not an Independant Plant?"

"A plant? Like the generator things at the facility from yesterday?" he asked. He had a bewildered expression.

"Right. I mean, the only other two people I know like you were Independants."

Clark sat upright and leaned forward, looking surprised, almost excited. "You've met other people like me?"

Meryl fidgeted and spun her hand trying to explain. "Well, sort of? It doesn't seem like you're… the same as them, though. They have, um, some special powers too. Or at least they did. I never got a chance to really learn exactly how it all worked."

Clark seemed to deflate slightly as she said they probably weren't like him. "Oh, I see. I still don't understand what the plants are. It seems like they are pretty important, but we don't have them where I come from."

"They don't have Plants in Kansas?" she asked.

Clark laughed heartily at the question, which confused her more. "Oh, we have plenty of plants in Kansas. Just… not the kind you are thinking of."

He sighed and took another sip of his tea. He looked out her apartment window, tapping his fingers on the table.

"I'm not from No Man's Land," he finally said.

Meryl sat back in her chair and watched Clark trying not to squirm in his too small of a seat. He was clearly uncomfortable admitting that.

Is he afraid of how I'd react? How can I help him not feel so anxious?

"Oh? Okay, well, can I ask… where are you from?" Meryl said, trying to make it sound as casual as asking anyone.

He turned back to her, his eyes gauging her reaction and some of the tension in his shoulders loosening. He opened his mouth to respond but still hesitated. It seemed almost like he was uncertain of the answer himself. He chuckled and tilted his head back to look at the ceiling.

"It's a bit of a complicated answer. I am from Kansas. The state of Kansas of the United States of America, planet Earth—" he started to say.

Meryl interrupted, standing up suddenly. "No way! Earth?! How did you get here?!"

Clark raised his hands. "Let me explain. I was getting there," he said with a grin. "I got here with the help of my… of a guy who calls himself an 'interdimensional peacekeeper.' Apparently, he just hops around all over the multiverse—that is parallel universes—as suits his fancy."

Clark began talking with his hands as he spoke. "But he told me some sort of energy from this planet collided with the energy he produces and it caused a rift to form up in space in this solar system. He roped me into helping him and portalled us from my Earth to this other universe.

"Then, we crash-landed in the middle of the desert where you found us. Well, me. I still don't know where Mxy got to." He shrugged and finished off his drink in one big gulp.

Meryl's expression went completely blank as she listened and tried to process his wild tale.

Clark seemed to be waiting for her to ask a question. When she didn't he mumbled to himself, "Great, way to go Kent. You broke her. Why does my life have to be so mind bending?" He dropped his face into his palms.

Meryl shook herself out of her daze. "No, I'm okay. It's just, wow, it's a lot. I knew there was a story here, but that was just not what I was expecting."

She continued after a pause. "So. You're a Superman, a pretend reporter, a farmer, an Earthling from another universe, and friends with an interdimensional peacekeeper. Am I forgetting anything?" She counted all of his roles on her fingers.

Clark chuckled. He turned to look away but when he turned back he gave her another nervous smile. "Uh, I'm also, um, not… native to Earth. I'm an alien from the planet Krypton?" He said it like it was a question.

"Ah, okay. Krypton. Right." Meryl nodded and replied like it was just a matter of fact.

"And I am actually a reporter. Metropolis's Daily Planet."

"I knew it!" She squinted her eyes and wagged a finger at him. "You were too natural with the slinger persona. And the way you interviewed those station attendants..."

It seemed like her comment helped Clark relax even more. He chuckled. "Ah, you caught me. Though, I have to admit, I was only an intern up until the day before I got here. I just got promoted, so I still have a lot to learn."

How is he so gosh dang modest about that of all things?

—

Later, Meryl explained her updated plans to travel to Kasted City. She was still hesitant about telling him more about Vash, but she had to mention there was someone important she had to find. Someone who needed to know about the Cluster's intentions with the Plants. And about Zazie's warning.

Clark said he thought it might be good to stick with Meryl because he had a feeling that the Cluster's presence here was caused by the space rift. He explained as much as he could, as much as he knew about the situation. He ultimately had to find this Mxyzptlk character and close the rift. Send this Lord Manga Khan and his Cluster ship back where they belonged. And hopefully, get back to his own planet and home.

Meryl mentioned she had to run a few errands before heading over to the port to board the sandsteamer. Clark said he wanted to go scout for Mxy. He mentioned that he didn't think the imp was anywhere around, but it was worth looking. They planned to meet up at the port a little while before the sandsteamer departed.

With that, Clark flew off, and Meryl began to pack.

Meryl unloaded her pink suitcase of all the dirty clothes from her last trip and began filling it with clean outfits and other travel necessities. She carefully unpacked her empty derringers and inspected the ones she'd need to get cleaned or repaired at the gun shop.

She called Milly, having gotten her landline number the day before. She wanted to make sure the newbie was still coming with her.

"Milly, if you want to back out now, I won't hold it against you," Meryl said after the usual pleasantries.

"Where you go, I'll go, Miss Meryl! I'm ready to follow you into the frontier," Milly replied. Meryl could picture the tall girl with sparkles in her eyes.

Meryl smirked. "Good. I like your spirit, newbie."

From what she already knew of the girl, Milly was probably beaming at the nickname.

Meryl chuckled, knowing how much she herself had hated Roberto constantly calling her that. This girl and her were nothing alike. Maybe she wouldn't use it for Milly quite as long as Roberto did at least.

Meryl cleared her throat and used her 'senior partner voice' she'd been practicing. "Alright, I'll give you ten minutes to pack your bags. Make sure you don't forget anything important now."

"You got it, Miss Meryl!"

"After that, we have a pitstop to make together before heading to the sandsteamer port. I'll meet you at your place. We can take a cab from there."

"Oh? Where's that?"

Meryl held the phone against her shoulder and grabbed two empty derringers from the nearby table. "Let's just say Mad Meryl never leaves home unprepared."

—

After Milly rushed around her small apartment putting together her travel bags and Meryl arrived, the two women hopped in the same cab. Meryl directed the driver to head over to Gunsmoke Firearms Shop. Luckily, the store was on the way to the port, so they wouldn't lose any extra time.

A bell chimed as Meryl and Milly entered Gunsmoke Firearms. The store smelled of gunpowder, linseed oil, and bore cleaning solvents. A few years ago, Meryl had to hold her nose at the strong smell, but over time, it became more familiar and comforting. A reminder that she had grown and was better prepared to keep herself safe.

Milly glanced around, wide-eyed and curious like a child. She examined the firearms on display at the front of the shop, looking closely but not touching anything.

"Well, well. If it isn't Derringer Meryl, back again." An older man in his late fifties padded into the storefront from a room in the back. He wiped off his oily hands on his already grease-stained apron. Although balding, he had a short white beard and wore oval spectacles on his round nose.

"Again, with that nickname, Felix?" Meryl said, rolling her eyes but also smiling at the man. Felix Bernstein, the gun shop owner, always remembered his frequent customers. It was easy when he came up with their nicknames via their favorite firearm.

The man chuckled. He noticed Milly inspecting some of the weapons near the front of the store.

"I see you brought a friend this time. What happened to Derringer Meryl always working alone?"

"This is the newbie reporter. She's training under me, and we'll be heading out on the road again soon. Thought she might be interested in picking up a piece for herself."

"Hello! I'm Milly Thompson, a junior reporter for the Bernardelli News Agency. It's nice to meet you, sir! You have a very interesting shop," she said, peeking her head over a display case and waving.

"Pleasure's all mine, Miss Milly," he said with a smile. "Now, what can I get for you ladies today?"

"Just the usual. And if I can swap out a few with barrels that need cleaning." She inspected the few pistols she had used on her last trip and placed those on the counter.

"Two boxes of .41 Shorts?" he asked, walking over to an ammo shelf and looking for the right boxes.

"Actually, let me get three boxes. I think this trip is going to be longer than usual."

"Ahhh, I see. Got a juicy lead on a new story?"

"I have a really good feeling about it," she replied.

"Very good! I always enjoy reading your work." He pointed a thumb over his shoulder to where an opened newspaper sat on the other side of the counter. "Makes an old-timer like me feel that much more alive again. I'm too old to travel like I used to."

Meryl scoffed in jest. "What are you talking about, Felix? You got plenty of life left, young man like you."

They both chuckled. Felix just shook his head and placed the .41 Short cartridge boxes on the counter.

"Now, what can I help you with, Miss Milly?" he asked, walking over to the dirty-blond woman.

"Oh! I don't really need anything. I used to watch my big big brother and my little big brother practice shooting hunting rifles sometimes. I always felt a little too clumsy to try." She laughed nervously and rubbed the back of her neck.

"Oh, pish posh. Even a tough lady like you needs to be able to defend yourself in the Outer. How about a derringer or two like your partner?"

He picked up a shiny, new silver double-barrel derringer with a light brown leather grip. He handed it to the tall woman.

Milly took it hesitantly. Meryl came over to show her how to hold it properly.

"Hmm, I'm not sure. They don't feel quite right. They must be perfect for you, Miss Meryl. You have such tiny hands!" She smiled like it was a compliment. Meryl pouted a little although they did fit her just perfectly, so she couldn't really argue.

Felix and Milly spent the next ten minutes or so looking at and discussing different weapons that might better suit the big girl.

After Felix explained the firepower of a number of guns and different caliber bullets, Milly got quiet. "I just can't bear seeing someone get injured that badly." She sniffed a little at the thought. "I couldn't even watch big big brother take the tomas out for, well, you know…"

Meryl pressed her face into her palm. This felt like it was turning out to be a whole day endeavor. Maybe getting the squeamish newbie a sidearm wasn't a great idea. When would Milly even get a good chance to practice with it? Meryl remembered how long it took to get comfortable with the derringer. They didn't have that much spare time. And using a gun without decent experience was all around unsafe.

Meryl didn't have room to tell the other woman no, though. If she was determined to join her on the road, she really should learn at some point. Meryl remembered how useless and helpless she'd felt while traveling with Roberto and the other two. Felix was right. They'd just have to find time to practice.

Felix hummed, raising a finger to his chin in thought. He looked around another section of the shop near the back.

Milly followed and kept looking around.

The big girl pointed at a massive multi-barreled weapon. "What's this one?"

Felix raised an eyebrow. "That, my dear, is a semi-automatic Gatling-style concussion gun. I call it the Stun-gun for short. It has a rather unique form of ammunition." He did two quick stretches of his back and shoulders, then bent at the knees and hefted up the heavy weapon with a grunt. He picked up a few metal rods about the length of his forearm as well. He started walking to the back door, struggling a bit with the weapon's weight. "Here, follow me. It's easier to show you."

"Right behind you!" Milly said, but she ran ahead to open the door for him.

Around back, a moderately sized firing range spanned a hundred hundred or so square yarz. A couple of targets full of bullet holes stood at different distances in the open area.

Felix set the weapon down with a thud. He waved Milly over to let her watch as he loaded the three metal rods. He showed her a few other parts of the weapon, explaining how it was loaded and handled properly.

Again, he hefted up the huge weapon with a labored grunt. He braced it along the fencing where the shooters should stand behind.

Felix had the women stand back.

He pulled the trigger, and a thunderous wha-poooom sound reverberated from the concussion gun. Milly yelped and covered her ears at the surprising noise.

One of the metal rods was launched out with such force that Felix visibly recoiled. The rod quickly unfolded into a four-armed X shape, slamming into one of the targets. The wooden post it was attached to snapped like a twig with a loud crrrrack. The target, the top half of the post, and the metal ammo went rocketing another couple of yarz backward before veering toward the ground with a solid thud.

"Holy smokes! That was amazing!" Milly cheered. She was practically jumping in the air in excitement.

Felix set the weapon down and rolled his shoulder. "Yes ma'am. It's a bit of a unique design. The weaponsmith who designed it had a very, er, peculiar vision with this one. Not sure I've sold anything quite like it.

"Can I try it?" Milly asked, almost shyly, but Meryl swore she had stars in her eyes.

Both of Felix's eyebrows rose at the request. "I don't see why not. It's rather cumbersome, though." He went to help Milly pick the gun up and brace it back on the fence for her. But before he could, she hopped over and hoisted it up like it weighed nothing.

The tall woman attempted to mimic the way Felix held it against the fence, but she had to actually hunch down a little to do so. After a moment she instead lifted it fully off the fence, supporting the concussion gun with only the strength of her arms.

She skillfully went through the same process Felix had shown her a few minutes earlier.

"Okay! Stand back!" she said with a big smile. Her smile turned into her version of a serious face. Her brows lowered in concentration, her lips thin but slightly puckered.

Wha-pooooom!

The concussion gun launched its second cross ammo at a second target. It hit dead center, and again there was a sharp crack of wood and a thud when the target and its post hit the sandy ground.

For a beat, Meryl and Felix were speechless. When their wits returned, Felix let out a long, impressed whistle.

"I think from now on, you'll be known as Stun-gun Milly, my dear!" Felix said with a loud hearty laugh, looking proudly at Milly and then winking at Meryl.

Milly's eyes were tearing up, and she practically hugged the stun-gun. She looked delighted as she said, "I'll take it!"

—L&P—

AN:

Stop the presses! If you haven't heard, season two of MAWS premieres May 25! I am SUPER hyped right now. Go check out the trailer.

In celebration of S2 coming out, I'm going to post a chapter twice a week this month. There's no way I'm finishing this fic before the end of the month, but I'm quite motivated at the moment, as you can tell.

Thanks as always for following along! Please comment to let me know what you've enjoyed!