Beside you still
Chapter I1 Hawaii III
Saturday morning
ON THE PATIO
"I am really going to miss all the fresh fruit and fruit juices," Lois moans. She takes another sip of her guava nectar. "Ah, nectar of the gods."
Clark huffs, "It's who you know, my dear. Get acquainted with the right person, and you are set."
"Will you work on that, lover boy?" She smiles sweetly.
"I will, I will. I suppose there will be an appropriate reward?" He grins like a little boy gazing in the candy store window.
"Absolutely!" She smirks.
Their waitress brings their entrees.
"I love those authentic costumes!" Clark expounds.
"Grass skirts went out of style 120 years ago, Clark."
"Not to my eyes, hon. Shall I buy you one?"
"How are you gonna get me to wear it?"
"Flattery!"
"Ah, no. It'll take way more than that!"
"I'll think on it." He motions for their waitress.
"My girlfriend wants me to buy her a grass skirt. Where can I find one?"
Lois is shaking her head.
"Hilo Hpattie stores; they are all over the city. They itch though."
"Mahalo."
"Mahalo."
'I'll scratch the itch, sweetheart.'
'Oh, I'm sure you will.'
"Hilo Hattie, remember that name, Lois."
"I will." (Not)
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"I didn't realize that this Center is owned and operated by the Mormon church." Lois remarks.
"I didn't either. I wonder why they do it?" Clark mumbles. "Let's see what that group is so interested in." He pulls her over to where a young couple are talking to a group of interested tourists. They find seats in the back.
"Who would like to try some Poi?" The gal asks.
'Lois shoots her hand up, along with several others.
'NO, are you crazy?' CK
'Yup, I'm immersed in the experience!' LL
She does taste a bit of the brown, thick pasty substance.
"Hm . . . not bad. (She is cringing internally, hiding it) You must try this, Clark!"
He hesitates, finally reaching for the sample on a piece of palm frond. He dips his finger in the Poi, puts it on his tongue and swallows quickly.
Immediately he freezes, grasps his throat with his hands, holds his breath and falls to his back.
Chaos ensues!
"CLARK! WHAT HAPPENED? CLARK!" Lois is frantic as she leans over him, gently patting his cheeks. He is unresponsive.
SUDDENLY
Clark opens his eyes, grasps Lois by her shoulders, "GOTCHA! Don't ever feed me anything like that, ever again!" He pulls her down and lays one on her lips.
She lifts up enough to gaze into his sky-blue eyes, "Don't ever scare me like that; never again!"
They laugh as the group claps and cheers. The 2 hosts, however, were not impressed; they frowned and tried to restore order. When things settled down, they resumed their narrative.
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Lois and Clark resumed their tour; visiting the variety of cultures, foods, transportation modes, tyles of dress et al on display.
"Oh, we need tickets for the luau and evening show," Clark reminds Lois.
"I've got them right here; daddy emailed them and I printed them out last night."
"Really, how?"
"The front desk gave me the password to their printer."
"How-
"I can be quite persuasive."
"Oh, I know."
"Case closed. Shall we mosey on over and find seats?"
"Yes, right after I relieve myself."
"Me too, meet back here?"
"Yes." They part and meet back up shortly.
They make their way to the luau and show venue. As planned, they select places in the rear of the arena; undesirable seats to most visitors. They want to be able to see the entire area, and be close to presumed terrorist rear guards. As the venue fills, they eventually have table partners.
Three other couples join them. A perky blonde speaks up; "I loved your stunt at the Poi tasting! I'm Jane, my boyfriend is-
"TARZAN!" Clark bursts out.
Jane cackles hysterically, Lois hides her face, the boyfriend jumps up as if to strike. Their tablemates' mouths fall open – a distinguished gentleman rises and holds out his hands.
"Calm down everyone, please. "I'm George, a police captain. Let's all relax and have a good time. Ok?"
Clark stands, goes around the table and shakes hands. "Clark, no harm intended, ok?"
"Ok, I'm Dale." They shake, take their seats and friendly conversation continues.
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THE SHOW
The show is underway, dessert has been served. Lois has an uneasy feeling. 'Clark, something feels really off.'
'I feel it too. Do you notice those costumed people who have stationed themselves around the back of the arena?'
"Just a moment – Lois, they are armed!'
'I'll text Kensi.'
TXT
LL: armed guards around arena, advise plz
K: how do U know?
'She wants to know how we know' LL
'DAMN, they never quit. Do we lay it all out there, or just do our thing' CK
'No time for explanations, babe. Let's react as things happen, ok' LL
'Agree, pay close attention.' CK
'Yup. What about that police captain? Is he carrying'
'Yes, interesting.' CK
'Very. He could get in trouble!' LL
'Yes, we need to protect him from himself.' CK
'I'll try'
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PROTECT
Slowly, Clark walks around the table and crouches down between the captain and his wife. Using super-speed, he removes the gun from its shoulder holster and holds it out between the couple. He whispers loud enough that the entire table can hear; he has the gun in his Rt hand and his left hand gently holds the captain's neck from the back. "Captain, Lois and I are friends."
The captain starts to resist; Clark's grip tightens, not enough to hurt, but enough to tell that resistance is futile. He relaxes.
"We are not feds or police; we are here to help and protect. We do have special abilities. Something bad is about to happen; please do not overreact, follow our lead."
Clark takes his hand from the neck; he removes the cartridges from the gun and hands them to the wife. "Ma'am, give these back to your husband when Lois or I give you a signal. Sir, we are trying to protect you, nothing more. Nod once if you understand and agree."
Clark pauses; the captain nods once. His wife does also. Clark walks back to his seat.
'Anything new?' CK
'It looks like these folk in back have Communicators on the wrist. Can you hear some of their talk?' LL
'Arabic' CK
'Understand?' LL
'Unfortunately, no.' CK
The table is watching LL and CK closely. Clark whispers, "Don't stare." They relax, somewhat.
LL TXT to K: People around back armed and talking Arabic, wrist communicators.
K to LL: How do you do this?
Lois puts her phone in her jeans back pocket – out of sight. She lets out a disgusted snort. Then she pulls it back out.
LL to K: You ignore us at much peril. Over and out!
K to LL: why? Ass!
LL to K: F/U!
'Having fun?' CK, He grins.
'I thought Kensi might be a friend. Not turning out that way. Darn.' LL
'LOOK ALIVE!' CK
8 Terrorists take the stage while those in the back show their long guns; they take a ready stance.
Clark and Lois hold their hands out and then place a finger to their lips in a shush sign.
The officer's wife looks questioningly at Clark. He shakes his head, mouthing "not yet". She nods, "ok".
A presumed leader on the stage speaks in flawless English:
"Relax everyone, our intention is not to harm anyone. Our goals have been communicated to authorities; as soon as we are properly assured that our demands will be met – you can be on your way. Until then, you remain our guests. In the meantime, relax. If anyone needs the restroom, raise your hand and one of your guards will escort you. Don't all raise your hands at once. I'll be back soon. He moves off stage.
LL to K: U heard? Plan?
K to LL: Y and Y. DO NOT GET IN OUR WAY!
'Wow, she is snippy' LL
'What did you say to her?' CK
'F/U' LL
"What? Tell me that's a typo!' CK
'I cannot lie" LL
'Drat. Ok, any ideas?' CK
"I'm going to do the restroom thing, and check things out," Lois whispers to the table.
"May I go too," the po's wife pleads.
"Ok, let's both raise our hands and see."
They do, a woman comes over and motions for both ladies to come. They go, relieve themselves and return.
'So?' CK
'No guards in the halls. I opened an outside door and was cuffed in the back of my head.' LL
'You ok?' CK
'Yes, I didn't resist so she wasn't rough. I did see guards posted outside.' LL
'So, if I took out some outside guards, the feds could get into the corridor.' CK
'Yup. I'll TXT Kensi our seat location.' LL
LL to K: seated in section 14. Clark will take out guards outside us. No corridor guards. Acknowledge receipt please.
K to LL: Received.
The leader comes back on-stage:
There is texting going on. Please stop, or severe consequences will occur. NOW!
'They are stupid not to collect phones! Oh well, I've given Kensi what they need. If they will trust us and use the info!' LL
'We must do what we can.' CK
Lois nods to the wife, and mouths "be careful" to the captain. The wife slips him the cartridges; he pockets them carefully.
Lois leans forward and whispers, "Clark is going to leave for a task. Don't worry, stay calm."
Clark raises his hand; a man comes and escorts him out. The corridor is vacant; Clark forehead taps his escort and using super-speed, 1) drags him into the BR, 2) moves outside and immobilizes 3 guards. He enters the arena and motions to one of the women guards; she comes over.
"Come, my escort fainted."
"Where?"
"The men's room."
"Sit back down, now!" She ducks out the door.
Clark takes his seat.
The guard comes back in, gesturing wildly for help; 3 guards rush to help her. The remaining guards reposition themselves; this opens up space.
"Next?' LL
'Wait' CK
"Can they revive him?' LL
'Yes, takes time. He'll have a headache, won't remember what happened.' CK
Lois feels her phone vibrating in her back pocket. Carefully, she extracts it.
TXT K to LL: what did U do?
LL to K: use it birches, hallwqaysd ungyardfed. (She is texting under the table)
'Your friend?' CK
'Bitch' LL
"I'm' hungry," Jane complains. She raises her hand. A guard comes over. She is told that food is coming. 15 minutes later servers circulate, giving each guest a small bowl with 2 Tbsp of . . . Poi!
Lois erupts in raucous laughter!
Clark wants to throttle her. Their tablemates chuckle even though they don't get the inside joke.
Very few touch the food.
Another 15 minutes and the leader takes the stage.
"I am disappointed that you didn't like the food we served. Poi was, after all, a staple of the cultures seen here for centuries. Unfortunately, we have not received a positive response to our demands. The authorities seem to not value your lives very much. So, one of you will die!"
"NO ONE NEED DIE TODAY!" A diminutive lady shouts as she strides down the center aisle; she is accompanied by Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks. The trio come to a stop 15 feet short of the stage. "You are surrounded, all your exterior guards have been neutralized, those of you still in the arena are alone. Your best move is to surrender. Unless you desire to face charges of 1st degree murder." She pauses for effect.
The table looks to Lois and Clark; they smile and shrug their shoulders.
The lady continues,
"Someone in here helped us. Would you raise your hand, everyone would like to thank you."
'She's f-g crazy!' LL
'Yup, I can't believe it!' CK
Lois and Clerk shake their heads, almost imperceptibly; their tablemates understand.
No hands raise. She turns to the stage; the leader drops his weapons, raises his hands and clasps his fingers behind his head. All his comrades do the same.
An official of the Center takes the stage. "We're sorry for tonight. Those of you who wish to stay, we will do our best to feed and entertain you. ALL of you, as you leave, will receive a certificate for a luau and show any time in the next 2 years. Again, we are very sorry."
Dancers take the stage as servers begin to circulate; telling guests what is available for food.
The table all decide to stay. They all look to Lois and Clark, hoping for an explanation. They get head shakes, and "sorry".
"Watch the Daily Planet for my story," Lois advises them.
Shortly, the little lady stops by the table; flanked by Kensi and Deeks. "Lois Lane and Clark Kent, I believe?"
They nod, don't speak.
'Just see what she wants' CK
'Yup' LL
"I am Henrietta Lange, NCIS. I would like to talk with you before you leave the islands, if I may?"
"Breakfast on the Ilikai patio. 8 AM." Lois tells her.
"Very well," she turns and leaves.
"Scary lady," the captain remarks.
"Yeah," Clark admits. "Power, connections, accomplishments. Her reputation precedes her."
"We don't want to make her an enemy, babe!"
"Definitely not!" He frowns.
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ILIKAI ROOM 512, 7:00
Clark and Lois have just emerged from the shower. There is a knock on the door.
Lois looks at Clark. She drops her towel, "Dry me off; don't burn me, please." She does a slow pirouette while he blows warm air – like a stiff, warm breeze.
"Ok, dress me, sport." In 30 seconds she emerges from the bathroom fully dressed. She goes to the door and opens it a crack. She leaves the safety chain attached. It's Hetty.
"We'll see you on the patio-
A large black man pushes the door open, breaking the chain. Lois goes into action, picking up Sam Hanna and throwing him like a bowling ball into the 4 people now crowding the doorway. They tumble into a heap.
"NOW STAY OUT! We will see you on the patio in one hour! Hetty ALOLNE!" Lois shouts.
Clark comes up behind her, wraps an arm around her waist. "You ok?"
"Yeah. I had to use my strength though."
"That's ok, we'll deal with that."
8:00 ON THE PATIO
Lois and Clark Walk out of the hotel. They see Hetty seated at a table for 7, her crew already seated with her.
'Follow my lead.' LL
'Ok.' CK
"Hm . . . I thought we had a meeting set with just Hetty," Lois voices.
"You owe me an apology," Sam Hanna looks right at Lois.
'SHIT, they never learn!' CK
"For throwing an intruder out of our hotel room? HELL NO!" Lois huffs.
Sam goes to rise; 2 colleagues stop him.
"Would you sit with us, please." Hetty implores.
"No thanks," Clark declares. They turn and walk across the patio to a 2-person table.
'We don't want to antagonize Hetty, but geez! They never stop.' LL
'Yeah, that is the fed mentality.' CK
They can see the angry faces across the way.
'What did you do, babe?' CK
'The big black guy pushed his way in, broke the chain. I just picked him up and threw him into the crowd." LL
Clark throws his head back and lets out a belly laugh, Lois joins him.
Hetty and her crew walk over. Forming a horseshoe around Lois and Clark.
"Hetty, are you afraid of us, really?" Clark huffs.
"After what happened upstairs?" Agent Callen expresses.
"My . . . ah . . . little girlfriend? Her," Clark points to Lois.
'Careful, big guy!' LL
"Did she tell you what she did?" Sam snorts.
"Yup, I found it hilarious. You look like a big bad bouncer. That your night job?" Clark retorts, chuckling.
Sam's fists clench at his side, Kensi moves closer to him.
Lois sees two patrolling security officers; she motions them over. They saunter over. They approach the table.
"Lois Lane, room 512. This group will not leave us alone. The big, black bozo broke the security chain on our door this morning. Kicked his way into our room. I had to throw him out!"
Security looked at Lois, then Sam – and laughed. Sam scowled.
"Martial arts," she said. Flexing her biceps and grinning.
Deeks hid a laugh; Kensi gave him a soft elbow. Lois noticed.
"Move along," one guard instructed Hetty's crew.
Hetty led them to a table on the other side of the patio.
'Listening?' LL
'Yup, I'll tell you later.'
They ordered and had a leisurely breakfast. They had seats on the red eye tonight.
As they were leaving the patio, Sam Hanna stood in their way.
"You haven't apologized yet, you little b-
He immediately found himself flying through the air, into the pool. Courtesy of one Clark Kent. Clark waved his finger at the group, "No, no!"
They continued up to their room. Clark scanned – bugs gone. What a relief.
They toured the Dole pineapple factory, walked on the beach, did some body surfing and had a leisurely dinner.
On the plane ride home Lois slept soundly in Clark's arms. He had things to think about. First, he had hoped to propose on their next big trip. This trip didn't turn out that way. Where to go next?
Second, he (And Lois) really didn't want Hetty and NCIS as enemies. What to do? Maybe they can help her out sometime soon? Perhaps Sam can come up with an idea?
When they got back to Lois' apartment, they found that the building manager had let in a delivery. On her kitchen table was a small arrangement centered around 3 yellow tulips. The card read:
FRIENDSHIP & HAPPINESS
HETTY LANGE – NCIS
Maybe things weren't as bad as he thought.
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TBC
A/N: Three tulips borrowed from "Bed of Roses".
My longest chapter yet. Pat, pat – on back!