From: "L-Soft list server at Indiana University (1.8d)" To: "ARTF@MemoryAlpha.nil" File: "LOISCLA-GENERAL-L LOG0007D" ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 01:32:14 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Marilyn L. Puett" Subject: Re: telephone charges for internet Another good site for checking out the validity of these type emails is www.snopes.com. They have great information about urban legends and myths. After you've read this site and the one Pam mentioned, you will soon get a feel for what's legend and what's not. It's amazing the amount of energy wasted on these stupid tales. ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 08:17:39 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Yael Kfir Subject: Another question Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >> It's always a trick to justify the time gap over the summer hiatus in fanfic. Good luck with your story! << Thanks, Kathy, you are useful as ever! :c) The time gap would mind me - it's not part of my story. Another question: When are the Pulitzer Prizes awarded? In 1999 they were awarded in April. Is the ceremony always in that month? Thanks, Yael. ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 18:18:57 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Alexis W." Subject: OT: Looking for an editor Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm looking for an editor who would be interested in editing my sequel to "No Alibi." Preferably, I'm looking for someone who has actually seen the movie, but even if you haven't, I think it will be okay. If interested please email me privately at LoisLane9397@aol.com and I will tell you exactly what I'm looking for when you beta read my story. Thanks so much! Alexis ;-.) ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 19:11:35 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Jacalyn Sue Newman Subject: fanzine stories In-Reply-To: <200007212250.PAA05737@falcon.prod.itd.earthlink.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" >I noticed that Anne's place is hosting the stories from last year's >Fanzine. I wanted to tell everyone to go read these stories if you >have not done so >already. Link, please? I seem to be surfing challenged tonight.... Jackie Jacalyn S. Newman jacalynsue@earthlink.net ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 20:51:55 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Debbie and Martin Pierce Organization: Microsoft Corporation Subject: Re: NEW: John and Lois and Clark and Joan (25/25) I just got around to reading John and Lois and Clark and Joan, and just wanted to tell that I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for a GREAT story! Debbie ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 21:10:58 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Krazman Subject: Re: fanzine stories In-Reply-To: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Here is the link I use to get to the PG section of Anne's Place, where the fanzine stories are. http://www.simplyorganized.simplenet.com/juliefic/pgfic.html - K -----Original Message----- From: Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic [mailto:LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU]On Behalf Of Jacalyn Sue Newman Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2000 7:12 PM To: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU Subject: fanzine stories >I noticed that Anne's place is hosting the stories from last year's >Fanzine. I wanted to tell everyone to go read these stories if you >have not done so >already. Link, please? I seem to be surfing challenged tonight.... Jackie Jacalyn S. Newman jacalynsue@earthlink.net ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 22 Jul 2000 19:28:31 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Nancy Smith Subject: Re: NEW FIC: To Face the Day (1/1) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Juli, I just wanted to ask when you're going to send this to the Archive? Nan Juli Hale wrote: > Title: To Face the Day > Part: 1/1 > Author: Juli Hale > Rating: PG-13 > Feedback: Public comments & editing welcome. > Summary: Lois and Clark face a man from her past, and uncover long-kept > secrets in the process. > > To Face the Day > > ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 10:06:16 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Katie Johnson Subject: NEW: A Letter (1/2) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I just felt like posting this to this list, because from what I've seen, you give writers (and wanna-bes like me ;) really good feedback. Here it is, public or private comments welcome, but please don't tell the list all about my grammar and/or typing problems ;)Set in the NK arc, right after Clark's departure for New Krypton. All the standard disclaimers apply; these characters are not mine, although I perhaps might share their emotions. A Letter. My dearest Lois, How are you doing? That seems so mundane a phrase, but I want to know how you are doing- how you're coping with having to be so strong all on your own. Even though I know you can't read this, it gives me a feeling of strength to be able to write it. You posses a strength that I can only hope to achieve- strength in my character and heart. I can barely stand this barren world, full of icy climes and icier emotions. Earth was like that for me before I met you- before you breezed into Perry's office that very first day. The cold hand that gripped my heart in a chilling embrace started to crumble. I knew then and I know now that you are the only woman I've ever loved. The only one that I want with me for forever, and even longer than that. You're my other half, Lois. I couldn't stand to live if I didn't have the hope and the conviction that I will be coming home to you. And I will, Lois. I would move planets if necessary to bring us together again. I ache to hear your sweet voice; to let it wash over me and cleanse me of the suffering and agony I see on this wasteland of a planet. I felt obligated to come here because the Kryptonians are my people- now I realize that they really don't have a planet to save. They have a cold, emotionless existence in a hostile environment not suited to cultivating such tender emotions as love. I truly feel as if I'm fighting for nothing at times; and then I realize that all of these people, the mothers with their children held safely in their arms, the young men so full of life, deserve a chance to know what it is to love. Loving you has made me a better person; it has changed me in ways I never dreamed could happen. *Bieng with you is stronger than me alone.* Our love fills me with the strength to go on, to try to give these poor people hope for a future that I hope will be better than the present. At times, I can almost hear your heartbeat and I feel so close to you. Then I go into the fighting and I feel as if I'm losing everything. I know I will be changed if- *when* I get home; I'm the only one who can determine if it's going to be character building or not. I've got to go now, Lois; I've got to fight more battles that bring me closer to you with every step. Please don't forget about our love, about the connection between us. It will sustain us in the hard times still ahead. Au revoir, my love, because this is not goodbye. Love, Clark ------------------ I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated. ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 09:18:54 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: When Ligtning Strikes Twice: Part 34/34 FINAL MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Author: Wendy Richards Story: When Lightning Strikes Twice Rated: PG-13 Part: 34 of 34 (FINAL!!!) Comments: very much welcomed and appreciated, whether it's to say you love it or you hate it, or you think I've gone completely overboard on the angst, or that it's just too long for you even to contemplate reading... = This final part is for Yvonne and Helene, who beta-read the entire monster, putting up with even more cliffhangers than I left readers here on! Thanks so much, you two; you know you're wonderful! Wendy ------------------------------------------------------------- Lois quickly found a loose T-shirt and a pair of baggy shorts, and shed her dress in order to pull them on. Her request to Clark had initially been little more than an excuse, a means of *making* him touch her, notice her; although she was in some pain, it was certainly nowhere near as bad as the previous month. Now, though, her stomach-cramps almost forgotten, she was trying to make some sense of Clark's weird notion that she was somehow afraid of him. *Afraid*? Was he crazy? The one emotion she had *never* felt around Superman was fear! And yet he clearly believed that she was afraid. So much so that he'd hesitated to touch her just now; he'd reached out towards the faint scar on her arm, but he'd barely made contact with the skin before withdrawing his hand. And... he had not touched her, once, since returning from Smallville. He hadn't touched her in Smallville either, that day when he'd returned from fighting Luthor. He'd hugged his parents, almost ignoring her, and then they'd all gone into the kitchen. During their walk later, he'd avoided any physical contact. The first time he'd touched her since that day had been this very evening, when he'd offered to fly her home; although she'd flown in his arms, he'd held her almost as if she was a fragile creation of glass rather than a human being. Was that all because he thought she was afraid he'd hurt her? But what could have given him that impression? He'd quoted her words back at him: "That'll teach me never to get in the way of a Super-powered man..." Could that have been it? But she'd said that to him while she'd been in the hospital. That evening, in his apartment, he'd hugged her; but he'd hugged her as Clark, and it had been before she knew the truth. So he'd have thought it was okay. But wait a minute... the next morning, before he'd flown off to fight Luthor, she'd hugged him too, and it had been completely mutual. He hadn't held back at all. And he'd held her hand across the table, let her take his arm when they'd been standing... there had been no reluctance or awkwardness whatsoever. There was something missing from the jigsaw, and she couldn't work out what it was. But he was coming in now. She lay down on the bed, in the same position she'd adopted previously, and watched him approach. He placed a cup on her nightstand, then turned to face her. They would have to talk about this, Lois resolved. Clearly he'd been under a huge misapprehension over the past three weeks, and by the look of him it had bothered him a lot. And since she'd been equally frustrated and unhappy at his withdrawal from her, it was something she wanted sorted. Even if he didn't love her, she really wanted a return to the kind of casual intimacy they used to have with each other. Stretching out her hand towards him, she said, "Clark, we have to talk about what you said...." At the same moment, he began to speak. "Lois, we need to..." He broke off, giving her a wry smile. "Okay, I guess we agree on that, at least. But..." He hesitated. "You looked pretty worn out - and in pain - back there. Maybe I should just... you know..." he made a gesture towards her abdomen, "and then let you get some sleep?" Leaning up on one elbow, she shook her head a little. "I'm not that tired. It was those boring speakers, and the heat in that room, and the awful food, and Ralph... I had to get out of there." "Also, you were in pain," he prompted. "A little. It's not as bad as last month," she assured him, since he seemed ready to believe she needed to be left alone to rest. She had no intention of allowing him to go before they'd talked: this was far too important to leave for another time. Clark, considerate as ever, would of course put her needs first and would go. He hesitated. "Then... are you sure you want me to do this?" She knew she had to reassure him; he still believed she could have fears for her safety. "Clark, are you kidding? You could make a fortune with that technique of yours - it's ten times better than Pamprin!" That made him smile. "Okay, but I won't offer my services more widely, if you don't mind. I don't think I could stand the embarrassment!" Lois shifted over to give him room to sit beside her, and he obliged, his hand gently probing her abdomen as he had before. He removed his glasses and then, an expression of intense concentration on his face, his gaze moved slowly over her. Heat streamed through her, and she began to feel relaxed and languorous rather than tired, stressed and uncomfortable. "Clark, that's wonderful," she murmured, her voice almost a purr. "Will you come back tomorrow morning and do it again?" He did whatever he had to do to stop his heat vision and turned to smile at her. "Lois... you know I'll do just about anything you ask." The soft intensity in his voice, along with the heat of his dark gaze, made her heart skip a beat. She'd been about to ask him why he thought she could be afraid of him, but this was too good an opportunity to miss. There was no doubt about what she was seeing in his gaze; he was very attracted to her. She hadn't been wrong about Clark after all. And he must have been keeping his distance only because he thought she was afraid. She moved to a semi-sitting position and reached out with one hand, pressing her palm against his chest. It felt warm and solid under her touch, even with - she assumed - his Super-suit underneath the formal shirt. He remained perfectly still, watching her. "Clark... if you mean what you just said," she began, and saw his expression alter to an insistence that he did mean it. "Then kiss me," she demanded quickly, before he could speak and make her lose her resolve. His eyes widened. "Lois...?" Then he moved; suddenly his hands were cupping her face with a touch so delicate she could barely feel the contact. "I won't break...!" she protested quickly, half-laughing. His expression didn't change; the intensity was back in his eyes now as he continued to gaze at her. He hadn't replaced his glasses, and the effect was... breathtaking.... His lips closed over hers. Lois had been kissed before. She=92d even been kissed by *Clark* before; but= nothing could have prepared her for the sweetness, the immense power of this kiss. Butterflies settled in her stomach, her heart started to turn somersaults and all of her senses became inflamed as Clark=92s mouth invaded= her. His tongue had no sooner touched her lips than she opened her mouth to afford him entry, and her senses reeled again as his tongue touched hers. He shifted on the bed, moving closer to her so that their upper bodies were in contact; one hand curved around her upper back and shoulders to hold her steady, while the other tangled itself in her hair. A low moan sounded in his throat as his lips left hers momentarily to claim a new position. Lois clung to Clark, pressing her upper body against him, barely able to believe that at last she was with him in the way she'd longed to be. She still didn't fully understand what had been going on - she had no idea where he'd got the idea that she was scared of him - but if she was now managing to convince him that he was wrong, perhaps they did have a future after all. "Oh, Clark!" she sighed against his mouth, raking one hand through his thick dark hair as she deepened the kiss further. **************** Clark=92s senses were swimming; he was completely lost in the kiss, threadin= g his fingers through Lois=92s silky hair as his tongue explored the crevices of her mouth. This was something he=92d been beginning to think would never happen; he=92d been almost despairing of ever getting close enough to Lois t= o hold her in his arms again, much less kiss her. When she=92d touched him, laid her hand on his chest, a few moments earlier, he=92d felt almost like a= man dying of thirst who=92d finally been offered water. And now she had actually asked him to kiss her - had demanded it, and was participating with equal fervour to his own. Whatever else she felt for him, she was clearly very attracted to him. As for being afraid of his powers, it was equally clear that she was nothing of the kind. She=92d invited him to use heat vision on her, and now she was allowing him to crush her against him and kiss her deeply. If she was remotely worried that he might not be able to control his strength, she would never have allowed him to get this close. Much as he was enjoying this, he really, *really* wanted to find out where this kiss was leading. Not =91leading=92 as in right this minute, but what i= t meant for their relationship.... Reluctantly, slowly, he drew back, ending the kiss. The look of intense disappointment on Lois=92s face was very flattering, and he felt sure that i= t reflected his own feelings, the sense of loss he=92d felt as soon as he=92d made himself take his lips from hers. He removed his hand from her hair and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. =93We really, really need to talk, Lois,=94 he explained softly. Much as he wanted to tell himself that talking could wait, much as he longed to pull her back into his arms and experience again that heady feeling of being swept away by passion and desire and love for this woman who was such an essential part of his life, they needed to work out what had been happening over the past few weeks. Why had she avoided contact with him to such an extent, if she wasn't afraid of him? And did the fact that she wasn=92t afraid, together with her demand that he kiss her, mean that she wanted... more? More than the very special friendship they already shared? =93I guess you=92re right,=94 she agreed, her own voice sounding a little sh= aky. Her eyes seemed unfocused; he wasn=92t sure whether she was tired, or dazed from the kiss. He hoped it was the latter; oh how he hoped! Smothering the urge to reach out and caress her kiss-bruised lips with his index finger, he stood up. A little awkwardly, he asked, =93You want to go back to the other room?=94 Lois=92s expression suggested that she was reluctant to move, and he suppose= d that she did look very comfortable where she was. =93I can carry you, if you= prefer - you don=92t need to do anything,=94 he offered. But she smiled and patted the bed again. =93We can talk here. Anyway, you=92= re right about those sofas of mine - they=92re really not all that comfortable.= =94 Clark chuckled at that: Lois Lane admitting that he was right and she was wrong? =93Hey, I can always fly us to my place and we can sit on *my* couch...?=94 She swatted his hand. =93Nope, I=92m home now and I=92m not going anywhere. = So sit down!=94 With a grin, he complied, although the sight of her half-sitting, half- lying on top of her spacious bed was almost too tempting. he told himself firmly. =93Sure - who am I to disobey the senior partner?=94 =93I=92ll remind you you said that next time you argue with me!=94 she tease= d in return as he sat on the edge of the bed, facing her, wondering whether she'd object if he held her hand. He wanted to.... Reaching for his hand and holding it prisoner in hers, Lois demanded, =93So,= Clark, you=92ve got some explaining to do! What on earth made you think I wa= s scared of you?=94 Choosing his words carefully so as not to risk offending her - this was Lois, after all! - Clark began to explain. =93Remember that day in Smallville, when I came back from fighting Luthor?=94 She nodded. =93I never told you, Clark - I was so scared for you that day. You=92d been gone hours, and I couldn't help but imagine.... I was so frightened he was going to kill you!=94 Her voice became high-pitched and sh= e shuddered, her face pinched with the horror of her thoughts. His heart turned over at the realisation that she had been so afraid for him. =93Shh, it=92s okay,=94 he soothed, reaching out with his free hand to strok= e her hair. =93I=92m fine - he didn=92t manage to hurt me at all.=94 =93I know - Clark, I was so relieved to see you that day! Even more than whe= n you came to see me in the hospital when I thought Luthor might have got to you. I can=92t think... yes,=94 she corrected herself slowly, =93there is on= e time I was more relieved to see you - when you came back after those gangsters shot you.=94 Clark tightened his hand over hers briefly. =93You know the truth about that= now...?=94 He received a quick glower for his pains. =93Yeah, I realised after you left= me in Smallville. And you owe me an apology and some major sucking up for that one, buster!=94 =93You got it,=94 he promised, unable to suppress a smile. =93I am sorry - a= nd even more sorry that it didn=92t occur to me until some time after that you=92= d be upset. But since I really thought I was effectively dead as Clark, I didn=92t see the point in telling you I wasn=92t. There was nothing I could = do, or so I thought.=94 =93Okay, okay, I get that. Get on with telling me about me being scared of you!=94 she demanded impatiently. He hesitated for a moment, inhaling deeply, then raised his gaze to hers again. This was difficult - more so than he'd expected. He'd buried his hurt at her behaviour inside him for three long weeks, not even telling his parents; he'd spent long hours with her, close to her, confiding in her about his deepest fears, but with the pain of her rejection still fresh in his mind the entire time. =93Okay, Lois. Do you remember when you and my folks came out of the barn?=94 She nodded, not really seeming to see the connection. =93You ran towards me, but then you stopped dead. Just stopped... and you avoided looking at me, and all you said was something stiff about it being good that I was back. I... I just couldn=92t make any sense of it, Lois. It hurt, apart from anything else; it hurt that you couldn't even give me a hug to say you were glad I was safe.=94 He paused, blinking as the memory of= the rejection he=92d felt came back to him. Glancing at Lois, he could see that she remembered the incident; she was now chewing on her index finger as she stared at him in apparent disbelief. =93But when I thought about it, tried to figure it out,=94 he continued, =93= I couldn't come up with any explanation for it, except that you had to be afraid of me. I mean, Luthor had hurt you with his Super-powers, and you=92d= heard about what he=92d done to Gretchen Kelly and to his ex-associates. It was the first time you=92d realised how dangerous Super-powers could be. So = I guess I figured that you had to be afraid of *me,* afraid that I wouldn=92t be able to control my powers and that you=92d get hurt.=94 =93Clark... you thought that?=94 Lois sounded appalled, and he wondered just= how badly he=92d miscalculated. =93Yeah,=94 he confirmed. =93Oh no...=94 she exclaimed softly. =93Clark... I never imagined you=92d th= ink that!=94 Clutching his hand even more tightly, she added, =93I could *never*= be afraid of you! Even apart from all the time I=92ve spent with you, I=92ve be= en with Superman often enough to know you can control your powers. And I=92ve seen you with your folks - and I=92ve seen Superman with little kids. I *know* you could never hurt me. And... I=92m sorry I made you believe I thought you could.=94 =93Lois, you don=92t know how happy it made me to find out that you didn=92t= ... but please,=94 he demanded, needing to know, =93please tell me why you stopp= ed like that! It felt... like you were... rejecting me,=94 he added almost unde= r his breath. A spasm of pain crossed Lois=92s face. =93Rejecting you, Clark...? No!=94 Sh= e blinked, then sighed. =93It all made sense at the time - and I thought it made sense over the last few weeks as well. Clark, I was afraid that if I let you see how I felt about you, you=92d think I was only interested becaus= e I know you=92re Superman!=94 He could only stare at her, stunned. What could have given her that impression? And because she=92d thought that - which was pretty crazy anyway= - she=92d put them both through emotional torment over the past few weeks? Wh= y hadn=92t she said something, asked him? And why had she completely avoided even the most casual touch? Even when they were just barely friends, she=92d= always felt free to touch him, slap him on the back, pat his cheek, or otherwise do what she wanted to him. =93You really thought I=92d think that of you?=94 he asked, incredulous. She nodded miserably. =93Clark... I know the way I behaved! I was throwing myself at him... *you* - making a complete fool of myself! And while I was fawning over Superman, I was ignoring you.=94 Clark was about to respond to that, but something else she'd said suddenly struck him. 'How I felt about you... only interested because...' How *did* she feel about him? It sounded as if she was certainly interested; well, given that kiss they'd just shared, he'd be kidding himself if he tried to assume that she wasn't attracted to him. But this sounded as if it was more.... "Lois." He stared at her, his heart in his mouth. "How do you feel about... me?" She ducked her head downwards, allowing her hair to obscure her face as she stared at the hand in her lap which was now pleating the hem of her T- shirt. The hand which lay in his gripped his fingers so hard that, were he not invulnerable, he suspected it would hurt. He held his breath, desperately hoping for an answer which wouldn't cause him to lose all hope of a closer relationship. Then she looked up, her brown eyes seeming to bore into his. "This is crazy - I had the chance to tell you how I felt once before and I let you stop me. And then I stopped myself, because I.... Well, this time I'm going to do it right, and if you don't feel the same way..." She trailed off, then shrugged. "Well, I'll live with it. But I just can't keep this to myself any more." "Keep what to yourself?" Clark asked, trying not to sound as desperately impatient as he felt. "The... the fact that I love you," she whispered. Before he could respond, or even acknowledge the rush of excitement and amazement and sheer disbelief which flooded through him at her words, she was speaking again. "I mean, I love *you,* Clark. Not Superman, not the powers - just *you.* I love everything about you, and I need you to know that. I don=92t want you to think that I only -" He=92d heard enough; freeing his hand from hers, Clark reached for Lois and pulled her into his arms, finding her mouth again with his. They still needed to talk, but she *loved* him and he was going to give himself a few minutes to get used to that wonderful, amazing, deliriously unbelievable information. She wrapped her arms around him, kissing him back with fervour, until she ran out of breath and pulled back, laying her head on his shoulder. Stroking her hair, Clark said, his voice thick with emotion, =93Lois, you don=92t know how long I=92ve wanted to hear you tell me that! I=92ve loved y= ou since the day we met, and I=92ve hoped for so long....=94 =93Yeah, but I totally ignored you and made a fool of myself over Superman instead,=94 Lois interrupted, her voice muffled against his neck. He pulled back a little, catching her by the shoulders so she had no option but to look at him. =93Lois, you never made a fool of yourself,=94 he insist= ed softly. She laughed harshly. =93No? Sure seems like it to me! When I was chasing Superman all over Metropolis, and boasting to you about how this was *my* story and no-one else would have a chance of getting it - and when I stole *your* story too!=94 Clark stroked her hair, silently transmitting his own feelings that the past was all over and done with as far as he was concerned. =93Lois, our early acquaintance was... colourful. You were - still are - stubborn, tenacious, argumentative, competitive, absolutely brilliant and the best reporter I know. Trust me on that, Lois. You=92ve taught me a lot, and I wouldn=92t have wanted to learn it from anyone else.=94 Her expression began to lighten; the impish smile he knew so well was stealing across her face. =93Really? You think so?=94 =93I know so,=94 he assured her. =93Next time we=92re in Smallville, ask my = folks what I told them about you the first time I visited after starting work at the Planet.=94 She smiled at that. =93Glad to hear I made a good impression.=94 =93Oh, that was just first impressions,=94 he teased lightly. =93Once I real= ly got to know you, found out all your faults...=94 He paused deliberately, watching the chagrin creep over her features. =93Then, I decided you were beautiful, passionate, loyal and the best friend I could ever wish for. As well as being the only woman I could ever love.=94 =93Oh, Clark...=94 Lois reached for him, initiating the kiss this time, and = for several minutes all attempt at conversation was abandoned. Then Clark remembered that he still didn=92t understand why Lois had been so worried that he might think she was only interested in him for his powers, and so he drew back. =93Talk first, kissing later,=94 he pronounced, and reached out a long arm f= or the cup of tea he'd brought in for Lois. It was by now lukewarm, and he sent a dart of heat vision into the cup to warm it up. =93Drink. Then tell m= e why you thought you had to prove you loved me and not Superman.=94 She sipped the tea for a few moments, and he got the impression that she was planning how to answer him. He wanted her to tell him the truth, so he tilted her chin with one forefinger. =93Lois, I just want to know. None of this is important beside the fact that we love each other, but I need to know why... to understand why you ran from me that day,=94 he finished, finding it difficult to stop a note of bitterness from creeping into his voice. She met his gaze, but her eyes were troubled. =93Clark... I overheard your father tell your mother that he was afraid I was going to start behaving with you the way I used to with Superman, now that I know about you.=94 =93What?!=94 he exclaimed, appalled. His father had said that? And... but wh= at had his mother said? And why had Lois paid any attention, anyway? When had this happened? But Lois needed reassurance; his questions could come later. Drawing the back of one finger along her cheek, he said firmly, =93Lois, I *know* you=92= re not just interested in me for my powers or because of Superman. You didn=92t= need to prove it to me.=94 =93How do you know?=94 she demanded emotionally. =93I never told you - I was= going to tell you how I felt when you came to see me in the hospital, but then you said you were going and I lost my nerve, but you didn=92t know that= ! And I did treat Superman like some sort of god - I even told him - you - that I=92d love him if he was an ordinary man with no powers at all, and you= said you wished you could believe me but....=94 She trailed off, and Clark quietly finished her quote. =93Under the circumstances I didn=92t see how I could. Yeah, I remember.=94 Before she co= uld speak again, he continued, =93Lois, I was hurt, and I guess a little angry too. Remember what happened earlier that day? When I told you I loved you?=94= She nodded. =93I wasn=92t pretending. I lied, that day outside the Planet. I= n the park, I told you the truth. But you said you cared for me as a friend, and that you needed to talk to Superman. Then...=94 He paused, and sighed; h= e didn=92t much enjoy dragging up this element of their past, but he realised it was important to the way Lois was feeling now. =93Then when I came to see you as Superman you told me you loved me. Thinkin= g about it afterwards, I really couldn't blame you - after all, you thought Superman was real, and I guess he was to you. So how could you encourage both Clark Kent and Superman? If you loved Superman, then you couldn't love Clark. It was as simple as that. But you said you=92d love Superman as an ordinary man - =94 =93And I=92d already rejected that same ordinary man, earlier that day,=94 L= ois interrupted him. =93Yes, but *you* didn=92t know that,=94 Clark insisted. =93Yeah, it hurt, a= nd that=92s why I spoke to you the way I did. If you hadn=92t got engaged to Le= x Luthor the next day, straight after Perry's retirement party, I=92d have gon= e back to see you as Superman and apologised, and told you - as Superman - everything I knew about Luthor. I know I should have done that anyway, long before, but I suppose it hurt that you wouldn=92t believe me, *Clark,* I mean. And then you were engaged, and it was just so hard to even think about talking to you.=94 =93I wish you had told me about Luthor,=94 she told him softly. =93I was cra= zy - I just don=92t know what I was doing when I said I=92d marry him! Except tha= t my entire life was falling apart around me. Nothing was the same any more - the Planet had gone, Perry=92d retired, you weren=92t talking to me, and the= only person who seemed to be there for me was Lex Luthor. And he was charming, and sweet, and I could see there would be advantages to being his wife...=94 =93He cut off all your support structures,=94 Clark pointed out gently. =93I= t was all part of trying to control you - he became your sole support, cut you off from your friends. And I let him do it!=94 he added, anger rising to the= fore again. =93I should have seen what he was up to, but I was too busy nursing my own hurt feelings!=94 Now it was Lois=92s turn to grab at Clark=92s hands, squeezing them gently i= n reassurance. =93It wasn=92t your fault, Clark! I=92m an adult woman, I=92m u= sually pretty intelligent too, and I decided to marry him! And I regretted it, too...=94 she finished quietly. =93And I=92m very glad I did too - remember = you told me about him thinking I was too independent? I think if you=92d told me= about that six months ago I=92d have freaked out. But after everything Lutho= r did once he got your powers, the way he talked when he=92d kidnapped me, all= the people he killed... well, it really didn=92t surprise me much. And I already knew how lucky it was that I came to my senses.=94 She grimaced. =93Just think - if I=92d said =91I do,=92 I could have still been = Mrs Luthor when he came back! Married to that... that SuperPutz!=94 Clark=92s mouth twitched at her final comment, but he was well aware of how horrible that would have been, for Lois especially but also for him. But her words also reminded him of something else. =93You told me - right when all this started - that you stopped the wedding. I never knew that.=94 She avoided his gaze, and her voice was so soft he needed his Super-hearing to follow her words. =93I couldn't marry him. Not when all I could think about was you.=94 =93Huh?=94 Clark stared at her. =93Superman, you mean?=94 =93No, you,=94 she contradicted him. =93See, that=92s why you should have le= t me go first that day outside the Planet, Kent. I was going to tell you that maybe I=92d been wrong to turn you down when we talked in the park - but you told me you=92d lied about your feelings for me and you just wanted to be friends= .=94 Clark was silent for a moment as he assimilated this new information. If he=92d only allowed Lois to speak first, they could have been together six months ago! But on the other hand, he reflected silently, maybe it was just as well that he hadn=92t. She=92d just been through an engagement and a wrec= ked wedding to another man - would he have trusted her feelings in the circumstances? But something else occurred to him then. =93See, Lois, even then you were more interested in Clark than Superman. So why should I be worried about your feelings for me?=94 That made her grin. =93Okay, I guess I was. But you couldn't have known that= , and I wouldn=92t have blamed you if I=92d told you right after you came back= to Smallville that I loved you, and you=92d assumed I only said it because you were Superman.=94 But he shook his head firmly. =93Uh-uh. No way.=94 He squeezed her hands again. =93Not after the way you rushed back to Metropolis, completely ignoring the danger to yourself, because you thought I was in danger! I realised then that you cared about me. But anyway, I=92d already decided tha= t I didn=92t care whether you were more interested in Superman or Clark, because they=92re both me. You can=92t have one without the other, so I=92d rather you cared for both parts of me.=94 Shaking her head, she groaned loudly. =93I=92ve been so stupid, haven=92t I?= =94 =93No more than I have, by the sound of things,=94 Clark reflected aloud. =93= I thought you were scared of me, remember?=94 =93Yeah, because I avoided touching you.=94 =93Why *did* you do that, Lois? I mean, now that I know what you thought, I can understand you not telling me how you feel about me, but not even behaving normally with me? You=92re always touching me - at least, before three weeks ago. And I wouldn=92t have assumed you meant anything by it, because it=92s just normal for you. When you stopped - that wasn=92t normal.= So... why?=94 It just didn=92t make sense, Clark thought, remembering the la= st few weeks when he=92d been almost despairing of getting Lois to realise he wouldn=92t hurt her. And now he discovered that she=92d just been trying to convince him of something he=92d never doubted in the first place! But Lois flushed. =93It never really meant anything before, yeah. It was just... well, something I did with you, and you did it too. We were *friends,* we kidded around, and that was all it meant. I was comfortable with you in a way I hadn=92t been with anyone in a long time.=94 She managed= a half-smile, then continued a little awkwardly. =93But once I realised I was in love with you - once I admitted it to myself - it was very different. I touched you because I wanted to, and I always wanted more. In your folks=92 kitchen, before you went off to fight Luthor, I wanted to hold you and never let you go. I *really* wanted to kiss you, but I didn=92t have the courage because it would=92ve meant something to me this time and I didn=92t= know how you felt. And then after I heard Jonathan... well, I was just determined to show you that I cared about *you* and not to rush into suggesting I wanted us to be more than friends, in case you did think I was only interested because of Superman. And I couldn't touch you because you never touched me, and... it was just too important to me to risk rejection if I tried.=94 That did make sense, he supposed. =93And I kept my distance from you because= I thought...=94 He broke off suddenly, laughing ironically. =93What a waste!= =94 But it wasn=92t really wasted time, he reflected then, considering what had happened tonight. He reached for Lois again, holding her close in his arms, his chin resting against her hair. They were together, that was all that mattered. He loved her, and she loved him; nothing was important besides that. Tomorrow, they could talk about what this meant and where they went from here - and also how they were going to cope with the practicalities of a triangular relationship. He might be both Clark Kent *and* Superman, but as far as the world was concerned Lois Lane was dating Clark Kent, *not* Superman. And while his disappearances for Superman-related activities had previously only been a problem for himself - and, to an extent, his employment - now it would affect Lois in a much greater way. So they needed to talk about how to handle that, and whether he could scale back his attendance at some of the less urgent incidents he=92d responded to in the past. But that was for tomorrow; this was for tonight, and even though he knew he=92d have to go home soon, right now Lois=92s lips were for kissing.... ************** Lois clung to her partner, her friend and soon, she hoped, her lover as their kisses began to make her head swim again. This was quite literally a dream come true. She=92d almost given up hope that Clark really did love her= , and had almost resigned herself to being his best friend permanently; even when he'd offered to fly her home from the Carlton she=92d just put it down to him feeling sorry for her. She wasn=92t sure quite what it was which had given her the courage to deman= d that he kiss her; something in his expression, the way he=92d been looking a= t her, the faintly husky note in his voice when he=92d said he would do anything she asked... suddenly she had just been seized by a conviction that he did want her as more than a friend. And she=92d known, too, somehow,= that Clark would never do anything about it. After all, he=92d told her once= before that he loved her and been rejected; he=92d become too accustomed to her treatment of him as simply her best friend. And he was too considerate, too nice, to risk upsetting what they had by pushing for more. So she=92d subconsciously recognised that it was up to her to make the first move.... Now, she couldn=92t understand why she hadn=92t grabbed Clark and kissed him= senseless on the first day they=92d met. If she=92d even had the faintest suspicion that kissing him would feel so good, that his body would feel so firm and responsive under her fingertips, that a look of desire from his beautiful eyes could make her want to melt into a pool of mush, she would have laid exclusive claim to him the instant Perry teamed them up to investigate Samuel Platt=92s claims. Instead, she=92d dismissed him as an ignorant country hick, and on a couple of occasions had even risked losing him altogether. But now he was hers, both the gentle, caring reporter from Kansas and the exciting, daring Super-hero from Krypton; and she never intended to let him get away from her again. They had lots of talking and planning to do; she didn=92t know what Clark wanted from their relationship, but given his upbringing and his wonderful parents, she suspected that marriage and a family wouldn=92t be far from his= mind. That was... well, a little scary. But on the other hand, since when had Lois Lane, intrepid reporter, been afraid of anything? Except in personal relationships; the mistakes and wrong assumptions she=92d made in recent weeks with Clark were teaching her that maybe she should just run with her instincts and Clark=92s good sense. Her instincts were telling her now that she and Clark were meant to be together.... Okay, pretty soon he=92d insist on leaving her to sleep and he=92d fly off home, but before he did she was going to give him a good taste of what lay ahead of them. Raking her fingers through his dark hair once again, she concentrated all her efforts on showing him how much she loved him. Her farmboy, the Super-hero. - The End - ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 11:29:21 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: alauters Subject: Re: When Ligtning Strikes Twice: Part 34/34 FINAL MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Wendy, this whole story was absolutely wonderful. Where can I buy a charter membership in your fan club? Amy ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 13:32:02 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: When Ligtning Strikes Twice: Part 34/34 FINAL Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Wendy, this was wonderful. I was so glad you posted today. ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 15:34:51 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Debbie and Martin Pierce Organization: Microsoft Corporation Subject: Fw: NEW: John and Lois and Clark and Joan (25/25) Oops--sorry, I didn't mean to send this to the entire list. This is one of those "Reply"/"Reply All" things that always confuses me! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Debbie and Martin Pierce" To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sent: Saturday, July 22, 2000 8:51 PM Subject: Re: NEW: John and Lois and Clark and Joan (25/25) > I just got around to reading John and Lois and Clark and Joan, and just > wanted to tell you that I enjoyed it very much. Thanks for a GREAT story! > > Debbie > > ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 23:53:46 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Question for a fanfic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0A85_01BFF501.3DAEC6E0" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0A85_01BFF501.3DAEC6E0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi guys! I'm trying to work my way through Lois and Superman's relationship = and I can't remember if by the end of the first season of the show, Lois = knew about his Kryptonian name 'Kal El'. Did he tell her in 'The = Foundling'? I remember he told her he was Kryptonian in 'Strange = Visitor', but did she know anything else about his origins? Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr ------=_NextPart_000_0A85_01BFF501.3DAEC6E0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Hi guys!
 
I'm trying to work my way through Lois and Superman's relationship=20 <g> and I can't remember if by the end of the first season of the = show,=20 Lois knew about his Kryptonian name 'Kal El'. Did he tell her in 'The=20 Foundling'? I remember he told her he was Kryptonian in 'Strange = Visitor', but=20 did she know anything else about his origins?
 
Helene :)
------------------------------------------------------
Kaethel = on irc /=20 Kaethel79  on AIM
kaethel@club-internet.fr ------=_NextPart_000_0A85_01BFF501.3DAEC6E0-- ========================================================================= Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2000 18:49:10 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Ann E. McBride" Subject: Re: Question for a fanfic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 7/23/00 5:54:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time, kaethel@CLUB-INTERNET.FR writes: << I'm trying to work my way through Lois and Superman's relationship and I can't remember if by the end of the first season of the show, Lois knew about his Kryptonian name 'Kal El'. Did he tell her in 'The Foundling'? I remember he told her he was Kryptonian in 'Strange Visitor', but did she know anything else about his origins? >> I don't think he did tell her his Kryptonian name. The only time I remember him saying Kal-El was when the globe talked to him the first time. And I honestly don't remember him ever telling Lois about any of that, other than to say the globe was some place safe. Ann ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 11:58:47 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: When Ligtning Strikes Twice: Part 34/34 FINAL MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Wendy, this whole story was absolutely wonderful. Where can I buy a charter > membership in your fan club? > Thank you, Amy! And Joy too. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story! Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 07:55:21 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Charlotte Fisler Subject: Re: New Red Sky Part 18 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 7/19/00 6:36:45 AM !!!First Boot!!!, 106532.433@COMPUSERVE.COM writes: << I hope that you're still interested in what happens next on the island of Papillon.>> Are you kidding? I woke up the morning this episode was posted and one of the first thoughts I had was to the effect that we hadn't had any new installments for several days and I was wondering just that. What a pleasure to log on and find two new parts. << As always I look forward to receiving feedback, so please let me know what you think. >> Too busy enjoying this to critique it until it's done. But it's getting better as the story unfolds. Charlotte ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 07:56:56 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Charlotte Fisler Subject: Re: quick question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 7/17/00 6:05:48 PM !!!First Boot!!!, kathybrown91@HOME.COM writes: << But again, when has the show ever stopped a fanfic writer from doing what they want with their plot. >> Kathy Oh Fanfiction Guru. I have to hope that everyone continues to do what they want with their plot. I may not read everyone's story but this is what makes our fanfiction so great - so many wonderful variations. Charlotte - who's taken numerous liberties of her own. ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 15:15:40 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Re: Question for a fanfic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ann wrote: > I don't think he did tell her his Kryptonian name. The only time I remember > him saying Kal-El was when the globe talked to him the first time. And I > honestly don't remember him ever telling Lois about any of that, other than > to say the globe was some place safe. Thanks for your reply, Ann! Okay so basically the only thing Lois knows about Superman by the end of Season 1 is that he's from Krypton... hmmm... Now I don't have any more excuses to be stalled... darn Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr "And I don't want the world to see me, cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am." Goo Goo Dolls - 'Iris' ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 15:56:18 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Question for a fanfic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Helene wrote: > Now I don't have any more excuses to be stalled... darn No, you do not, Helene! So get writing! And I'm going to take this opportunity to tell everyone that, as someone who's been privileged enough to read the first forty pages of Helene's story, that her forthcoming fic, 'Near Wild Heaven,' looks like being one of the best fics I've read this year. If she gets it finished and posted by the end of the year, she'll be giving talented writers like Ann and Rose and Traceylynn and Emily stiff competition for Best New Writer 2001! Wendy ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 20:23:36 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Pam Jernigan Organization: http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam/ Subject: NEW: Tryst (9/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks to Wendy and Chris for bravely continuing to beta read... :) Tryst, part 9 by Pam Jernigan "It's not enough," Clark argued. After leaving Alan's office, they had decided to spend some time in nearby Centennial Park, where they could hopefully find a quiet spot to talk. "Clark, you know Carpenter's behind all this," Lois countered, barely noticing the tranquil surroundings. They'd passed the fountain, and were now wandering around the park's foot paths, surrounded by bushes and a few trees on one side, and a mid-sized pond on the other. This early in the day the park was only thinly populated, which gave them relative freedom to plan. And argue. "Yeah, I know it, Lois, but our problem is a little thing called 'proof', as in, we don't have any." "I heard him talk to the guy who killed me!" she protested indignantly. "So you want to tell that to a judge?" He lifted a sardonic eyebrow in her direction, and she deflated slightly. "Okay, so that part's inadmissible, but we've got to have something." "Well, let's review." Clark held up a hand, ticking off bullet points on his fingers. Before she could stop herself, she noted what nice hands he had, then firmly wrenched her mind back on topic. "Carpenter is shipping guns to an obscure little country in Africa. The guns are smuggled, since they're deceptively packaged. Carpenter found out that you were headed to that same obscure little country, and, not being a dumb man, he got worried. So to cover his tracks --" "And get revenge on me for how close I *almost* came to bringing him down, last month," she interjected. "And revenge, okay," he amended with a nod, "So he told one of his local bully-boys to make sure you never made it back. How did you hook up with this guy, anyway?" Lois grimaced, "I was careless," she muttered, annoyed with herself. "I got into town, and the shipment was nearly there -- I needed a native guide quickly. I asked the hotel manager about it, and a little bit later Mohammed showed up as a volunteer. I didn't think anything about it at the time, but he must have been waiting for me. I should have known better," she concluded in disgust. Clark shrugged. "I don't see how you could have avoided it. You've gotta trust somebody, sometime--" Lois laughed. "I can tell you're new in town." His lips twitched, but otherwise he ignored her. "And asking for a native guide is exactly what anybody would have done." "I still should have known better," she insisted. She'd been suspicious of the man from the start, but in her excitement over the story she hadn't properly assessed the risk. She'd been prepared for him to spy on her; she hadn't taken precautions against a murder attempt. "But then I never have been good at checking the water level before jumping in. I just -- charge straight ahead, no matter what ... usually, it's worked." She sighed. Perry had warned her often enough. Clark shrugged again, noncommittally. "Well, anyway, what we need to do is find a way to get Carpenter locked up. I don't know that we can do it for murder, but there's got to be something." "Okay, let's see ... he's smuggled guns ... Looks to me like he's involved in a conspiracy to overthrow the government of Qtun, although I can't imagine why he'd care..." Clark looked up. "Is that where the guns were going?" "Yeah -- didn't I tell you?" She stared at him in surprise. "No, I didn't tell you! Clark, you have to warn them!" "Warn who?" he asked, looking momentarily confused. "The government of Qtun -- they have an consulate here in Metropolis, I got my visa there -- you have to tell them that there's an armed group massing north of the city. I don't know when they were planning on making their move, but it looked like it was imminent." "Okay, yeah, I can do that." Clark paused for a moment. "I think I'll offer an anonymous tip, to start, since I can't exactly quote my source. Was this what Carpenter was afraid you'd put in your laptop?" "Yeah, I think so. But we really can't do too much about the Africa side of things right now ... so what are we missing, here in Metropolis?" She stared unseeing across the pond, deep in thought. She had the feeling that she was missing something, but it just wasn't coming to her ... did being dead affect your brain? She rejected that paranoid worry; she was probably just too close to the answer to see it. "Well, you know Carpenter," Clark pointed out. "What's his normal mode of operations?" "Profits at any cost," she replied automatically. "With some middleman poised to take the fall for him." There was something there, if only she could tease it out. "Just like at the pulp mill, right?" Clark helpfully prompted. "Right. He blamed that all on the plant foreman ... and the EPA inspector that ... he...." She felt a surge of triumph as her intuition hopscotched logic and skipped straight to a final conclusion. "Bribes. He bribed the EPA inspector then, he'll be bribing someone on the docks now -- someone who makes sure that the crates are loaded without being inspected, without any questions asked. Probably the customs inspector, or it could be one of the senior union men." Clark was nodding, slowly, as he tried to follow her. "Yeah, that makes sense. So if we can find whoever it is, and if we can get him to testify...." "We could get Carpenter on smuggling and weapons charges," she finished for him. "And that'd probably be enough to trigger an investigation into the rest of it." He smiled. "Yep, it probably would. Have I told you that it's a pleasure working with you?" Lois felt her nonexistent stomach flutter and warm at the sight of his smile. "Why, thank you, Mr. Kent. Likewise. Just remember that I'm the senior partner." "Yes, ma'am." Laughing, he saluted in her general direction. "Hey, mister, who ya talking to?" At the unexpected voice, Lois turned to see a small boy standing behind them in the path, his head tipped sideways in unabashed curiosity. Clark smiled at him. "Hey there, buddy -- I didn't see you coming." The boy regarded him gravely. "So then who were ya talking to?" Lois felt for her partner's embarrassment, but she couldn't help but find it a little funny, too. "Don't worry, Clark, it's not the first time people have talked to thin air in *this* park," she advised, her voice betraying some of her amusement. Clark pointed a stern finger at her. "You be quiet." Then, he crouched down to the child's eye level. "Have you ever had an imaginary friend?" The boy hesitantly nodded, his eyes wide and searching, torn between watching Clark and searching the air for a sign of the imaginary friend. Lois managed, with some effort, to keep from giggling out loud. "Well, so do I," Clark continued, keeping steady eye contact. "She helps me think things through." The boy nodded again, a little more enthusiastically, but then he frowned. "My mom said that invisible friends are for babies. I'm a big boy." Doubtfully, he assessed Clark's size. "Aren't you a big boy?" Clark smiled. "Well, sort of. But the great thing about being a *really* big boy -- a grown up -- is that sometimes, you can act like a little kid again." A woman pushing a stroller crested the hill, looking worried. "Patrick? Oh, there you are ... please don't run ahead of us that way!" Patrick made a face, but dutifully apologized. "I was just talking," he added, in his defense. "Well, come on, it's time to go home!" she said crossly, waiting at the top of the hill, keeping a wary eye on Clark. "Go easy on him," Lois couldn't help suggesting, remembering her own childhood adventures in this park. "It's a beautiful day; you guys should get some ice cream before you leave." She was pretty sure there were still a few ice cream carts around the park. Clark stood up again. "Nice meeting you, Patrick." "Bye!" Patrick ran back towards his mother. When he got there, she smiled slightly. "Thanks for coming so quickly, Patrick. Hey, want to get some ice cream before we leave?" Lois and Clark both waited until the small family was out of sight before moving again. "Clark, did you hear that?" "About the ice cream? Yeah. You think it was a coincidence?" "I don't know." An idea began brewing in the back of her mind. This was the third time that someone had responded to something she'd said to them. Neither Perry, Aunt Opal or Patrick's mother had seemed aware that she was there, but still, they'd picked up on her comments, on some level. Alan hadn't seemed to, but then she hadn't been talking to him; maybe that made a difference. Or maybe Alan was just as dense in this area as he was in most others. She still didn't know quite what to do with this new ... talent, but decided to let her subconscious work on the problem for a while. "I guess the park wasn't quite as private as I'd hoped," she apologized. "That was close." Clark chuckled wryly. "It's becoming a habit, I think. I'm sure I'll get better at excuses, though, with more practice." "Oh, I thought this one was pretty good, actually." Lois looked back towards the hill where she'd last seen Patrick, musing aloud, "You're beloved by small boys *and* by old ladies ... you sure are different from most of the men I've known." "Well, that's not saying much," he teased. "I mean, your last boyfriend wasn't much of a prize." She glared at him, pique warring with laughter. "Stop calling Alan my boyfriend or I'll have to hit you -- I can do that now, you know." "Go ahead," he informed her smugly, "I'm invulnerable." "Hah! That's what you think," she muttered darkly, for lack of any more convincing threat. Clark laughed, a sound so joyous that it evaporated the last of her irritation. "I live in fear, I promise you. So, madam senior partner, if we can get back to the story ... what do we do next?" Lois paused, considering their options. "We could nose around on the docks, do lots of boring legwork and interviews. Orrrr..." She dragged the word out, just to enjoy his inquisitive expression. "We could go straight to the top, and see Carpenter again." Inspiration struck. "Oh, yeah, we're definitely going to see Carpenter. We," she announced gleefully, "are going to haunt him." **** Clark checked his watch for the third time in three minutes. It was almost time to leave for their second interview with Carpenter, but Lois hadn't yet returned. She'd faded out shortly after explaining her plan in the park, so he had filled his time with a quick call to the Qtun consulate, lunch with Aunt Opal, and a remedial grammar lesson with Ralph. He'd made the appointment with Carpenter fairly late in the afternoon, to give Lois time to rest and rejoin him, but so far, there'd been no hint of her, and it was almost time to leave... A familiar chill invaded the room, and Clark relaxed. "That was cutting it close," he murmured, gathering up a few file folders, and heading for the elevator. "Sorry," she replied, easily keeping pace. "I don't exactly have control over it, I'm afraid." He punched the button for the ground floor and watched the car doors close. "I'm just glad you made it back. Oh, and I figured out one of our missing pieces -- got the information from Aunt Opal of all people!" Lois laughed delightedly. "Really? What did she find out? "Well apparently, there's an area in Qtun that's supposed to have a fortune in platinum and some strategic metals ... but it's partially on sacred ground of one of the minority tribes. The government has forbidden any mining, in favor of keeping the peace, but there's an insurgent group that would like nothing better than to exterminate this tribe. My guess is, Carpenter has an agreement with the insurgents -- he helps them take over the country, they let him start mining operations." "Wow." She was silent for a moment, then continued. "That fits in with some of the files I glimpsed, in his office. Well, good work, Aunt Opal! How on earth did she figure this out, anyway?" "She has her sources -- in this case, a geology professor at her faculty club. I'll be lucky if I can accumulate *half* her contacts." The elevator stopped and they exited into the lobby. As they crossed to the revolving door, Lois replied, "Sources are the lifeblood of journalism, as Perry likes to say." She paused, then continued with a shade more constraint in her voice. "Which reminds me -- you should try to snag my rolodex. I've got -- had -- quite a network built up. It'll help you a lot. I'd probably have to introduce you around, though -- some of them are a little...." "Eccentric?" Clark suggested. "Weird," she replied firmly. "And I can't guarantee they'll all talk to you, since you're not me, but if you didn't mind me tagging along while you talked to them the first time, they'd probably be real helpful." "Thank you," he replied, walking briskly down the street towards the Adastra building. "And what's this about *minding* if you tag along? I thought this was a partnership." "Well, I just thought...." her voice trailed off, sounding oddly embarrassed. She tried again. "I know it makes you crazy when you can't talk to me, and then when you do talk to me, people *think* you're crazy, so you really can't win, and that's bound to get real old, real fast." Clark shook his head firmly, trying to mask how appalled he felt at the prospect of losing what little of her he had. "You just let me worry about that, okay? You come with a few unique ... requirements, but you are definitely worth it." "Okay ... well, good then." Her tone was brisk, but he hoped that it was just her way of dealing with tricky emotions. There wasn't time now to deal with all that, anyway. "We're here," he announced, and they silently retraced the path to Carpenter's office. Clark took a deep breath before entering the office. He had to control his anger at what this man had done; their plan called for him to be polite, and even slightly dense. It was galling, but he'd played similar stratagems previously to deflect suspicion when he'd used his powers surreptitiously; no one looking for a mysterious hero had ever glanced twice at a mild-mannered bystander. Beside him, he heard Lois murmur, "Good luck." Pasting on a pleasant smile, he opened the door. "Mr. Carpenter, thank you for seeing me again." Carpenter nodded cordially, and gestured Clark to a seat. "Fortunately I had some time in my schedule. You said that you'd learned more about this gun-smuggling case?" "Well, I've been making some calls and doing some thinking, you see." Clark juggled the file folders he'd brought along. "He knows you did it," Lois told Carpenter, speaking clearly. Clark glanced upwards, but could see no reaction, and his heart sank. She had been so sure that she could make an impression on him, subliminally. Clark continued on with his script. "Rarer There is a small company, and the woman in charge doesn't really seem to know anything. So either the guns are being slipped in from the outside, or," he paused, making eye contact for emphasis, "Someone higher in the chain of command is managing this." "He knows you're the one doing it," Lois repeated. Carpenter twitched. Calmly, he replied, "That opens rather a lot of possibilities -- you've seen our organizational chart." "Yes, indeed. And I can't narrow this down yet, but I knew you'd want to know that this probably extends further into your organization." "He knows," Lois intoned. "But he hasn't got any evidence yet. There's still time to salvage things." "I appreciate that," Carpenter said, a bare hint of strain creeping into his voice. "So where will your investigation take you next?" "Oh, I thought I'd nose around the docks -- someone there must have been looking the other way." "Make some phone calls, now," Lois urged him. "Get rid of all the evidence while you have a chance." Carpenter stood, his smile looking a little forced. "Well, good luck to you. I hope you'll continue to keep me informed." Clark rose as well, smiling in what he hoped was a genial and dim-witted way. "I'll be glad to. I know you have your company's image to protect." "Yes, exactly. But now, I'm afraid I have to make some phone calls ... to follow up on those leads you mentioned." "Good luck." Still smiling, Clark allowed himself to be escorted out into the hallway. **** Lois remained sitting in Carpenter's office. As soon as the door had closed behind Clark, the CEO's smile disappeared, to be replaced by a snarl. In jerky movements, he crossed back to his desk and grabbed for the phone, punching in a string of seven numbers -- a local call. He closed his eyes and seemed to be concentrating on his breathing while waiting for the call to go through. Abruptly, his eyes shot open. "Andresson? It's me. Yes, it's about that special cargo I asked you to handle for me ... I don't believe we'll be using that method again for a while, and I wanted to make sure we were all settled up -- I can't recall offhand if I've paid you in full for the Congo Queen shipment." He paused, then flashed a humorless smile. "Ah, I thought not. Very well, when can we meet? ... Not tonight? ... All right, tomorrow afternoon should do. Bring your records, too, would you? Some of my files have been misplaced and I'm trying to reconstruct them. I appreciate it. See you tomorrow." Carpenter hung up the phone with a grimace and muttered, "Idiot." After a moment's pause for thought, he turned his chair to face the low filing cabinet under the window and wrenched the drawer open. Quickly, he pulled out five or six folders, then carried them to the back wall of his office and deposited them on a pedestal. Very carefully, he lifted a large painting off the wall and set it on the floor, revealing a small safe. Lois moved closer, hoping to see the combination. His fingers flew over the tiny keypad in a short sequence -- Lois thought it was 6722 but she wasn't entirely sure. The safe opened, and Carpenter tucked the file folders inside. Glancing towards the door, he closed the safe and replaced the painting. Dusting his hands together in satisfaction, Carpenter relaxed slightly, and returned to his desk. Lois narrowed her eyes at him. So he thought he was going to get away with this, did he? She and Clark would just have to make sure that he didn't. And getting Andresson to talk would be an excellent next step, so she'd have to get out of here and let Clark know that her plan had worked beautifully. She grinned. She'd always enjoyed spooking suspects, and it was almost more fun now that the spooking was literal. Carpenter shivered, and picked up the phone. "Maintenance? Get someone up here to fix the AC -- it's much too cold in my office!" Hoping cordially that he'd freeze, Lois headed towards the office door, only to stop short when she realized it was closed. She'd been spoiled, these last few days, in going places with Clark, who automatically opened doors for her. Well, it was time to start cashing in on this new, insubstantial state. Tentatively, she reached towards the door, concentrating on putting her fingers through the surface. She felt a slight resistance, but then her hand sank into the wood. It felt different than moving through air ... a little stiffer, and almost ticklish, but not unpleasant. She pulled her hand back out. She could do this. Taking a deep metaphorical breath, Lois closed her eyes and stepped forward. Her foot entered the door first, then the rest of her quickly followed, and in another second she was out again. She opened her eyes and looked around for the stairs. The metal door to the stairway felt different than wood, but she still made it through easily, and then amused herself by riding the banisters all the way down to the ground floor. When she emerged back into the lobby, she saw Clark sitting on a bench, studying some files. She studied him for a moment, from across the room. He was a great partner, a wonderful friend, and a great guy ... beloved of small boys and old ladies.... Her emotions for him welled up and threatened to overwhelm her. How could she love him after only two days? And yet ... how could she not? Something about him just ... made sense to her, on a very fundamental level. She wasn't even sure she could define it. She wondered again why she'd become a ghost, why she was still able to interact with the world. It was almost as if God, or fate, or someone, had decreed that Lois Lane should meet Clark Kent, and a little thing like death wasn't going to be allowed to stand in the way. She rather liked the notion, but couldn't quite let herself believe it; her faith in the universe wasn't that strong. Her faith in love was even shakier. Her parents had claimed to love each other, but it hadn't stopped them from fighting all the time. Romance novels painted rosy pictures, but her cynical side had always chalked that up to fiction. A nice fantasy, but not representative of the real world. Each failed relationship had reinforced that view. But if life after death was possible ... maybe love wasn't such a fantasy, either. Well, okay, maybe she was in love with him. They still didn't have much of a future. She'd just have to content herself with being his friend and partner. And she could help him get this story. Time to go back to work. **** -- Pam Jernigan / ChiefPam / jernigan@bellsouth.net http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/j/e/jernigan/ God made you special, and He loves you very much. -- Veggie Tales theology The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. -- Henri Bergson ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 21:47:25 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (9/?) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit S P O I L E R S P A C E Pam, ditto everything I said on IRC. My parents' ISP kept icking me off, so I'll comment here too. I'm looking forward to more. :) Now that Lois has admitted it to herself, I say it's about time she reached out and touched someone. ;) ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 21:53:46 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kate Crane Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (9/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Love it Pam! s p o i l e r s p a c e great interlude in the park with the little boy. "I live in fear, I promise you." LOL! The way you are portraying their soulmate connection is wonderful, and I am hoping and hoping that the future brings a more substantial meeting ;). I'm fascinated by your use of the paranormal and the whisperings...so many times we have thoughts come into our minds...angels on our shoulders? Kate ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 02:38:36 GMT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Bethy Em Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Okay, I think I used all the requirements. I'm not sure if this can be considered as having a plot, but I hope it's fun to read! The final word count was 513. Oh, and for those of you who don't know, a 'showing' (at least in my experience) is when people come to view a house that is up for sale. I always remember cleaning like mad to prepare for a showing, so I had fun with this one. A Slightly. . .Abnormal. . .Showing By Bethy All comments welcome...well, except the rude ones. Public or private (jextra42@hotmail.com). "Oh, Fred, it looks perfect!" Fred placed his arm around the woman's shoulders and said, "Now, just hold your horses, 'Lyssa Jo. Let's wait until we see the inside." He turned to the realtor. "You're sure you got a hold of the occupants this time? Wouldn't want another fiasco like the last one." "Oh, I'm sure. They said it was their day off and they were planning on sticking around, but we were welcome to come and look around." The couple followed the realtor into. . .complete chaos. Two identical boys, who seemed to be about four, chased each other through the open expanse of the living room, dueling with a pair of feather dusters. "Mommy! The people are here!" One shouted while expertly parrying his brother's attack, completely ignoring the dust that scattered as a result. "Lois!" A male voice called from upstairs. Immediately a body followed to match the voice. He was carrying an unopened can of motor oil. "I wanted to practice juggling my torches, but I couldn't find the kerosene. D'you think this'll work?" Suddenly he noticed the bemused couple and realtor hesitating on the threshold. "Come on in! I take it you're here to view the house? Just ignore the kids." A very pregnant Lois responded to her husband's call. In her hand was an odd assortment of tiny sandwiches made of. . .animal crackers, chocolate sauce and pickles? Pregnant women really will eat anything! "I don't know, Clark. It's not as flammable, and it's kinda goopy. Maybe you should just go get some new kerosene." She suddenly noticed the group still waiting just inside the front door. "Well?" she said impatiently. "Are you coming in or not?" At that the group moved as one towards the kitchen, the realtor speaking in soft tones, describing the positive aspects of this house. "Oh, wait," Lois called after them. "Be careful opening the kitchen. . .door." She finished anticlimactically. The realtor gave a small shriek as a plastic bucket filled with ice dumped all over her. "That was supposed to be for Clark," Lois said apologetically. "Sorry." Unable to help herself, she let out a small giggle. Trying to remain calm, the realtor smiled, but it came out as more of a grimace. She turned and led the way into the kitchen. All three immediately stopped upon seeing the scene there. A little girl, about five, sat happily on the floor. Playing tiddly-winks. With mousetraps. She was aiming for a small spread of bubble-wrap, and every time a mousetrap landed properly, it snapped itself on the bubbles creating the most satisfying sound -- at least for a five year old. "Hi!" She smiled a gap-toothed greeting up at them. "Wanna play?" "Umm. . .no, thanks." The realtor stammered. She turned towards the couple and Fred immediately spoke. "Maybe. . .maybe this *isn't* the right house for us." "Yes," 'Lyssa Jo interjected. "I think I'm ready to go on to the next one." With a hurried farewell to the psychotic occupants of that looneybin, the small group beat a hasty retreat. THE END ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 23:31:18 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: No Name Available Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit LOL! That was really creative. You have a great way of putting humor into your story.:) Molly ========================================================================= Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 23:42:15 -0500 Reply-To: truitt22@flash.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: timothy truitt Organization: tnt technical services Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit cute story merry Bethy Em wrote: > Okay, I think I used all the requirements. I'm not sure if this can be > considered as having a plot, but I hope it's fun to read! The final word > count was 513. Oh, and for those of you who don't know, a 'showing' (at > least in my experience) is when people come to view a house that is up for > sale. I always remember cleaning like mad to prepare for a showing, so I > had fun with this one. > > A Slightly. . .Abnormal. . .Showing > By Bethy > All comments welcome...well, except the rude ones. Public or private > (jextra42@hotmail.com). > > "Oh, Fred, it looks perfect!" > > Fred placed his arm around the woman's shoulders and said, "Now, just hold > your horses, 'Lyssa Jo. Let's wait until we see the inside." He turned to > the realtor. "You're sure you got a hold of the occupants this time? > Wouldn't want another fiasco like the last one." > > "Oh, I'm sure. They said it was their day off and they were planning on > sticking around, but we were welcome to come and look around." > > The couple followed the realtor into. . .complete chaos. > > Two identical boys, who seemed to be about four, chased each other through > the open expanse of the living room, dueling with a pair of feather dusters. > > "Mommy! The people are here!" One shouted while expertly parrying his > brother's attack, completely ignoring the dust that scattered as a result. > > "Lois!" A male voice called from upstairs. Immediately a body followed to > match the voice. He was carrying an unopened can of motor oil. "I wanted > to practice juggling my torches, but I couldn't find the kerosene. D'you > think this'll work?" Suddenly he noticed the bemused couple and realtor > hesitating on the threshold. "Come on in! I take it you're here to view > the house? Just ignore the kids." > > A very pregnant Lois responded to her husband's call. In her hand was an > odd assortment of tiny sandwiches made of. . .animal crackers, chocolate > sauce and pickles? Pregnant women really will eat anything! > > "I don't know, Clark. It's not as flammable, and it's kinda goopy. Maybe > you should just go get some new kerosene." > > She suddenly noticed the group still waiting just inside the front door. > "Well?" she said impatiently. "Are you coming in or not?" > > At that the group moved as one towards the kitchen, the realtor speaking in > soft tones, describing the positive aspects of this house. > > "Oh, wait," Lois called after them. "Be careful opening the kitchen. . > .door." She finished anticlimactically. The realtor gave a small shriek as > a plastic bucket filled with ice dumped all over her. "That was supposed to > be for Clark," Lois said apologetically. "Sorry." Unable to help herself, > she let out a small giggle. > > Trying to remain calm, the realtor smiled, but it came out as more of a > grimace. She turned and led the way into the kitchen. All three > immediately stopped upon seeing the scene there. > > A little girl, about five, sat happily on the floor. Playing tiddly-winks. > With mousetraps. She was aiming for a small spread of bubble-wrap, and > every time a mousetrap landed properly, it snapped itself on the bubbles > creating the most satisfying sound -- at least for a five year old. > > "Hi!" She smiled a gap-toothed greeting up at them. "Wanna play?" > > "Umm. . .no, thanks." The realtor stammered. She turned towards the couple > and Fred immediately spoke. > > "Maybe. . .maybe this *isn't* the right house for us." > > "Yes," 'Lyssa Jo interjected. "I think I'm ready to go on to the next one." > > With a hurried farewell to the psychotic occupants of that looneybin, the > small group beat a hasty retreat. > > THE END > > ________________________________________________________________________ > Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 12:39:16 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Re: Question for a fanfic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Wendy wrote: > No, you do not, Helene! So get writing! [snip a lot of very nice comments that sent me directly to blushland...] Many thanks for your wonderful encouragements, Wendy, and for your very valuable help with this story :) Helene (still blushing... and yes, back to writing now ;)) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr "I will hold my breath Until all these shivers subside" R.E.M. - Try Not To Breathe ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 12:01:50 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The list has been a bit quiet lately, so I thought I'd resurrect one of the irregular list challenges... As before, you wil find below a list of items or actions which take place in fics. All the stories are from this year. All but one are on the Archive. The one which isn't on the Archive (and I'll want an explanation for this from the author!) was posted to this list and the MBs. Two points for story and author *without* looking it up; one point if you had to look it up. And please remember the spoiler space! Answers when all stories have been identified. Wendy -------------------------- 1. Two people and a mirror 2. Letters never sent 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it 4. A captive whispering 5. A Turkish earthquake 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules 7. A game of strip poker 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model 9. Contaminated drinking water 10. A drastic haircut 11. A highly addictive substance -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 14:16:13 +0200 Reply-To: gioprato@tin.it Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Chiara Prato Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain SPOiLER SPACE > The list has been a bit quiet lately, so I thought I'd resurrect one of the > irregular list challenges... > > As before, you wil find below a list of items or actions which take place in > fics. All the stories are from this year. All but one are on the Archive. > The one which isn't on the Archive (and I'll want an explanation for this > from the author!) was posted to this list and the MBs. > > Two points for story and author *without* looking it up; one point if you > had to look it up. And please remember the spoiler space! Answers when all > stories have been identified. > > > Wendy > > -------------------------- > > > 1. Two people and a mirror > > 2. Letters never sent > > 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it > > 4. A captive whispering > > 5. A Turkish earthquake > > 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules > > 7. A game of strip poker > > 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model > > 9. Contaminated drinking water > > 10. A drastic haircut > > 11. A highly addictive substance > 1. Two people and a mirror mmmm Can it be "Queen Lois" by Richard Mobile??? ... not sure about it! (But it can be) 9. Contaminated drinking water <- this is Labby With Caped fear mmmmmm well It could be queen Lois this too! Both had contamined water! This isn't good! :((! I have to read again!!!!!!!!!!!! just a kiss ChiaraP ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 05:22:23 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Irene D." Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Okay, I'll give this a try without looking anything up. S P O I L E R S P A C E > > 1. Two people and a mirror Um, you may have a different story in mind, but this could be 'Tales Out of Church' by me. > > 2. Letters never sent > > 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it This was by you, Wendy, wasn't it? No, wait. Wasn't it by Tank. No, I know. It was by Pam. But the name escapes me. > > 4. A captive whispering Oh, I know this one. Lois is the bait in a trap for Clark and she's in a lead lined cell, but she figures Clark could hear her if she whispers and argh! Which one is it? Is it 'Learning Curves' by Chris Carr or 'Connections' by CC Malo? I can't remember which. (It will probably turn out to be neither!) > > 5. A Turkish earthquake Again, there might be a different story that you had in mind, but this could be from 'Beyond a Shadow of a Doubt' again by me and it's not on the archive yet. I haven't sent it in yet as I wanted to at least get halfway through writing its sequel before I sent it in. (Enough of an explanation for you, Wendy?) > > 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules > > 7. A game of strip poker > > 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model Okay, I know this was by me. 'The Spying Game' > > 9. Contaminated drinking water Queen Lois by Mobile Richard > > 10. A drastic haircut Tank Wilson's the author, but I don't remember the title > > 11. A highly addictive substance Oh, Hazel's story about feedback. Was it called 'FDK' or did it have a different title? Hmmm, I didn't do very well, did I? Irene ===== www.communities.msn.com/equestrianmusic __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get Yahoo! Mail – Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 13:10:58 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > S > P > O > I > L > E > R > > S > P > A > C > E Just to clarify: I was thinking of stories other than Irene's for the two people and a mirror and the Turkish earthquake. If Irene's stories also fit, then I'm sorry for choosing clues which weren't specific enough! If no-one guesses these, then I'll supply additional clues later. Wendy ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 05:37:09 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Irene D." Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- Wendy Richards wrote: > > S > > P > > O > > I > > L > > E > > R > > > > S > > P > > A > > C > > E > Oh! I know. Two people and a mirror - Walk in My Shoes by Sheila Harper!! Irene > Just to clarify: I was thinking of stories other > than Irene's for the two > people and a mirror and the Turkish earthquake. If > Irene's stories also fit, > then I'm sorry for choosing clues which weren't > specific enough! If > no-one guesses these, then I'll supply additional > clues later. > > > Wendy ===== www.communities.msn.com/equestrianmusic __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get Yahoo! Mail – Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 13:19:43 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > > S > > > P > > > O > > > I > > > L > > > E > > > R > > > > > > S > > > P > > > A > > > C > > > E > > > > Oh! I know. Two people and a mirror - Walk in My > Shoes by Sheila Harper!! > > Irene Nope, not that one either, although again I can see how that would work! Wendy ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 13:21:38 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Since there seem to be several stories with two people and a mirror, here's a second clue: A bandaged shoulder. Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 05:44:29 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Irene D." Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii S P O I L E R S P A C E > A bandaged shoulder. Okay, now I know for sure. Yvonne Connell's Trust Me, I'm a Reporter. Irene ===== www.communities.msn.com/equestrianmusic __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Get Yahoo! Mail – Free email you can access from anywhere! http://mail.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 15:19:32 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit S P O I L E R S P A C E Okay, let's try this one > 1. Two people and a mirror Hmmm... oh, if I remember well, there's a scene like that in 'When Friends Become Lovers' by Kathy Brown and Demi... but with your second clue about the bandaged shoulder it doesn't fit anymore. Sounds familiar, though... > 2. Letters never sent No idea > 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it 'Shattered Illusions' by Wendy Richards > 4. A captive whispering Hmm... > 5. A Turkish earthquake Re-hmm... > 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules Uh... > 7. A game of strip poker I think that's 'Naked Truth' by... uh... me > 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model 'The Spying Game' by Irene Dutchak > 9. Contaminated drinking water I can think of several with this... my first guess would be one of the 'Dawning' series by Debby Stark... 'Dawning 14 - No Laughing Matter' (had to look up for the exact title) > 10. A drastic haircut 'Dark Revelation' by Tank Wilson? I remember the guest stars in this one had a drastic haircut > 11. A highly addictive substance Could it be 'Heartache Tonight' by the German Fanfic Team? > All but one are on the Archive. > The one which isn't on the Archive (and I'll want an explanation for this > from the author!) was posted to this list and the MBs. Ah... uh... that would be mine An explanation? Uh... I... well... hmm... Seriously, I haven't sent it yet because I'd like to be sure it's the definitive version, and lately I've been focusing on my other WIPs so I haven't had time to do it... which is no excuse, I admit Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr "And I don't want the world to see me, cause I don't think that they'd understand. When everything's made to be broken, I just want you to know who I am." Goo Goo Dolls - 'Iris' ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 14:06:04 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Helene guessed: > S > P > O > I > L > E > R > > S > P > A > C > E > > 9. Contaminated drinking water > > I can think of several with this... my first guess would be one of the > 'Dawning' series by Debby Stark... 'Dawning 14 - No Laughing Matter' > > 10. A drastic haircut > > 'Dark Revelation' by Tank Wilson? > > > 11. A highly addictive substance > > Could it be 'Heartache Tonight' by the German Fanfic Team? I said the stories had all been posted *this* year, so no. ;) > > The one which isn't on the Archive (and I'll want an explanation for this > > from the author!) was posted to this list and the MBs. > > Ah... uh... that would be mine An explanation? Uh... I... well... hmm... > Seriously, I haven't sent it yet because I'd like to be sure it's the > definitive version, and lately I've been focusing on my other WIPs so I > haven't had time to do it... which is no excuse, I admit No, none at all! That story is *finished,* so send it along! Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 14:48:30 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Natascha Kortum Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed S P O I L E R S P A C E >-------------------------- > > >1. Two people and a mirror > >2. Letters never sent > >3. A cellphone with a bullet in it I can't remember the name or the author but I am pretty sure that the story was a continuation of That Old Gang Of Mine. The cell phone supposedly saved Clark's life. :) It might have even been Lois' idea. I know they prepared it on the Kents' farm... > >4. A captive whispering > >5. A Turkish earthquake > >6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules > >7. A game of strip poker Definitely Naked Truth by Helene! > >8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model The Spying Game by Irene > >9. Contaminated drinking water > >10. A drastic haircut Isn't that Tank's Future series? Part 2. altLois cuts her hair and dyes it red, right? > >11. A highly addictive substance Hazel's FDK story Ok, let me have it! How did I do? Natascha ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 21:00:00 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Nicole Wolke Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Darn, I'm so bad at this! But here are at least a few: 1. Two people and a mirror Sheila Harper's "Walk in my shoes" 5. A Turkish earthquake I know it! I know it! I know it! I... don't know it :-( It's on the tip of my tongue, but I can't say where I read it. 7. A game of strip poker That's "The naked truth" by Hélène 9. Contaminated drinking water Caped Fear, by Labrat Nicole :-) -- AKA CKgroupie on IRC NKWolke@t-online.de Are you always searching for news about Dean Cain? And don't you have the time to go and find them? Here's your solution: Go to "The Dean Cain News Page" http://members.tripod.de/CKgroupie/ ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 14:55:46 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kathy Brown Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 SPOLIER SPACE ... On Tue, 25 Jul 2000 21:00:00 +0200, Nicole Wolke wrote= : >1. Two people and a mirror > >Sheila Harper's "Walk in my shoes" I haven't read the PG version in awhile, but doesn't the mirror really come into play in the NFIC version? Same with my "When Friends Become Lovers" ... I have a mirror scene, but it's in the nfic (and no, the scene isn't nfic itself!). With the bandaged shoulder added clue ... how about Nan's "Strange Relationships"? >5. A Turkish earthquake > >I know it! I know it! I know it! I... don't know it :-( It's on the tip of = my >tongue, but I can't say where I read it. Well, I know *I* put one in WFBL ... but I'm sure there are others! You hav= e to feel bad for the fanfic universes -- probably every major city on the globe has experienced some major catastrophe. >7. A game of strip poker > >That's "The naked truth" by H=E9l=E8ne I do believe that's one I haven't read ... is this the one not on the Archive?!?! (/me looks hard at Helene. ) Kathy ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 22:36:31 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Chiara Prato Subject: R: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit -----Messaggio originale----- Da: Kaethel A: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU Data: martedì 25 luglio 2000 15.21 Oggetto: Re: Wendy's Challenge >S >P >O >I >L >E >R > >S >P >A >C >E > >Okay, let's try this one > >> 1. Two people and a mirror > >Hmmm... oh, if I remember well, there's a scene like that in 'When Friends >Become Lovers' by Kathy Brown and Demi... but with your second clue about >the bandaged shoulder it doesn't fit anymore. Sounds familiar, though... > >> 2. Letters never sent > >No idea > >> 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it > >'Shattered Illusions' by Wendy Richards > >> 4. A captive whispering > >Hmm... > >> 5. A Turkish earthquake > >Re-hmm... > >> 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules > >Uh... > >> 7. A game of strip poker > >I think that's 'Naked Truth' by... uh... me GRRRRRR how I wasn't able to recorgnize this????? Please sis! APOLOGISE!!!!!!!!!! By the way... when it will posted on the archieve????? and When A new one?!?! ChiaraP ========================================================================= Date: Tue, 25 Jul 2000 21:24:19 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Pam Jernigan Organization: http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam/ Subject: Import/Export questions for fanfic... MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Just a few minor points I'm unclear on ... if no one knows, I'll just fake it ;) but I figured I should ask :) So, my bad guy is smuggling guns *out* of the country on cargo ships, packaged as "agricultural implements". I figure there's got to be *someone* working in or around the docks who has to turn a blind eye to this little deception. So ... would the US Customs Service care about shipments leaving the country, and if not, who would be the logical candidate to bribe? :) I just really need a job title. Thanks, guys :) I need this for my next segment, but for the moment I'm gonna fake it, so this won't hold up the works. -- Pam Jernigan / ChiefPam / jernigan@bellsouth.net http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/j/e/jernigan/ God made you special, and He loves you very much. -- Veggie Tales theology The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. -- Henri Bergson ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 02:57:25 GMT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Bethy Em Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed 1. Two people and a mirror -- don't know 2. Letters never sent -- don't know 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it "Shattered Illusions" by Wendy Richards. 4. A captive whispering -- don't know 5. A Turkish earthquake -- should know it, can't remember. 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules -- Probably know it but can't remember. 7. A game of strip poker -- ditto above 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model -- "The Spying Game" by Irene Dutchak 9. Contaminated drinking water -- can't say that I know. 10. A drastic haircut -- darn, another blank. 11. A highly addictive substance -- "The Ultimate Drug" by Hazel. Bethy ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 12:41:12 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kathy wrote: > >5. A Turkish earthquake > Well, I know *I* put one in WFBL ... but I'm sure there are others! You have > to feel bad for the fanfic universes -- probably every major city on the > globe has experienced some major catastrophe. Aaaaarrrgghh! How could I not know this one?!! The aftermath of the earthquake and the angst/comfort scene that follows is one of my very favourite scenes in this fic! I'm unforgivable! Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 17:20:38 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Oops! (was Re: Wendy's Challenge) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Oops, forgot the spoiler space in my latest message! :/ My apologies! Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 15:15:09 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit There are still two stories which have not been identified. I'll give the answers for the rest once these two have been guessed; in the meantime, more clues. 2. Letters never sent; a dozen long-stemmed red roses 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules; and some old photograph albums Okay; see whether this helps! Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 13:40:51 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Terry S. Horowit" Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge In-Reply-To: <053401bff70b$e7e97180$916105a0@hrm.keele.ac.uk> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > >S >P >O >I >L >E >R > >S >P >A >C >E > >There are still two stories which have not been identified. I'll give the >answers for the rest once these two have been guessed; in the meantime, more >clues. > >2. Letters never sent; a dozen long-stemmed red roses no clue still > >6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules; and some old photograph albums Oh, of course - Connections! by (I think) C. C. Malo Terry ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 14:43:31 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kathy Brown Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge LOL! Very, very cute, Bethy! Nicely done. :D Kathy ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 00:24:17 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Nene Subject: Re: Wendy's Challenge MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit S P O I L E R S P A C E > > 2. Letters never sent; a dozen long-stemmed red roses > Since I can't get an answer on IRC :P~~, I'll give it a try here. ;) Is this "The Other Woman" by ML Thompson? Elena nene2811@tin.it ICQ # 42697787 AIM Nene2811 LenaE on IRC ========================================================================= Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 17:51:47 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Wendy's Challenge: ANSWERS MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Well done to everyone who took part; I know some of these were very tough! And I never realised that there had been so many mirrors and Turkish earthquakes in fics this year, so apologies to those of you who nominated fics other than those I had in mind. I think the second clues helped in a couple of cases. And the answers are: 1. Two people and a mirror; a bandaged shoulder: Trust Me, I'm a Reporter, by Yvonne Connell 2. Letters never sent; a dozen long-stemmed red roses: The Other Woman, by ML Thompson 3. A cellphone with a bullet in it: Shattered Illusions, by WR 4. A captive whispering: Learning Curves, by Chris Carr 5. A Turkish earthquake: When Friends Become Lovers, by Kathy Brown and Demi= 6. Two Kryptonian baby capsules; some old photograph albums: Connections, by Carol Malo 7. A game of strip poker: Naked Truth, by Helene Varlet (Kaethel) 8. An Olympus SVR1710, Deluxe Model: The Spying Game, by Irene Dutchak 9. Contaminated drinking water: Queen Lois, by Mobile Richard 10. A drastic haircut: A Future Revised, by Tank Wilson 11. A highly addictive substance: The Ultimate Drug, by Hazel Scores: Irene: 10 points for four complete stories and authors, two authors but no stories. I debated about making it 11 points for getting the author of #3, but decided against since Irene herself decided she was wrong But she does get a bonus for being the only person to identify Learning Curves. Total: 11 points, and first place. Natascha: is the hardest to score, since she correctly described the plot of three stories without guessing the titles. 6 points for authors and titles correctly identified, and bonus half-points for the descriptions, bringing her score up to 7.5. BethyEm: also 6 points, and a bonus for being the only person to get the title of 11; Total: 7 points. Helene: 6 points Terry: 2 points, plus a bonus for being the only person to identify Connections: Total 3 points. Elena: 2 points, plus a bonus for being the only person to get The Other Woman: Total 3 points. Kathy: 2 points, and I would award a bonus for being the only person to get When Friends Become Lovers, but I really think that=92s stretching it in the= circumstances. Chiara: 2 points. Nicole: 2 points. Thanks for taking part! Right... whose turn next? Wendy ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 15:12:59 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Rachel Madden Subject: NEW: The Legend of Norcross and Judd (Part 3/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit * * * "So what do we do now?" Serena slowly looked up from her Rolodex and gave Perry a "get away from me" look. "Go bother Bill. I'm in the middle of something." Stuffing his hands into his pockets, Perry ambled over to where Bill was sitting and plopped down in the chair beside his desk. "Will you tell me what's going on? Ser's in her 'Don't-touch-me-or-I'll-chew-your-head-off' mood." BJ smiled at the eager youth. "I would think you heard everything during your unexpected eavesdropping, hmm?" Perry, chagrined, blushed and ducked his head. "You were about to tell the Chief the best part of your story...something about Frederickson?" "Well, kind of. This latest jail break was Fredrickson's twelfth. And we all know that under usual circumstances, most criminals cannot break out of jail twelve times over a span of four years, right?" "Right," Perry agreed. "So we were thinking that Frederickson's lucky breaks are due to some *un*usual circumstances. Get my meaning?" "You think someone on the inside is helping him?" "Could be. Maybe a guard. Maybe one of his partners from the past." "How are you planning on proving it, though? I mean, if your assumptions are correct?" BJ grinned. "Tell me, Perry...what comes after twelve?" "Thirteen...why?" Perry creased his brow, confused. Then, he saw the meaning of his words. "Oh!" * * * Nate Walters, warden of Holton Prison for Men (est. 1919), smiled at his newest inmate. "Let's see, here...." Walters sifted through several papers lying in front of him. "This is some record you have here, Frederickson...quite impressive." He looked over the round rims of his eyeglasses at the scruffy man standing on the other side of his desk. "Have a seat." Frederickson, wiry and blessed with a full head of red hair, gently pulled up a chair and sat in it. "We run a tight ship here, Frederickson. The prison that transferred you here was obviously not as well-run." Frederickson just stared. "You will be guarded at all times. Isolation cells *do* exist here, so I will advise you not to push your luck." Walters glanced at Frederickson again. He was still staring straight ahead. "Recreation time is from 2 to 5 in the afternoon. Breakfast is at seven, lunch at twelve, and dinner at six. And you can stow the smirk." Frederickson wondered how Walters had known he was smirking without looking up from his papers. "This is *not* a facility where doctors make appointments to talk to you about what you've done, nor is this a place where a perky nurse comes into your cell every morning and makes your bed and puts a chocolate on your pillow...got it?" Frederickson nodded. He had heard this sermon before. "Porter!" Frederickson could have sworn that the guard who walked through the door almost saluted Walters. "Get him out of here." Walters gestured at Frederickson. "See you later," he said, flashing another smile at Patrick. Frederickson was being led down the hall to his cell when he heard Walters' voice resonating off the walls. "By the way, Frederickson...no one has ever escaped from Holton alive. No one." Frederickson just smiled. * * * "Uh...Mr. Walters?" "What is it, Crandall?" Walters asked without looking up from his desk. "There are three guards waiting in the next room...transferred from MSP also, I believe." "Oh, right...I almost forgot. Send them in, please, Crandall." Steven Crandall breathed a sigh of relief as he left the room. Talking to the warden after meetings with inmates was a not particularly a good idea. "You can go in now," he said to the three, bouncer-type men sitting in the waiting area. Gary Scott stood up along with Andrew McCormick and the guard simply known as Dusty. "Thank you, Mr. Crandall. It was a pleasure meeting you." After the three had gone into Walters' office, Crandall finally realized that a prison guard known for his brutal disciplinary methods had spoken politely to him. He spun around and looked at the door Scott and the others had just passed through. Raising his eyebrows, Crandall murmured a thoughtful "hmm" to the pencil box sitting on his desk. * * * "Ah, Mr....Scott, is it?" Scott nodded curtly and gestured at his fellow guards. "Andrew McCormick and Dusty, my colleagues." "Of course," Walters said, smiling. "Sit down, please." After everyone was situated, Walters asked, "So you're all from Metropolis State Prison?" All three men nodded. "Why exactly were you transferred?" McCormick smiled sheepishly. "Well, frankly, sir, the warden at MSP didn't like the way we handled the prisoners. We all admit now that some things we did were wrong...we're just a little rougher than the other guards." "But we saw the men you have here when we were escorted inside. Looks like you could actually use a little physical discipline with these guys," Scott added. Walters acknowledged this with a smile. "Sometimes it certainly seems like it." He paused. "But I need to know...have you ever killed a prisoner, whether accidentally or on purpose?" Scott stared at his hands, which were resting in his lap. He looked up briefly, saw Walters' stern face, then immediately lowered his head again. "Yes." The smile spread across Walters' face again. "Good." Scott glanced at McCormick and Dusty, then slowly began to smile along with the warden. So the three guards got to know the warden in the minutes that followed. Then they left, were showed around the prison, and assigned to their new posts. But they hadn't told the warden the real reason they were transferred. And chances of telling him were very slim. ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 17:19:22 -0600 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Erin Klingler Subject: NEW: The Darkest Hour part 32 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi guys! See? I haven't forgotten. Thanks for all the private and public emails asking for more, as they seem to be what're keeping me going on this. And good news--hold onto your seats--I'm all but done. ;) Look for the rest of the installments to be posted in the next few days. And to my faithful beta reader Wendy: thank you!! I'd *never* get this done and in readable form without you! And thanks for keeping me straight on my "lay, lie and laid," as well as being patient with me on my many oopses on my "your" and "you're's." Really, I do know better, I promise. Hope you guys like how the story is playing out. ;) ******************************************************* The Darkest Hour (Before the Dawn) part 32 by Erin Klingler erink@ida.net rated: PG13 feedback definitely welcomed, public or private! ***** The car slowed and then came to a halt, causing Clark to wake with a start. Glancing down, he saw that Lois was still asleep with her head pillowed in his lap, and he racked his brain to try to figure out where they were and what they were doing in the car. But before he could put the pieces together, he heard his car door open, and the next thing he knew, hands were reaching in for him. Immediately his body tensed up and he jerked upright, preparing to defend himself and Lois against the person. He struggled to pull free from the reaching hands, but when his fuzzy mind cleared and his eyes began to focus, he saw that the trooper was standing over him, quickly pulling his hands back and holding them up reassuringly in front of him. "Whoa, whoa, Mr. Kent, slow down. I was just trying to wake you. We're at Metropolis General. I radioed ahead and told the ER staff that we were coming, and what your condition was. They're on their way now." Blinking a couple of times, Clark saw that they were indeed in front of the hospital's ER doors, and several people in medical smocks were coming out to meet them. Immediately Clark relaxed as the white-coated physicians hurried up to them. "Okay, but check Lois first," he said, brushing aside the hands of the doctor who was starting to look him over. That's all he needed was some overly thorough doctor checking him over and finding out more about him than he wanted them to know. "She's worse off than I am." "Don't worry, Mr. Kent," the doctor standing over him reassured him, "we're going to take care of you both." Clark heard the other back passenger door open, and he turned to see that another doctor was leaning in to assess Lois' condition. She barely stirred as the doctor looked her over quickly, then turned to call for some help. Another doctor quickly joined them. "Where do you hurt?" the doctor hovering over Clark asked, still trying to determine his condition. Clark barely heard as he continued to watch the physicians assess Lois' injuries, straining to hear what they were saying. "What?" he asked, momentarily glancing back at the doctor. "Oh, um, my ribs are a little sore, but other than that, I'm okay," he said dismissively before turning back to Lois. But his attention was quickly diverted when the doctor prodded his ribs, causing Clark to jump slightly and wince. The doctor frowned. "I think you might have a broken rib or two," he told Clark. "We should get some x-rays to find out for sure." "No!" Clark said abruptly, causing the doctor to start. Realizing he'd been too forceful, Clark softened his tone and tried again. "No, I'm okay, really," he reassured the doctor as he brushed the man's hands aside and climbed stiffly out of the car. "I just want you guys to take care of Lois. She's not doing well." "Mr. Kent, I know you're concerned about your girlfriend, but we need to take care of you, too," the doctor said firmly as stood in Clark's path. "We have enough staff to help you both." Clark saw the doctors lift Lois carefully out of the car and lay her on a gurney. Turning to the doctor in front of him, Clark's brow furrowed in a mixture of frustration and determination. "Look, I know that you're just trying to help me, and I appreciate it. But believe me, I'm fine. I just want to stay with my girlfriend." The man stared at the determination in Clark's eyes, and knew he was fighting a losing battle. And as far as he could tell, this Mr. Kent really *was* okay, at least he wasn't in dire need of medical attention. Finally the doctor nodded and stepped back so Clark could pass. "Just promise me that you'll let someone take a look at those ribs before you leave, okay?" Not wanting to lie--or to explain the truth behind why he didn't want any doctors examining him--Clark nodded, though unconvincingly, and hurried past the doctor and around the back of the car. He took a few painful running strides to catch up with Lois as she was wheeled toward the sliding glass doors, and he reached for her hand. Just before they went into the ER, he turned to look for the State Trooper, and when he spotted him standing next to his car, he gave the man a quick wave of thanks, which was returned with a smile and a wave. As they hurried into the hospital, Clark saw that a couple of officers were waiting for them. "Don't worry, Lois, everything's going to be okay now," he told her, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She opened her eyes at his touch and smiled wearily. "I know, Clark. But what about you?" "What about me?" They turned into one of the examination rooms and came to a stop. "You, your ribs," Lois said quietly, gesturing at the arm he was holding across his obviously sore chest. "Aren't you going to let them help you?" Clark looked around quickly, waiting for the two doctors who'd wheeled Lois in to leave before responding. When they did, a young doctor came in to assess Lois' condition, then went across the room to get some items from a drawer. As he was preoccupied with gathering the things he needed, Clark lowered his voice so the doctor couldn't hear them and leaned in toward Lois. "What are they going to do?" he whispered pointedly. "I can't let them x-ray me. It wouldn't take them long to realize that I'm not...you know." "You look like everyone else, so who's to say your insides look any different than ours?" Lois whispered back stubbornly. "Maybe they do or maybe they don't," Clark argued. "But there's no way I'm going to take that chance." Lois opened her mouth to argue, but the doctor suddenly reappeared beside them and Clark quickly straightened up and stepped back out of the young man's way, effectively ending their discussion. Lois glared at him to show that she wasn't pleased that he wouldn't even consider at least having *some* kind of treatment, but she did understand why he had his mind set against it. As the young doctor directed her to hold a thermometer under her tongue and then proceeded to check on her leg, Lois gave him the once over. He looked awfully young to be on staff in the ER. She watched him reach for a cotton swab and began to douse it with hydrogen peroxide, but ended up spilling much of the bottle. *Great. Of all the doctors I have to get, I get some fumbling young guy who doesn't know what the heck he's doing,* she complained silently. Trying to make herself relax as the doctor started to clean her gash, she glanced over at Clark, who was standing just a couple paces away. He was watching her anxiously, with his arm still pressed against his aching ribs, but clearly too preoccupied with her own well being to realize he was doing it. Suddenly she realized she felt sorry for Clark. It had to be hard to be different, to always be worrying about people finding out about who you were, and about having your chance at living some semblance of a normal life blown by even one simple oversight. Looking over at him, she realized there was a lot she didn't know about Clark...about how it must've been growing up with his unique kind of peer pressure. It was hard enough trying to fit in with your peers, without knowing you were completely different from them, and were able to do things that they'd never dreamed of doing. And how must it have been to grow up, not ever really knowing who you were or where you came from? The article that Clark had been pursuing about adoptees looking for their birth parents flashed in her mind. That story must've really hit close to home for Clark, though he obviously had a new factor in the mix. Not only would he have been trying desperately to research his past for any indications of who he was or where he came from, but he'd have to have been wondering also *why* it was he could do the things he could do. Such an intense and life altering line of research surely had to take its toll on a person, let alone someone who had to feel so alone in the universe, having such unique capabilities as his. Suddenly she felt guilty for all the times she carried on about Superman in front of him, putting the superhero on a pedestal while unknowingly shooting Clark down in the process. Although she'd always tried not to let it show, it had always hurt her throughout her own life when she'd overheard someone talking about her or criticizing her behind her back. And yet Clark had had to deal with that ever since Superman had made his first appearance in Metropolis. She couldn't imagine how difficult it must've been for him when someone would criticize the Superhero, or blame him for not getting to someone fast enough or for not being in the right place at the right time to ward off disaster. He must've hated having to pretend their criticism or harsh words didn't hurt as he heard them spoken right in front of him. And she realized she was just as guilty as everyone else, having had her fair share of Superman worship in the beginning, yet brushing her doting and devoted partner off at the same time. Surely her actions must've built a chasm of resentfulness in Clark toward the superhero who he'd created. Tears of guilt at how she'd treated him filled her eyes, but before they could spill down her cheeks, she quickly wiped at them to prevent Clark from noticing. But, as intent on her as he was, he saw the tears shining in her eyes and immediately stepped forward and gave the doctor a threatening glare, clearly misinterpreting the cause of her emotional state. "Hey, be careful!" he said protectively as the young doctor continued to clean Lois' wound. "Can't you see you're hurting her?" "No, Clark, it's okay," she quickly intervened as the young doctor-clearly still an intern-took a step back, obviously worried by Clark's menacing look. She bit her tongue to keep from laughing at the frightened look on the young man's face, his hand suspended nervously over the gash on her leg. But Clark didn't seem to hear her, so she squeezed his arm and tried again. "Clark!" This time her voice caught his attention and he tore his eyes away from the young man's. When she saw that he had his attention, she gestured to the police officers standing out in the hall. "Why don't you go and give our statement to the police? I'll be fine in here until you get back." Clark looked hesitant to leave her alone with the clearly inexperienced intern. "Are you sure? I can stay, if you want, to make sure you're okay." The intern looked offended and straightened up. "I'm more than qualified to take care of this patient," he told him. Clark gave him his most intimidating superhero look. "But you see, that's just it. She's not *just* a patient. She's my *girlfriend,* and I love her. I want you to make sure she gets the best treatment available, or you'll have to answer to me. Got it?" The intern gulped involuntarily. "Got it." Clark glowered at him for another moment, making sure he'd gotten his point across, then turned back to Lois. "I'm going to call Perry before talking to the police," Clark told Lois. "I want to let him know we're back safely, since I'm sure he's worried." "Tell him we're fine, and that I'll talk to him soon." Clark nodded, then hurried out into the hall. Lois tried to hide her smile of amusement as the intern turned back to her and very carefully set to work cleaning her wound. "Your boyfriend's pretty scary," the young man replied, trying to ease the tension as he reached for a shot of numbing medication on the tray beside him. "Is he always like that?" The time Lois let her smile spread across her face. "Only when he thinks my well being is at stake." But Lois' reply only served to make the young man more nervous, and he jabbed her a little too hard with the needle, making her jump. "Ow!" The intern's face went ashen. "Sorry." "How long have you been doing this?" Lois complained as he pulled the needle out, only to realize he hadn't given her the full dose, then shoved the needle back in her leg. She winced as he injected the rest of the medication into her thigh too quickly, making her leg to burn. "This is actually my first week on duty in the ER," he admitted sheepishly. "But I'm highly qualified." "Yeah, I bet you are," Lois grumbled, her patience starting to wear thin as she warily watched him reached for the needle to stitch up her leg. ***** continued in part 33... Erin :) __________________ erink@ida.net Visit my LNC/Kerth Website: www.ida.net/users/davek ***** "It's not the years that count, it's the moments...right now, as they happen." __________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 17:21:24 -0600 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Erin Klingler Subject: NEW: The Darkest Hour (part 33) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The Darkest Hour (Before the Dawn) part 33 by Erin Klingler erink@ida.net rated PG13 feedback welcomed, public or private ************************************************* When Clark got off the phone with Perry, he felt a whole new sense of urgency. He'd learned that they did already know about the virus, and that the FBI had been called in to help remove it, but as of yet, they'd been unsuccessful. Perry told him they were even threatening to shut down the Planet down in order to prevent the potentially dangerous virus from spreading. Clark was rather surprised that, under the circumstances, Perry sounded as calm as he did. But he was sure that if he and Lois had actually been at the Planet, they'd have seen Perry pacing furiously around the newsroom and hollering at anyone who dared to come near him. Perry had been extremely worried about them when Clark told him what they'd been through, and he sounded especially concerned about Lois' condition. Their editor had always had a soft spot for Lois, and Clark could tell he felt more like a father to her than a boss. He told Clark he'd be down to check on them shortly, and told Clark to pass along his love and concern for her. After hanging up, Clark walked back down the hall to where Lois was being examined, and he kept an eye on her through the room's window as he gave his statement to the police. He saw her jump as the young doctor stuck her with the needle yet again, and he clenched his fists. *Where do they train these doctors?* he thought angrily. *As if she hadn't been through enough these past few days as it is, now she's being subjected to this fumbling idiot.* A familiar voice brought Clark out of his thoughts, and he turned to see Inspector Henderson approaching. "Glad to see you're in one piece," he said as he reached out to clasp Clark's hand. "How's Lois?" Clark gestured across the hall where he could see Lois glowering at the intern as he carelessly tried to put a stitch in her leg. "No worse for the wear, I see. At least her temper is still intact," Henderson remarked dryly. "I got here as quickly as I could. You probably already told my men what happened, but I would appreciate hearing it straight from you. Where's this Trask character holed up?" As Clark repeated much of what he'd told the others, as well as many of the other details he hadn't gotten to yet, Henderson nodded and jotted down all of the pertinent points in his notebook. When Clark finished, the inspector tucked his notebook back into his inside suit jacket pocket. "Rest assured, we're going to give this our top priority and find Trask and his men ASAP. I don't care what this man thinks, no one is above the law." He waved to two of his officers he saw approaching, then continued. "I think we should also get the FBI involved with this one. If this 'Garrison' is really involved with planting the virus at the Planet, they're going to want to hear about what happened to you guys. I'm sure it's related." Clark nodded. "As many people as it takes to track Garrison, Trask and his men down and put him behind bars, it's fine with me. There were times when I thought Lois and I weren't going to make it." "Well, I'm glad you did," Henderson said sincerely, in spite of his deadpan expression. He glanced over at Lois again, and the corners of his mouth twitched. "Although I think that young man in there may not last too much longer if you don't get in there and intervene." Clark spun around just in time to see Lois grab the intern's smock roughly and glare at him. He grimaced. He'd been on the receiving end of that look a lot during his first year at the Planet, and it wasn't pretty. A wounded *and* angry Lois Lane wasn't going to be fun to reckon with. He decided he'd better get in there before Lois let the poor intern have it. "I think I'd better go intervene before that intern considers looking for a new profession," he said, reaching out to shake the inspector's hand. "Thanks for your help." "I'm going to give my men specific instructions that you two have protection 24/7 for the next couple of days until Trask, Garrison and their men are caught. We don't want to take any chances at them getting to you guys again." "I'd appreciate that," Clark told him, knowing Lois wouldn't like the idea of a guard following them around, but feeling better knowing that she'd be protected. "Be sure to keep us posted on what you find." "Will do," the inspector replied. With one last grateful smile at Henderson, Clark turned and hurried into Lois' room. When he stepped in, the intern looked both afraid and relieved to see him. "What did Perry have to say?" Lois asked, thankful to have something to keep her mind off the needle in the intern's shaky fingers. "Well, they're already aware of the virus, and the FBI is there searching for it," Clark filled in Lois. "But they told Perry that if they don't find it in the next few hours, they're going to shut down the Planet." "What?!" Lois exclaimed loudly, sitting bolt upright and causing the intern to jump and stick her in the thigh with the needle. "OW!" she hollered, tears of pain filling her eyes. Finally losing all patience, she tried to keep her tears in check as she directed an evil glare at the apologetic looking intern. "Can't you do this without making me hurt any worse than I do?! If you can't be that competent, could you at least numb me enough so that I can't feel every jab you make?!" "I'm sorry, I--" "I don't care if you're sorry! Just get me another doctor!" Lois demanded, yelling in spite of the fact that it was making her head start to pound again. "But--" "NOW!" Taking one last look at his adamant patient, the ashen-faced intern set the needle down and stepped away. "Fine," he grumbled. "It's no skin off my nose." Then he turned and hurried out into the hall. When he was gone, Lois let herself fall back onto the bed and covered her eyes with her arms, trying to shield her watering eyes from the bright lights above. All that shouting had made her head start to pound again, and the queasy feeling was working its way back into her stomach. She laid there for a long minute, trying to let the peace of the now-quiet room seep into her and ease her pounding temples. Just as she took a deep breath and let it out slowly, she felt Clark's hand on her shoulder and his soft voice reached her ears. "Lois, if you keep letting yourself get worked up like that, you're only going to make yourself worse." "I know," she responded quietly. "I just feel bad enough without that bumbling idiot making things worse." "Then why didn't you just tell me you wanted a different doctor? I would've gone and found you one." With her arms still covering her eyes, Lois smiled in spite of herself. "I know. You certainly scared that intern enough to send him running for cover. I think that's what got him so nervous in the first place." "Sorry," Clark apologized, but Lois could hear the smile in his voice. "I thought if I put the fear of God in him, he'd be more careful. I guess it kind of backfired, though." Lois chuckled and moved her arms from her face so she could see Clark. "I'd say so." As they both fell silent, Lois closed her eyes and relaxed on the bed, grateful for a few moments of peace to quiet her pounding head. A few minutes later, though, they heard heavy footsteps approaching and then turn into their room. "Well, well, Lois Lane," the new arrival's jovial voice exclaimed, sounding strangely familiar to Lois, "I see you've done an extremely thorough job of terrorizing our newest intern." Lois opened her eyes and was surprised to see the doctor's familiar smiling face looming over hers. "Dr. Meyers!" she exclaimed, her tired voice reflecting her enthusiasm. "I haven't seen you in years. How've you been?" "I'm fine, but the question should be, how are you? You look like you've been through quite an ordeal." He stopped beside the bed and quickly looked over her chart before turning to smile at her again. "Still getting into trouble, are you?" "Well, you know me," Lois smiled again, then turned to Clark, who was looking from one to the other. "Clark, this is Dr. Meyers. He was a good friend of my father's when I was growing up." "Pleased to meet you," Clark said with a smile as he reached out to shake the man's hand. "As for your intern, Lois was this close-" he held up his thumb and forefinger a fraction of an inch apart, "to tearing him limb from limb." "I'm not surprised. Lois isn't exactly the easiest person to get along with," Dr. Meyers said teasingly. He gave Lois a wink when she playfully glared at him, but then he turned his attention to her leg, taking it gently in his hands and inspecting it closely. He grimaced slightly. "This is a nasty gash, Lois. What happened?" As Lois related the story to him, he listened carefully as he went about cleaning the wound over again and giving her a new injection of pain medication into the area before stitching it. When she finished, he nodded solemnly. "You really have been through a lot, Lois," he said, putting the final stitch in her leg and cutting the thread. "I'm just glad you came out of it alive, and I'm sure your parents will be, too. Have you called them yet?" Lois shook her head. "Not yet." "I'll take care of that," Dr. Meyers reassured her. "Besides, it'll be nice to hear your father's voice again. *After* he hears that you're okay." Lois smiled as she took the hand he offered her and allowed him to help her sit up. Shifting uncomfortably on the edge of the bed, she glanced up at the clock on the wall. "So am I all finished? Can I go now?" Dr. Meyers frowned and shook his head. "Not a chance, Lois. With this wound going untreated for as long as it has, you've lost a lot of blood, and infection has started in. Your fever is also still a bit high, and although it's probably due to the infection, I'd like to keep you here for a day or two to keep tabs on it. And on top of that, you're dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion. I'd like to get you admitted and hooked up to an I.V. so we can pump some fluids and antibiotics into you." "But I can't stay here!" she protested vehemently, ignoring Clark's hand slipping around hers and his 'don't you dare even think about it' look. "Yeah, I feel run down. But I'm sure it's nothing a good night's sleep won't fix! Clark and I have got to get down to the Planet. That virus I mentioned is still hidden within their computer system, and we've got to see what we can do to help. Can't I just get out of here and promise to take it easy for a couple of days?" Dr. Meyers chuckled and glanced at Clark. "I don't think she has it in her, do you?" Clark smiled, though his forehead was creased with concern. "Sounds like you know her as well as I do." The doctor nodded, then smiled patiently at Lois. "She's been this stubborn ever since I've known her." Then his smile faded, and when he spoke again, his tone was serious. "Lois, I'm sure you think you're well enough to get out of here, but truthfully, the thing that concerns me the most is that this fever could be the beginning of something more serious. Or it could just be a post-injury infection. I don't know for sure, so I don't want to take any chances." Clark gave her hand a squeeze and spoke up. "Lois, I have to agree. It definitely wouldn't hurt you to stay here for a day or so." "But what about the virus?" Lois objected persistently. "In less than forty-eight hours, the virus will activate, and if we don't do something now, it's going to be too late to stop it! I can't just stay here and let that happen!" "Lois," Clark said calmly, perching beside her carefully on the bed and giving her hand a squeeze. "I can go down to the Planet and see what can be done. Besides, what kind of computer experts are we to really do anything to help? Perry said the FBI and Jimmy were already doing everything that could be done." "But--" Lois started to argue. Clark silenced her with a stern look. "No buts, Lois. You need the medical attention *and* the rest, so you're staying here. No more arguments." Knowing it was a lost cause to continue arguing, Lois sighed. All the arguing was making her tired, anyway. "Fine," she finally mumbled. "But don't expect me to like it." Dr. Meyers chuckled. "I'd be disappointed in you if you did, Lois. Now just lie back and relax for a minute. I'm going to go call upstairs and let them know you're coming up." ***** A short time later, Lois was lying in a hospital bed on the fourth floor, half asleep and completely tired from being poked and prodded by the nurses during her admitting. She lifted her arm to run her hand tiredly through her hair, being careful not to pull the I.V. needle out of her arm. The sound of the door opening made her open her eyes, and she was pleased to see that it was Clark coming into the room. He hurried to her side and leaned over her, gently pressing a lingering kiss to her forehead before sitting down in the chair next to her. "How are you feeling, Lois?" She smiled tiredly. "At least the nurses haven't missed my veins. If I have to get poked even one more time, I think I'm going to scream." Clark smiled. "I don't blame you." It was quiet for a minute as Lois closed her eyes tiredly. Then she cracked a lid and glanced at Clark. "So what about you? Are you going to head over to see Dr. Klein?" "Yeah, I guess I should," Clark sighed. "I still worry a bit about Dr. Klein making the connection between me and Superman, though, since the news of what happened to us has surely hit the news by now." Lois tightened her grip on his hand. "I know you do. But right now you really don't have much choice. Besides, all you really need to tell him is that you--Superman--were exposed to a chunk of Kryptonite, then injected with a liquid form of it. If he makes the connection between you two, then so be it. I trust Dr. Klein. Don't you?" Clark nodded. "Yeah, I do. I guess it's just the matter of having another person out there who knows my secret is what bothers me. But I guess if that happens, it can't be helped." "True. So go," Lois told him. "The world needs you. And *I* need you." She smiled tenderly and squeezed his hand again. "You need to get back to normal, and he's your best bet." "I know." He looked down at their joined hands and gently traced his thumb over her knuckles. Then he met her gaze again. "Well, at least you're all checked in and being taken care of. And thanks to Inspector Henderson, you have a guard right outside your door." Lois rolled her eyes. "I have mixed emotions about that." Clark reached out to tenderly push the bangs back from her forehead and smiled down at her softly. "I know you do. But Henderson promised to keep you safe until Trask and his men were in custody, so I think it's for the best right now." "Yeah, I guess," Lois admitted. Clark hesitated. "Are you sure you're going to be okay if I go?" "Clark, I'll be fine. Just go already." He studied her intently for a moment, trying to decide if she really meant it. Finally he decided she did. "Okay, but promise me you'll just take it easy until I get back. Please?" She nodded tiredly. "I promise. Actually, now that I'm lying here, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I just want to close my eyes and go to sleep." Clark smiled softly. "Then I'll let you sleep. But I'll be back soon." "Okay," Lois said wearily. "Call me as soon as you know anything." "I will." He stood up slowly, then leaned over and kissed her gently, this time pressing his lips to hers in a lingering kiss that told her wordlessly how much he loved her, and how glad he was that she was going to be okay. When he stepped back, his gaze lingering on hers for a moment, then he straightened up. "Sleep well, Lois." Half asleep, she attempted one last tired smile. "See you soon, Clark." ***** continued in part 34... Erin :) __________________ erink@ida.net Visit my LNC/Kerth Website: www.ida.net/users/davek ***** "It's not the years that count, it's the moments...right now, as they happen." __________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 17:23:25 -0600 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Erin Klingler Subject: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The Darkest Hour (Before the Dawn) part 32 by Erin Klingler erink@ida.net rated: PG13 feedback welcomed, public or private ********************************************** After Clark left Lois' room, he slipped down the hospital stairs in order to avoid the posted guards in the lobby. He knew that having a cop tagging along with him to STAR Labs wouldn't work. How would he be able to change into the Suit and see Dr. Klein if he was being guarded? So as he went through the hospital's doors, he tried to keep as low a profile as possible as he hailed a cab. As they pulled away from the hospital, Clark directed the driver to his apartment, where he knew he could get some cash to pay for the ride and put on some clean clothes. When they arrived, Clark told the cabbie to wait and he quickly let himself into his apartment using his hidden spare key, got some cash for the cab, then quickly changed his clothes, making sure to put the Suit on underneath, then hurried back out to the waiting cab. Opening the back door and climbing in, he told the driver, "STAR Labs, please," and they arrived there minutes later. Climbing out, Clark quickly paid the cabbie, then slipped into a nearby alley, where he changed at normal speed into the suit. Then he went in through the Lab's front doors, ignoring the looks he got as he crossed through the lobby. When Doctor Klein buzzed him through to his lab a few minutes later, he greeted him with a smile. "Well, Superman! How nice to see you. What can I do for you?" "I kind of, well...ran into a little trouble," Clark began, uncertain how to proceed without giving too much away. "I was hoping you could help." "Seems like you're always 'running into a little trouble,'" Dr. Klein grinned as he picked up a stack of papers from his desk and moved them to a nearby out basket. "Who tried to kill you, trap you, clone you, run you out of town, or take your powers away this time?" Clark smiled. "It's a long story," he consented, leaving it at that since any more might give him away. "But the problem is, I was injected with a liquid form of Kryptonite, and not only did it succeed in taking away my powers, but I haven't felt very well since. I was hoping you could help me." Dr. Klein's smile turned into a concerned frown, and he shook his head. "If it's not one thing with you, it's another." He leaned back against the shelf and folded his arms across his chest. "Well, I guess the first place for us to start is to run some tests. If I could find out how the Kryptonite was affecting you on the cellular level, we could probably come up with something to neutralize the effect." He pushed off from the desk and crossed the room to the cabinet that held his medical equipment. Opening the cabinet doors, he suddenly stopped and turned back to the superhero. "Actually, there might be some good that could come out of this," the doctor told him. "It could give us a chance to study your metabolism and learn more about how your body works for future reference. And then, with all our findings on file, we might even be able to come up with a cure for the effects of Kryptonite in the future." Clark looked hopeful. "Can you do that?" Dr. Klein shrugged. "I don't see why not. With all the data we would have, we should be able to tell exactly how Kryptonite affects you, and then we could research the possibilities of counteracting the effects." "That would be *great,*" Clark admitted. "Not only would I not have to suffer through an ordeal like this again, but I'd be that much more invulnerable to my enemies." "It may take a while to develop, but I agree that it would definitely be worth pursuing," Dr. Klein agreed. "But let's focus on what we can do for you now." He directed Clark into a nearby examination room and gestured for him to climb up onto the examination table in the center of the room. "Do you know anything about how the serum was manufactured?" Being as careful as possible not to reveal anything that might give away his identity, Clark explained how he'd been exposed to the Kryptonite rock to weaken his system, then injected with the Kryptonite serum. Dr. Klein listened carefully, nodding in response to Clark's explanation. "Well, it'll probably take a series of extensive tests to figure out how your system is reacting to the Kryptonite on a cellular level. Are you feeling up to it? I want to make sure I'm thorough so we can figure this out." Clark nodded. "Whatever it's going to take." "Good. Then let's get started." For the next three hours, Dr. Klein drew several viles of blood, ran every test that he thought significant, and carefully logged every little piece of data into his computer for future analysis. As the time continued to drag on, Clark grew more and more anxious. He was worried about Lois and wanted to hear her voice, to know that she was okay and hear how she was doing. He considered phoning her, but as soon as the thought occurred to him, he immediately ruled out the possibility. It would definitely be too suspicious, since the word was out about what "Clark and Lois" had been through. It wouldn't take a genius for Dr. Klein to piece together the clues to the truth of what he and Lois had really been through. So Clark used every ounce of his will power to remain where he was and let Dr. Klein continue with his testing as he reassured himself that Lois would be fine under the careful watch of the doctors and police. After what seemed like an eternity, Doctor Klein set down the last test tube and gestured for Clark to climb down off the examination table. "I can't imagine I would need any more information," he told Clark. "With all this data I've collected, I'm sure I can figure out what's happened and figure out how to counteract the Kryptonite's effect." "How long do you think it'll be until you know something?" Clark asked anxiously. "Well, it's going to take me a few hours to go through all this data," Dr. Klein surmised. "I'll drop my other projects and give this top priority, and I'm sure I can get several of my colleagues to do the same. Hopefully we'll at least have a better idea of what we're dealing with by this afternoon. Are you able to check back then?" "You bet I will," Clark told him. "I can't thank you enough for this, Dr. Klein." "Don't mention it," the doctor smiled and dismissed the superhero's gratitude with a quick wave of his hand. "Now get out of here and, well...do whatever it is you do, and I'll get to work on this right away. I'll see you back here in a few hours." Clark thanked him again, then left Dr. Klein to his data and his microscope. Walking outside into the cold winter air, Clark breathed long and deep, surprised to discover how much a whiff of smog, gasoline and wet pavement soothed him. He never thought he'd miss the stale, sharp smells of the city, but after what he and Lois had been through the last few days, he doubted he'd want to visit the woods anytime soon. After pausing for a moment, he glanced around to make sure no one was watching, then disappeared into an alley and changed back into his street clothes and went to hail a taxi. Now that Dr. Klein was working on a cure, he couldn't wait to get back to Lois. Raising one hand to draw a cabby's attention and using the fingers on his other to let out a loud whistle, he signaled a nearly cab and climbed in. "Metropolis General, please. And step on it." ***** The sun was almost directly overhead when a jeep packed with five men pulled up in front of the cabin, and the men climbed out hesitantly. No one spoke as they walked up the cabin's front path. "Trask's not going to be happy about this," the driver finally mumbled as they started up the steps. "We've been looking for Lane and Kent since last night, and we've turned up nothing. When we tell Trask that we haven't found any sign of them--" "What do you mean 'we'?" one of the other men objected. "*I'm* not telling him! You're the one he put in charge. *You* tell him." The driver glared at the man. "No wonder you never made it in a combat," he mumbled loathingly. "Fine, I'll tell him. I'm not afraid of him." His tone was stalwart and firm, but his steps slowed as he reached the front door, suggesting to the others that he wasn't as brave as he appeared to be. As soon as they opened the front door, Trask stormed up to them, clearly not in the mood for bad news. "Where have you guys been? I've been trying to raise you on the radio for three hours!" "Oh, um, well, we kind of left the radios in the car, sir. We had our hands full with the tracking equipment we were using to search for Lane and Kent." Trask started to argue that nothing was more important than having a radio for keeping in touch, but decided there were more important things to deal with at the moment. "So? Did you find them?" Trask asked anxiously, a small muscle twitching in his jaw. The driver swallowed the lump in his throat and steeled himself. "We've searched the entire mountain, but there's no sign of them." "What?!" Trask thundered, causing all five men to step back nervously. "How can there possibly be no sign of them?! If you'd searched the entire mountain, you would've found them. There can't be that many places for them to hide!" "They just aren't there, Sir," one of the other men chimed in. "We've looked everywhere." But Trask's face only grew redder as he heard the man's report. "They *have* to be there! Where else could they be? Now get back out there, and don't come back until you find them!" The men stood frozen in disbelief, not wanting to return to the task they'd fruitlessly spent so many hours on. Finally the driver spoke up. "It would just be a waste of time. Like we said, we've looked everywhere..." Trask opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a voice behind him. "Has anyone considered the possibility that Lane and Kent might be back in Metropolis?" Trask whirled around to see Garrison coming into the room. "Impossible!" he declared vehemently. "There's no way they could've gotten past our surveillance team without us knowing." "But just consider for a moment that they did," Garrison said slowly. "Would you be willing to let those two slip away just because you were arrogant enough to believe they couldn't get past your surveillance network? If I were you, I wouldn't risk it. Check Metropolis." The five men stood quietly, watching Trask and waiting for him to make a decision. Trask contemplated Garrison's words for what seemed like an eternity, then finally nodded. "Fine. You three," he gestured at the three men nearest him, "head down to Metropolis and check out their apartments and the Planet. You other two stay here with me. I may need you if the other team turns up something here." The men nodded, then went their separate ways, eager to get back in their commander's good graces. When they were alone, Trask turned to Garrison. "I hope you're wrong about this," he said. "If they've slipped past us and are now back in Metropolis, they've no doubt alerted the authorities and are being heavily guarded. They'll be looking for us, which would make it nearly impossible to get to them." Garrison smirked. "Maybe for your men, but not for me. If we find out they *are* back in Metropolis, I'll head down there and personally take care of those two. It would be my pleasure." Trask smiled. "You know what, Garrison? For once, I like the way you think." ***** Climbing out of the cab, Clark pulled a couple of bills from his pocket and handed them to the driver through the front window, then stepped back from the curb to avoid the spray of snow and slush flipped up by the cab's tires. As the cab disappeared down the street, Clark turned and walked through the hospital's front entrance, making his way up to the fourth floor. When he opened the door to her room, he was surprised to see that Lois was sitting on the edge of the bed, dressed in jeans and a sweatshirt, with a set of crutches propped up on the bed next to her. He watched in disbelief as she struggled to bring her leg toward her enough to slip her sock on. "What are you doing?" he asked incredulously. "I called my mom and had her bring my clothes. I'm getting out of here." Clark immediately started to object, but Lois quickly cut him off. "Clark, you need my help, and the Planet does, too. I'm already feeling a little better, so I'm not going to just sit here in this bed all day and wonder what's going on at the Planet. Besides, after being stuck with a dozen needles, hooked up to an I.V., and given what seemed like gallons of blood and antibiotics, there's really nothing more they can do for me here." "Hmmm," Clark replied non-commitally. To his trained eye, she still looked exhausted, and he knew she was probably only feeling better because she was on high doses of pain medication. More than anything, he wanted her to stay, to get the rest and care she so desperately needed. But he knew it was--and always had been--useless to tell her what to do when she'd made her mind up about something. Trying a different approach, he asked, "So what does Dr. Meyers think about you leaving?" "He's not thrilled, but he's going to let me go," she told him as she reached for one of her shoes. As she carefully slipped her foot into it and started to fumble with the laces, she looked up at him. "How did it go with Dr. Klein?" Clark shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and took a couple of steps into the room, still clearly preoccupied with her own well being as he answered. "He ran some tests and thinks he can come up with something that'll counteract the Kryptonite in my system. I'm supposed to check back in a few hours...Are you sure you're well enough to get out of here?" he asked, running the two sentences together. Lois sighed impatiently. "Clark, please, no lectures. I'm not in the mood." "Lois, I'm not lecturing, I just think you're taking on too much too soon--" "My sentiments exactly," Dr. Meyer's voice sounded from the door. Lois and Clark looked up to see him, and he continued. "Lois, let me tell you again that I'm not happy about your leaving. You'd be so much better off if you stayed here for a while and let your body recover." "Lois, listen to him," Clark pleaded. "You're not well enough to throw yourself back into your regular routine. You've been through a lot--" "I know I have, Clark!" she snapped impatiently, then instantly regretted her outburst as it made her head ache. She closed her eyes momentarily and took a deep breath to regain control of her emotions. She couldn't let them see that she, herself, was doubting the wisdom of leaving when she still felt so exhausted, achy and weak. But there were more important things to worry about...like the Planet's survival. When she felt calmer, she opened her eyes to find Clark and Dr. Meyers watching her with concern. She tried again, this time her voice was softer and more rational. "The FBI's threatening to shut down the Planet, and I can't let that happen. *We* can't let that happen, Clark. The Planet's like a second home to me, and we already nearly lost it once. I'm not about to let that happen again. Maybe something we've heard, or something we know about who is behind this may help them find the solution. If so, I can't justify sitting around doing nothing." Clark sighed. Nothing he could say or do was going to make Lois change her mind, and he knew it. The only chance he had at helping her get better was to keep a constant eye on her and make sure she didn't overdo things. Turning to Clark, Dr. Meyers pleaded, "Are you sure you can't talk her out of this?" When Clark raised his eyebrows at him in an 'are you kidding?' fashion, Dr. Meyers sighed. "Fine. You can go, Lois. But you have to keep up your doses of antibiotics. And though your leg's going to be okay, it's going to be really sore, so you'll need to stay off that leg as much as you can for the next few days. I'd suggest some crutches, and lots of rest." "I know," Lois complained, rolling her eyes and feeling like a two year old being scolded. But Dr. Meyers went on anyway. "And I'll need to see you back here in a few days to take out those stitches, understand? And Lois," he waited for her to look at him, "*please* promise me you won't overdo things." She nodded, but he turned to Clark for reassurance. "Can you promise me that you won't *let* her overdo things?" Clark nodded in determination. "You can count on it." Lois rolled her eyes again as she finished tying her shoe and then slowly and cautiously slid off the bed and reached for the crutches. "Great. I can get out of here, but not without the perpetual Boy Scout watching over me like a hawk. It hardly sounds like a fair compromise." "Well, that's the best you're going to get, Lois," Dr. Meyers told her. "Take it or leave it." "I'll take it," she grumbled, clearly not happy about her options. "Now if you two will leave me alone for two seconds, I'd like to use the bathroom before I go." Giving her one last look of uncertainty, Dr. Meyers and Clark left, and Lois awkwardly tucked the crutches under her arms and hobbled across the room to the bathroom. When she was done, she put on the coat her mom had brought her, then opened the door to the hall, feeling proud of herself when she managed to pull it open without knocking herself down. Hobbling out into the hall, she immediately spotted Clark leaning up against the wall opposite the door, waiting for her. "Ready to go?" he asked, though his expression clearly showed his disapproval at her leaving. She squared her shoulders and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be." She moved a little further out into the hall to let the heavy door shut behind her, and then put on a smile for Clark's benefit, trying not to let him see how tired and achy she still felt. "I'll tell you," she went on, forcing her tone to sound cheery, "drugs are a wonderful thing. My leg is so numb I won't have to worry about feeling it for a week." Clark looked at her, and she instantly knew by the look in his eyes that he wasn't buying her cheery act for a second. Pushing off from the wall wordlessly, he closed the distance between them and stopped in front of her, pausing only a moment before reaching out to slide his hand around the back of her neck and gently massage the tight muscles there. Knowing it was useless to continue with her act, Lois abandoned it and gave into her tiredness. Closing her eyes, she leaned toward him and let her forehead fall against his strong chest, and he immediately wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. Sighing heavily, he dropped his head to hers and pressed a soft kiss into her hair. "Are you sure there isn't anything I could say to make you change your mind about staying, Lois?" he whispered. "I agree with Dr. Meyers that it would be so much better if you stayed here for a day or two. Your recovery would be faster." But Lois shook her head slowly and pulled back to look into Clark's concerned face. "No, Clark, I'd really rather get out of here. I hate hospitals. Besides, we've got to get to the Planet to see what we can do to stop that virus, as well as finding Trask and Garrison." Clark stiffened and his face clouded over. "See, Lois? This is exactly what I'm talking about! Just because Dr. Meyers agreed to let you go doesn't give you a license to run all over Metropolis taking down the bad guys. You're supposed to be getting better, not making yourself worse." "Clark, like I told the doctor, I'm not going to overdo things," she insisted. "You'd better believe you won't," he said matter-of-factly. "And I'm going to see to that." "I'm sure you will," Lois said, smiling slightly. "But enough of this. Let's get out of here and get to the Planet to see what we can do to help. I'm sure Jimmy can tell us everything we need to know. And we should probably talk some more with Henderson at the police station to see if he's found out anything about Trask and Garrison-" "Lo-is," Clark scolded, a warning flickering in his eyes. "Hey, I already promised I wouldn't overdo it, didn't I?" Lois said impatiently, tired of being treated like a child. "I'll just help for a while and see what I can dredge up on these guys, and if I start to feel like I'm overdoing it, I'll stop. Okay?" "Okay," Clark nodded grudgingly. "But if you do start to overdo things, I'm taking you straight to your apartment for some rest--no questions or protests. Got it?" Happy that she'd gotten her way, Lois smiled and nodded. "Got it. Now can we go? I want to grab a sandwich on the way to the Planet to eat while we're working." Clark felt his hopes rise. Lois' returning appetite had to be a good sign. Sliding his arm around her shoulders, he carefully directed her on her crutches toward the nearest exit. "Sure, Lois. Let's go." ********************************************* watch for the last few installments in a few days!! ;) Erin :) __________________ erink@ida.net Visit my LNC/Kerth Website: www.ida.net/users/davek ***** "It's not the years that count, it's the moments...right now, as they happen." __________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 20:06:37 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge, aka Early Years: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I decided to answer this challenge with my latest in Early Years. For thos= e of you who don't visit zoom's boards, it's an alternate beginning to Wendy'= s Penfriend. I don't think that knowledge of the story is crucial for this. It comes in at 313 words, so if it needs something else, let me know. Lois was excited. Her high school graduation was set to begin in two hours= . As she waited for Clark to pick her up, she carelessly plucked the feathers out of a feather duster left by the cleaning crew. Her mom had only lived in the condo since the exploding Christmas tree ruined the other one five months ago. She was looking forward to this afternoon because she was going Jeep shopping with her father. Both of her parents really made a lot of progres= s in the parenting department over the past several months. When Lois was opening gifts last night, a can of motor oil puzzled her. Sam explained that she=92d need it with the new Jeep. He told her that sin= ce she=92d gotten a four year scholarship to MetU, and that Jeep she=92d wante= d was cheaper than a four year education, she=92d earned it. Also, Clark had volunteered to teach her to change the oil. An image of a sweaty, oil clad Clark caused her to grin. Sam was happy he=92d made his daughter smile.=20 Little did he know what his little girl was thinking. Of course the highlight of the evening was after her parents and Lucy had left her and Clark alone. After a quick tickle fight on the couch, Lois grabbed a sofa cushion and hit Clark with it . He wasn=92t looking where h= e put his hand until he heard a loud SNAP. He stared at his finger caught in a mangled mousetrap. Lois knew that his hand was okay, but grabbed the ice bucket from the other room anyway. After she played nurse for a few minutes, an ice fight erupted. When they went for a snack, the only thing left in the pantry was a jar of dill pickles and animal crackers. They ate their impromptu snack, and made plans for breakfast early the next morning. ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=3Dsignup ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 19:32:12 -0600 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Erin Klingler Subject: Punctuation question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi everyone ;) This has been bothering me for quite some time, and finally I'm just going to swallow my pride and ask. What the heck is this punctuation mark --> ' called when it's around a word or phrase, and *not* being used as an apostrophe?? I feel stupid even asking, but I was sure someone around here could give me an answer. ;) Erin (who is reaching for the college class schedule and wondering if she should take a refresher English course ;) ) __________________ erink@ida.net Visit my LNC/Kerth Website: www.ida.net/users/davek ***** "It's not the years that count, it's the moments...right now, as they happen." __________________ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 19:49:16 -0600 Reply-To: Rhonda Robinson Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Rhonda Robinson Subject: Re: Punctuation question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Erin, It's called a single quote. It's usually used when someone is quoting someone else in dialogue--John said, "Mary said, 'I love you' an hour ago." Bye, Rhonda -----Original Message----- From: Erin Klingler To: LOISCLA-GENERAL-L@LISTSERV.INDIANA.EDU Date: Thursday, July 27, 2000 7:40 PM Subject: Punctuation question >Hi everyone ;) > >This has been bothering me for quite some time, and finally I'm just going to >swallow my pride and ask. What the heck is this punctuation mark --> >' called when it's around a word or phrase, and *not* being used as an >apostrophe?? I feel stupid even asking, but I was sure someone around here >could give me an answer. ;) > >Erin (who is reaching for the college class schedule and wondering if she >should take a refresher English course ;) ) >__________________ >erink@ida.net >Visit my LNC/Kerth Website: www.ida.net/users/davek > ***** >"It's not the years that count, it's the moments...right now, as they happen." >__________________ > ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 21:59:24 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Genine Murray Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Erin, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! :-) Sorry for shouting, but I was so excited when I saw these latest few parts of Darkest Hour in my mailbox this evening, I just couldn't contain myself! As usual, Erin, *super* stuff! There's only one problem ... I can't wait for more! ;-) Seems to me Lois and Clark aren't quite safe yet ... I'm really anxious to see how you are going to finish it all up. Keep up the great work! Genine SuperGem4@aol.com SuperGEM on IRC ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 18:59:26 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Debbie Coleman Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 In-Reply-To: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Erin, I'm so pleased that you are posting this once again. I have held myself back from bugging you about this story (I understand about having babies, but not from experience) but the past few days it occurred to me that L&C have been on the *longest* car ride in history! Although I'm not sure if it was as long as when they were trapped in the cave... ;-) This story is terrific and I can't wait to see how you wrap things up. Please post more soon! Anxiously awaiting the conclusion to this epic tale, Deb ************************************************************************ Without love in the dream, it'll never come true. R. Hunter, Help On the Way Grateful Dead, Blues for Allah Deb Coleman debolah@pacbell.net -- ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 19:04:58 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: "Irene D." Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii S P O I L E R S P A C E Erin, this was wonderful! I love the whole thing from the nervous intern - who's hilarious, BTW - to Lois being so typically Lois to Dr. Klein to Dr. Meyers. Brilliant! Irene ===== www.communities.msn.com/equestrianmusic __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Kick off your party with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 21:35:27 -0500 Reply-To: truitt22@flash.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: timothy truitt Organization: tnt technical services Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge, aka Early Years: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit cute joy merry Joy Sowell wrote: > I decided to answer this challenge with my latest in Early Years. For those > of you who don't visit zoom's boards, it's an alternate beginning to Wendy's > Penfriend. I don't think that knowledge of the story is crucial for this. > > It comes in at 313 words, so if it needs something else, let me know. > > Lois was excited. Her high school graduation was set to begin in two hours. > As she waited for Clark to pick her up, she carelessly plucked the feathers > out of a feather duster left by the cleaning crew. Her mom had only lived > in the condo since the exploding Christmas tree ruined the other one five > months ago. > > She was looking forward to this afternoon because she was going Jeep > shopping with her father. Both of her parents really made a lot of progress > in the parenting department over the past several months. When Lois was > opening gifts last night, a can of motor oil puzzled her. > > Sam explained that she’d need it with the new Jeep. He told her that since > she’d gotten a four year scholarship to MetU, and that Jeep she’d wanted was > cheaper than a four year education, she’d earned it. Also, Clark had > volunteered to teach her to change the oil. An image of a sweaty, oil clad > Clark caused her to grin. Sam was happy he’d made his daughter smile. > Little did he know what his little girl was thinking. > > Of course the highlight of the evening was after her parents and Lucy had > left her and Clark alone. After a quick tickle fight on the couch, Lois > grabbed a sofa cushion and hit Clark with it . He wasn’t looking where he > put his hand until he heard a loud SNAP. He stared at his finger caught in > a mangled mousetrap. > > Lois knew that his hand was okay, but grabbed the ice bucket from the other > room anyway. After she played nurse for a few minutes, an ice fight > erupted. > > When they went for a snack, the only thing left in the pantry was a jar of > dill pickles and animal crackers. They ate their impromptu snack, and > made plans for breakfast early the next morning. > > ______________________________________________ > FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com > Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 22:30:41 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Erin, I was so glad to see this tonight. I remembered that you said you'd post again when you were finished, so I'm anxiously waiting for the rest. I hope all is well with the little one. JOY:) {Who is immensely glad that Erin posted these during leave, not during my 18+ hour days}!! ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 22:37:41 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kate Crane Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Erin, You brought a smile to my face when I saw not one, but Three installments of Darkest Hour.... s p o i l e r s p a c e why does Lois always have to be so stubborn about not staying in the hospital when she is at death's door? I guess it's the mother in me who would relish the time away;) I especially enjoyed the embrace outside the hospital room. What are you going to do to these poor people next?? Kate ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 23:23:15 -0500 Reply-To: truitt22@flash.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: timothy truitt Organization: tnt technical services Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkes Hour part 34 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Erin I'm so glad you are back and posting again. I agree with Kate about Lois. I love the story keep it coming quickly merry ========================================================================= Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 23:25:39 -0500 Reply-To: truitt22@flash.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: timothy truitt Organization: tnt technical services Subject: Re: NEW: The Legend of Norcross and Judd (Part 3/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Rachael love the story s p o i l e r s p a c e looks like the reporters have some prison guards to investigate. keep it coming quickly merry ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 04:53:12 GMT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Bethy Em Subject: Re: Silly Story Challenge Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Here's another try on my part for this challenge. I think this kinda fall under the "Plot? What plot?" category. Anyway, I got the requirements in, but it's definitely not as funny as the last one. Oh, and it's 497 words. Enjoy, Bethy "Oops." "CJ, what did you drop this time?" Clark asked his fourteen year-old son. "Umm. . .a pickle. Down where the dipstick goes." His face reddened in shame. *He* was a dipstick. His father was going to all the trouble to buy and help restore this old car and he kept messing things up. Whuup! Clark drew in a quick super-breath, popping the pickle out from where it had gotten stuck. "All fixed. Be careful from now on, I'm getting a little bit sick of that aftertaste." "Daddy, look at me!" CJ's younger sister, Laura, waltzed into the garage. She was wearing her leotard and tulle skirt leftover from her spring dance recital. A pair of wings -- crudely shaped out of wire hangers -- were on her back and she waved a feather duster in her little hand. "I'm going to be a fairy for my birthday party. Everyone has to dress up in costumes, and Mommy said I can invite seven people, 'cause I'm gonna be seven." "So what's the duster for?" CJ asked with a bit of disgust. Hurt, she replied, "It's my *wand,* you nincompoop." "That's enough," Clark interjected. "Laura, your fairy costume is very pretty. And CJ, don't make fun of her." "All right," CJ sighed. "Hey, watch out!" In her prancing around, Laura knocked over an open can of motor oil, creating a dark, slimy, sticky mess all over the garage floor. Her bottom lip started to quiver. "I-I'm sorry." "It's okay, sweetie, I'll clean it up. Why don't you go back inside now? Oh, and see if Mommy can bring out some snacks for us, okay?" Clark shooed his daughter away from her mess. Before she even reached the door, however, it opened and Lois emerged. She was carrying a silver platter in one hand and a bucket of ice in the other. With a big smile, she announced, "Snack time! All we had were these animal crackers. They're a little stale, but otherwise they're fine! And I couldn't find any clean cups, so I put the cans of pop in this bucket of ice to cool them off and then you can just drink straight out of the can. Okay?" Her enthusiasm almost made up for the pitiful snack. Almost. Clark stuffed some of the crackers in his mouth and then thought of something. "Hey, you know what would go well with these? Some cheese!" He looked pointedly at CJ, somehow managing to order him to go get the cheese, without even saying a word. "Oh, I'm sorry, Clark. We're out of cheese." Lois looked apologetic. "No, we're not, there's plenty in the mousetraps. I'll get some." Clark found a few mousetraps hidden around the garage, confiscated the cheese, and proceeded to make animal cracker cheese sandwiches. "Ahh, nothing like an original snack!" he exclaimed, munching loudly around the stale crackers and slightly hard cheese. And then the interesting lives of Lois and Clark continued on their merry way. ________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 01:31:12 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Pam Jernigan Organization: http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam/ Subject: NEW: Tryst (10/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks to Wendy for beta-reading; I was too impatient to wait for Chris's comments so all mistakes are my own fault :) All comments appreciated... and yes, I'm writing as fast as I can... Tryst part 10 by Pam Jernigan "Mr. Andresson, I really think it would be best if you turned yourself in," Clark stated earnestly. It was early evening, and the breeze across the water put a bit of a chill in the air. It was almost enough to disguise the fact that Lois was gone again. Harry Andresson, the Metropolis field agent for the US Customs service, snorted derision. "For what? All I did was slap a few stickers on crates -- it's not my job to care about guns going *out* of the country. If the customs on the other end don't catch it, it ain't my fault." Clark set his jaw. "It's still fraud, and you've accepted bribes." Obviously, this didn't trouble the man, so Clark upped the ante. "However, if you continue to cover up for Carpenter, you'll be an accessory after the fact to murder." That made an impression on the beefy man. "Murder? I ain't killed nobody!" "No, but Carpenter has -- that's why I'm asking you to help me to bring him down." Clark paused, letting Andresson consider that. "And he knows that you can do it." Andresson frowned. "Ah, that pansy wouldn't hurt anybody." "He already had a reporter killed," Clark countered, still feeling a pang of loss at the words. "Have you heard of Lois Lane?" "Yeah, sure, Mike brags on his niece all the time ... and I read about her in the paper, today...." Slowly, light dawned. "She was killed in Africa ... was that where the guns were going? Damn, maybe he did...." "I'm afraid so. And you might well be next. Why else would he ask you to bring your records when you meet with him?" "Well, he said...." Andresson paused, looking at Clark under a furrowed brow. "How'd you know about that?" Clark smiled mysteriously. "I have my sources." Andresson stared unhappily out across the bay. "Knew I shouldn't have done it, but it didn't seem like much at the time." "Sometimes these things sneak up on you," Clark commented neutrally. He couldn't really understand how anyone could think that such a large shipment of guns was harmless, but he wasn't here to argue the fine points. "Anyway, I talked to Inspector Henderson of the MPD ... he thinks he can get you limited immunity if you help us bag Carpenter -- the charges against you aren't that serious anyway, we just need to link Carpenter to the whole scheme." It had been Lois's idea to talk to Henderson, and Clark had liked the man -- his outwardly dour demeanor hid a passion for justice, Lois said, and Clark could easily believe it. After another long moment, Andresson shrugged. "Might as well. Lemme get my records, then I'll go downtown." "Actually, Henderson's right over in Mike Lane's cafe, at the moment," Clark smiled politely. "Conveniently located." Clark didn't trust Andresson's public spirit; better to get the man safely delivered to the police before he could decide just to take his chances, or run for it. With a minimum of conversation, Clark accompanied Andresson to his office and then to the cafe, finally turning the man over to Henderson. "Thanks, Kent," the Inspector said, allowing a hint of a smile to escape. "This should be an interesting conversation." "I hope so," Clark said. "So you'll let me be there when you arrest Carpenter? I won't get in your way, I just want the exclusive." "That was the deal," Henderson replied laconically. It hadn't been hard to convince him; he was as interested in avenging Lois's death as Clark was. Or nearly so. "Assuming your guy gives us the goods." "He will. Goodnight, Inspector." Henderson waved, already turning his attention to getting Andresson's statement, and Clark moved towards the exit, feeling drained and restless. He was stopped by Mike Lane, who was looking older than his years. "You're going to get the so-and-so who did this to my Lois, right?" Mike demanded. Clark nodded. "I think we are, yeah. Thanks for letting us use your cafe." "Hey, anything I can do. I mean, it was my fault she went over there in the first place -- I'm the one who tipped her." Clark shook his head, aware of the painful futility of might-have-beens. Wearily, he repeated, "You couldn't have known." Further platitudes stuck in his throat. He was facing his own regrets ... if he had come to Metropolis earlier, might he have made a difference? He was certain he would have loved her on sight; surely, with all his gifts and abilities, he would have been able to do *something* to save her.... Mike Lane sighed. "She always was so daring ... made her share of last-minute escapes, too ... do you suppose there's any chance that this is a mistake? I mean, they haven't shipped the body back yet; do you think maybe she's still alive, somehow?" Clark flinched from the hope in the older man's eyes. "I don't think so," he replied, as gently as he could. "Well, you just get the b--" he stopped himself, looking around the cafe, his mouth working as he searched for a suitable word. "The sociopath who did it." "Yes, sir." Sketching a salute, Clark slipped out the door. Night was falling by now, and Clark felt the pull of the sky. His suit would be a bit too visible, however, so he took a taxi to the townhouse. There, he quickly changed to black clothing, and took off from the roof, stopping and hovering a few hundred feet up. He knew he should stay in Metropolis; when Lois returned he wanted to be someplace she could find him. Nevertheless, he was tempted to fly home to Kansas, just to talk out his confusion. It wasn't that he was in contact with a ghost that worried him; it was the emotional connection that he felt with her. >From the moment he'd seen her picture, he'd felt it; an inexplicable sense that she was the one he'd been searching for. He hadn't even realized he'd been searching until that moment. Up until that point, he had traveled the world, explored his differences, and been fairly comfortable with the nearly imperceptible gap separating him from the rest of humanity. Not a part of the earth, not a part of the stars ... comfortably existing between them, with many acquaintances, but no real close friends. That life had been lonely, on occasion, but he'd never met anyone who'd seriously tempted him to bridge that gap. Until Lois. Just seeing her picture hadn't prepared him to meet her, however. Of course, their meeting had been extremely unconventional -- he frankly didn't understand how she still existed, and yet she incontrovertibly did. Still, somehow, she was able to talk to him, and move things, and touch him ... and capture his heart. Her passion, her humor, her determination to improve the world ... he admired them all. Her easy acceptance of his differences amazed and touched him. He had never expected anyone besides his parents would be able to take his special abilities in stride, yet Lois took it all in with scarcely a blink, neither overly impressed nor repulsed. Of course, she had a few special abilities herself, these days. And she really seemed to enjoy some of them, he acknowledged with a hint of a grin, remembering when she'd rifled through Carpenter's files. If only the price to gain them hadn't been so high. He turned on his stomach in mid-air, gazing down on Metropolis, watching the lights wink on and off in the late-spring night. He supposed he should land again ... Lois might come back at any time, and she wouldn't be able to find him here. Every time she faded out, the fear that she wouldn't return gnawed at him ... but the waiting would be intolerable wherever he was, and he didn't really expect her back for another hour or so. There hadn't really been a pattern to her appearances, but her "rest" periods had never been shorter than two hours. Clark remained floating in place. He needed a little peace, to think things through, and time, to adjust to the fact that he'd fallen in love with a ghost. **** As soon as Lois became aware of herself again, she began concentrating on the Daily Planet newsroom, refusing to even acknowledge the persistent glow of light in the distance. She'd heard about dead people making a journey down a tunnel of light; she wasn't remotely ready for that. The newsroom was deserted, and the clock silently informed her of the late hour. She frowned, wondering where Clark was. She wanted to see if he'd been able to talk Andresson into turning himself in, she wanted to know if Henderson had cooperated ... mostly, however, she just wanted to see Clark again. She took the elevator down to the lobby -- pressing the buttons without expending too much energy -- and smiled at the night guard's confusion when the car arrived, seemingly empty. Maybe it would inspire him to check around; security had always been lousy. She didn't stay to find out, however, slipping through the glass window to the sidewalk. Now, where would Clark be? Assuming he was no longer working, he'd probably be at home ... and now that she thought about it, it seemed like she could sense his presence, off in the distance, in the direction of the university. If she remembered correctly, Aunt Opal's townhouse was in the university district, not too far from the Planet. She set off in that direction, walking at a brisk pace. Or at least she thought she was walking, if only by force of habit after twenty-six years on this planet, but perhaps it wasn't strictly necessary ... she tried moving faster, and faster, and before long, she was effortlessly gliding along the streets at a pace to match the late night traffic. The sensation of speed was exhilarating, and she shot past the university district, having too much fun to stop. After a few fast laps around the university campus, however, she calmed herself, and felt the renewed urge to see Clark. She tried recapturing the sense of his presence, and found that she was closer. Within a minute, she was outside Opal's townhouse, gazing up at the darkened windows. Could Clark be asleep? Should she invade his room to find him? What *did* he sleep in, anyway? She sternly told herself to behave. Besides, it felt like he was *up*, and that probably meant he was on their rooftop again. She started up the short staircase towards the front door, then paused, gazing upwards speculatively. She'd been able to move forward, left and right, just by thinking about the direction ... it couldn't hurt to try. Lois closed her eyes, calmed herself, and began thinking *up*. Nothing seemed to be happening, so she peeked out of one eye -- and discovered to her delight that she was already level with the second floor. She broke out into a broad grin. This was even better than the running had been! Effortlessly, she floated up further until she was level with the rooftop ... but it was empty, and her internal Clark-compass was still pointing up. Assuming, of course, that she wasn't imagining his presence. Determined to test this new ability, she began floating upwards once more, straining her eyes in all directions, and trying to home in on Clark's presence. She found herself drifting slightly northward, and intensified her search in that direction. A-ha, there he was! Floating horizontally in mid air, hands behind his head and watching the stars just as if he were in a lawn chair. She grinned at the absurdity of the sight, and couldn't resist a bit of her own mischief. Flying quietly closer, she greeted him with a cheerful, "Boo!" **** Clark had been watching the stars, minding his own business, lost in pleasant thoughts about the many wonderful qualities of Lois, until suddenly, her voice came out of nowhere, startling him. Clark sat bolt upright while simultaneously losing about ten feet of altitude. The unplanned movements set him tumbling, just a little, until he was able to regain his figurative and literal equilibrium. He quickly regained his previous height, although in a more vertical position. "Don't *do* that," he fussed at her, torn between embarrassment at his uncoordinated reaction, and relief that she had returned. "Come to think of it ... how *did* you do that?" "Sorry," she laughed, sounding not the least repentant. "It just occurred to me to try it, and it worked. Plus I had a feeling you were up here, and I ..." she paused. "I wanted to see you," she admitted quietly. He smiled slightly. "Yeah, I'm glad to see you again, too. So to speak." "So, how did the meeting with the customs guy go?" Clark recognized that she was retreating from personal topics again, but he let her get away with it. "Pretty well, actually." Quickly, he updated her on their progress. "I've got some of the story written already, I'll just have to check back with Henderson in the morning before turning it in to Perry." "I'm looking forward to reading it," she said, with a hint of wistful longing in her tone. "Perry will love you for this one." "Well, if you don't have anything better to do tomorrow morning," he smiled, "I was hoping you'd look it over for me, and help me get it into top shape for Perry. I've written a lot of stories, but not that many for the front page -- not like you have. I've read your work, you know; you've got a great hard-hitting style." "Flattery will get you everywhere, Kent," she teased back, sounding very pleased and smug at the compliment. "I'll whip it into shape for you. You just stick with me, kid; we'll go places." "Believe me," he murmured, "I'd love to." She paused, and he wondered if he'd hit too close to sensitive emotions again. It was so frustrating, not being able to read her facial expressions, or body language. He wanted to declare his love for her, but would she laugh, be angry, be terrified ... he couldn't tell, and he wasn't sure he wanted to risk it. Having her as a friend was better than not having her around at all. "So, Clark," she finally asked, voice neutral, "What do you think of Ginny?" He frowned slightly, not really following the change in subjects. "Ginny Olsen? She seems nice enough, why?" "Well, I was just thinking ... you're a great guy, and she's really nice, and as far as I know she's not dating anyone right now, and you two have a lot in common, and I just thought..." she trailed off as he stared in her direction, amazed at how her mind seemed to work. "Lois ... no. I mean, Ginny's very nice, and I like her, as a friend, but ... I'm just not interested in her that way. I don't think I'm her type, either," he added carefully. In fact, Clark had a vague suspicion that Ginny had a bit of a crush on *Lois* but he wasn't sure how Lois would react if he told her that, and anyway it was none of his business. "Not her type?" Lois was incredulous. "But, but, you're nice, and you're gorgeous, and you're smart, and ... how could anyone know you and not--" Abruptly, she shut herself up, but Clark had heard enough to encourage him; she was clearly not indifferent. "Lois ... I love you." It was surprisingly easy to say the words, but once they were out, panic set in. "Oh," she said, in a very small voice. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable or anything," Clark added, when she didn't elaborate. Maybe this hadn't been such a good idea. "We can still be friends, no matter what, really, and I won't mention it again if you don't want me to, but--" Out of nowhere, he felt her fingers on his lips, and he fell obediently silent. "Clark, I ... I love you too." She finally said, and he breathed a quick prayer of thanks. "I just don't think we have much of a future; I mean, after all, I'm *dead* so it's not like we can grow old together and have nine kids or anything..." Anxious to reassure her, he reached up and took the hand that was still lingering on his mouth, pulling it downwards so he could speak. "Lois ... the future isn't important." Vaguely, he noticed that he could feel her hand in his, which he hadn't expected. He set that thought aside for the moment. "What matters is what we have right now .. and right now I know that you are the only woman I will ever want to love. I *hate* the fact that you're dead, because you'll miss so much, and the world will be a poorer place without you ... but you are still here, and I don't want to lose that." "Oh, Clark," she murmured, sounding close to tears, then without warning, she was in his arms, soft and tender and *there*. Deliberately, he closed his eyes, and concentrated on seeing her with his hands. She was smaller than he'd expected; more delicate than her reputation had led him to believe. Her lips felt slightly cool against his mouth, but not unpleasantly so. He relished the feel of her body against his as she kissed him. Tentatively at first, then with more confidence, he returned the kiss, running his hands over her back and through her silky hair. She was wearing something soft that muffled her curves, but that was almost a relief; he wouldn't have been comfortable with too much intimacy just yet, even if it did seem like it might be possible. She felt so solid and real in his arms; this was just as he'd always imagined a loving embrace should feel. The kiss seemed to last a long time, but eventually, he pulled back, his head swimming from the unexpected wish fullfilment of her kiss. "Clark?" she asked, uncertainly, moving as if to retreat. He held tighter, still keeping his eyes closed so he wouldn't be distracted by the fact that he couldn't see her, and shifted slightly so that she was in the crook of his arm. "Don't leave -- I just thought we could talk a little." Lois relaxed against him then, and he repositioned them so that they were lying nestled together, the haze-obscured stars twinkling benignly above them. "I don't know how we're going to handle this," she confessed. Clark shrugged slightly. "We'll handle it one day at a time ... as long as we handle it together." He was content, for the moment, just to enjoy her unprecedented nearness, and postpone all thought about practicalities to a later date. "You know, this isn't all bad." "Well, that's true," she admitted. "There are parts of this ghost thing that are actually pretty fun. I mean, flying, wow ... I never dreamed it could be this wonderful." "I never dreamed I'd meet a woman who could fly," he chuckled. "Remember, I'm not exactly normal, myself." "You're special," she insisted. "So are you." He turned, slightly, to drop a kiss on the top of her head. "And we make a pretty good team." "Yeah." They lay quietly, above the city, and Clark thought his heart might burst from contradictory emotions. Meeting Lois, falling in love with her, learning that she was in love with him ... it was happiness far beyond anything he'd expected to have, and he wouldn't trade it for anything. At the same time, however, he was achingly aware that he would trade anything for more -- for the chance to have Lois alive again. **** -- Pam Jernigan / ChiefPam / jernigan@bellsouth.net http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/j/e/jernigan/ God made you special, and He loves you very much. -- Veggie Tales theology The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. -- Henri Bergson ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 10:31:28 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Punctuation question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Rhonda wrote: > It's called a single quote. It's usually used when someone is quoting > someone else in dialogue--John said, "Mary said, 'I love you' an hour ago." And this is true... but to confuse Erin even further, in words of fiction published in the UK and Ireland, dialogue is enclosed in single and not double quotes. Furthermore, if we want to put a phrase in inverted commas for emphasis - perhaps to suggest that it imparts a meaning we would not subscribe to - we use single and not double inverted commas (quotes). For example: ...the food at that so-called 'five star hotel' was just awful! Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 10:36:17 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: NEW: The Darkest Hour part 32 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Erin wrote, while posting those excellent instalments of DH which I was privileged ot read last night: > And thanks for keeping me straight on my > "lay, lie and laid," as well as being patient with me on my many oopses on my > "your" and "you're's." Really, I do know better, I promise. I *know* you know better, Ms Star GE! But I also know how easy it can be sometimes - especially if you've just been editing a story in which the author gets things like that confused, or you're tired, or just feel you've been writing too long - to fall into the trap yourself of thinking '*should* this be 'your' or 'you're'?' BTW, better get the rest of this story to me before I leave for Toronto, or I'll be instructing the pilot to take a detour west and south! Wendy -------------------------- Wendy Richards w.m.richards@hrm.keele.ac.uk ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:14:04 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_0006_01BFF8AE.D97848C0" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BFF8AE.D97848C0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Okay, here's a new set of items and actions Same scores as with = Wendy's challenge, namely 2 points for the story and author without = peeking, 1 point if you have to check ;) One of those stories isn't on the archive yet, but I'm sure most of you = have read and enjoyed it on the MBs and on this list :) 1. a fake fortune teller 2. a fluorescent Batman logo 3. a heavy cloak 4. an ugly broken vase 5. a bright red dress 6. a cigarette case Don't forget the spoiler space, and happy hunting! Helene :) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BFF8AE.D97848C0 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
Okay, here's a new set of items and actions <g> Same = scores as=20 with Wendy's challenge, namely 2 points for the story and author without = peeking, 1 point if you have to check ;)
 
One of those stories isn't on the archive yet, but I'm sure most of = you=20 have read and enjoyed it on the MBs and on this list :)
 
 
 
1. a fake fortune teller
 
2. a fluorescent Batman logo
 
3. a heavy cloak
 
4. an ugly broken vase
 
5. a bright red dress
 
6. a cigarette case
 
 
Don't forget the spoiler space, and happy hunting!
 
Helene :)
------------------------------------------------------
Kaethel = on irc /=20 Kaethel79  on AIM
kaethel@club-internet.fr ------=_NextPart_000_0006_01BFF8AE.D97848C0-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:18:28 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kaethel Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (10/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Pam, I caught up with 'Tryst' this morning and read those 10 parts in a row... AND YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME HANGING THERE!! Ahem, sorry, my voice raised a notch too high Seriously, Pam, I can't wait for more, so post post post post post!! Helene (growling at those fanfic writers who keep leaving her on the edge of her seat and make her beg like this ) ------------------------------------------------------ Kaethel on irc / Kaethel79 on AIM kaethel@club-internet.fr ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:47:58 +0430 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: ChiaraP Subject: Rif: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="------------41EE7A695900" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------41EE7A695900 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Too BAD I Remember only one for sure!!!! Spoiler space >2. a fluorescent Batman logo <--- burnout BY LABBY!!!!!!!!!!!!! > 6. a cigarette case <---the revision of Togom by Tank! (I'm not peeking.... but i can't rember the title!) mmmm I have to read a lot of more!!!!!!!!! --------------41EE7A695900 Content-Type: text/html; name="reply" Content-Disposition: inline; filename="reply"
Okay, here's a new set of items and actions <g> Same = scores as=20 with Wendy's challenge, namely 2 points for the story and author without = peeking, 1 point if you have to check ;)
 
One of those stories isn't on the archive yet, but I'm sure most of = you=20 have read and enjoyed it on the MBs and on this list :)
 
 
 
1. a fake fortune teller
 
2. a fluorescent Batman logo
 
3. a heavy cloak
 
4. an ugly broken vase
 
5. a bright red dress
 
6. a cigarette case
 
 
Don't forget the spoiler space, and happy hunting!
 
Helene :)
------------------------------------------------------
Kaethel = on irc /=20 Kaethel79  on AIM
kaethel@club-internet.fr --------------41EE7A695900-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 20:12:10 +0430 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: ChiaraP Subject: Rif: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/mixed; boundary="------------41EE7A695900" This is a multi-part message in MIME format. --------------41EE7A695900 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit S p o i l e r S P A C E ! ! ! ! ooops I forge to add something!!!! the number 6 .... I guess It's Bref Encounter by Wendy & Yvonne.. It was a red dress, right?? But I remember it was a Nfic... so I hope there's also a pg version!!! (So maybe I can be wrong!) Today is a quite boring office day.. can you see that!?! --------------41EE7A695900 Content-Type: text/html; name="reply" Content-Disposition: inline; filename="reply"
Okay, here's a new set of items and actions <g> Same = scores as=20 with Wendy's challenge, namely 2 points for the story and author without = peeking, 1 point if you have to check ;)
 
One of those stories isn't on the archive yet, but I'm sure most of = you=20 have read and enjoyed it on the MBs and on this list :)
 
 
 
1. a fake fortune teller
 
2. a fluorescent Batman logo
 
3. a heavy cloak
 
4. an ugly broken vase
 
5. a bright red dress
 
6. a cigarette case
 
 
Don't forget the spoiler space, and happy hunting!
 
Helene :)
------------------------------------------------------
Kaethel = on irc /=20 Kaethel79  on AIM
kaethel@club-internet.fr --------------41EE7A695900-- ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:40:24 +0100 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Wendy Richards Subject: Re: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Okay, here goes... s p o i l e r s p a c e 1. a fake fortune teller ??? Sounds like it should be a rewrite of WWW, but I don't know the story or author. 2. a fluorescent Batman log0 Easy! LabRat's Burnout. 3. a heavy cloak Hmmm. Would this be a domino, by any chance? When Lightning Strikes Twice, by, ermm, me? 4. an ugly broken vase I feel that I should know this, but can't think! 5. a bright red dress Brief Encounter, by Yvonne Connell and someone else? 6. a cigarette case Rose Cookson's That Lois Lane of Mine? So... how'd I do? Wendy ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 17:20:11 +0100 Reply-To: LabRat Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: LabRat Organization: LabRat Subject: Re: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > s > p > o > i > l > e > r > > s > p > a > c > e > > 2. a fluorescent Batman log0 > > Easy! LabRat's Burnout. > Sigh. And, would you believe, yet again, I failed to recognise it at all? That's if it *is* B of course. LabRat :) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 12:35:13 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: Yet another little game ;) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit S P O I L E R S P A C E 1. a fake fortune teller Jenni Debbage's New Krypton series: Lois was abducted, suprise, suprise. An excellent series, btw. 2. a fluorescent Batman logo LabRat's Burnout, Where's SDB Labby? 3. a heavy cloak Wendy's WLST, Wendy, I know you're busy leaving for your trip and all, but can I get a sneak preview of the new story? 4. an ugly broken vase Was this the one that contained the Kryptonite chip so LnC could enjoy the benefits of marriage? 5. a bright red dress Yvonne and Wendy's Brief Encounter, is the angst meter fixed yet? 6. a cigarette case I saw Wendy's answer, but I honestly don't remember this one without looking it up. But if Wendy was right about Rose's That Lois Lane of Mine, I'll take partial credit. JOY:) ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:20:08 +0100 Reply-To: LabRat Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: LabRat Organization: LabRat Subject: Re: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > S > P > O > I > L > E > R > > > S > P > A > C > E > > > 2. a fluorescent Batman logo > LabRat's Burnout, Where's SDB Labby? > Um...oh, gosh, is that the time? Lonesome first, Joy. Then Masques. ;) And maybe that challenge fic you're still waiting on. *Then*...maybe...SDB. LabRat (looking at her hd and wincing...) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:04:42 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: New Fic Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have a fic that I've benn working on off and on for a while on the MB's. The working title is Bionics are Super. Yeah, it's cheezy, but I remember the problem with too many fics going by "untitled". :) It's rough, so please feel to make any grammar, spelling, plot, whatever suggestions. Public or private, as long as I get feedback I'll be happy. I'll post it here later today, assuming my parents' ISP will let me on line that long. :) JOY:) ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:23:31 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 1/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Metropolis 2023 =93Good Morning, honey.=94 He looked down at the pretty brunette in his arm= s. Even after all these years, he still couldn=92t imagine that she was his, a= nd he was hers. =93Mmmmm. Morning.=94 She smiled at her handsome husband. Every morning she thanked God for this man who loved her, even when she felt unloveable. =93Sweetheart, we really should be getting up. We promised mom and dad we= =92d meet them at the farm for breakfast.=94 =93Okay, but do we have to go right this very second?=94 She turned her lip= s towards his, knowing that he would more than meet her halfway. She regrette= d how mean she had been to him when they first met. The harder she pushed him away, the more attention he lavished upon her. She deepened the kiss, showing him just how much she loved him. An hour later, they were still in bed. =93Darling, as much as I=92d love nothing more than to stay here all day, m= om and dad are expecting us.=94 =93You=92re right. It=92s just that we rarely get to spend much time togeth= er, away from work that is. Superman kept you out kind of late last night, and = I wanted some quality time with you.=94 =93Actually, honey, after my patrol last night I flew to Smallville. I have= a surprise for you.=94 =93A surprise? For me? Why didn=92t you say so? Race ya to the shower, budd= y.=94 She smiled like a kid at Christmas as she leapt from the bed and raced for the bathroom at a speed which would rival her husband=92s. Later that morning, in Kansas =93Hi, mom. Hi, dad.=94 They greeted his parents at the door to the old farmhouse. He had such fond memories of spending time here as a child and h= e was looking forward to sharing that with his kids. His mom looked at them, and then to her husband. =93Clark, you were right. They are exactly an hour late. They kind of remind me of us when we were supposed to meet Martha and Jonathan for breakfast.=94 CJ blushed at his mother=92s thinly veiled reference to his parents=92 sex = life. Clark laughed and put his hand on his son=92s shoulder for support. Lois wa= s definitely becoming more like Martha. =93Lo-is.=94 =93Aw, come on Clark, she just calls it like she sees it. Lois, at least no one can accuse you of being galactically blind.=94 =93Laney!=94 =93CJ, honey, it=92s not like we invented sex.=94 She then lowered her voic= e for her husband=92s ears only. =93We just redefined it.=94 She grinned at her husband, and only slightly blushed when her father-in-la= w cleared his throat. =93Er, sorry Clark. Even after all this time I forget.=94 =93That=92s okay, Laney. You two ready for breakfast?=94 =93Definitely, I=92m starved. Lois, we can gossip about our husbands over a= walk while they do the dishes.=94 =93Sounds great, Laney.=94 =93CJ, when do I get my surprise?=94 She smiled at him in a way that he cou= ld never deny her. =93After breakfast, honey.=94 He smiled at her in a similar fashion. The fo= ur sat down to a wonderful breakfast. =93Clark, that was great. See, CJ, I told you between you and your father I= =92d never have to learn to cook.=94 Lois laughed with her daughter-in-law. =93Did he give you the famous Kent =91Mind Over Matter=92 speech about cooking?=94 =93Yep. I told him if you don=92t mind, it don=92t matter. He=92s seen the = results of my attempts to prepare things with nutritional value, so he doesn=92t mind.=94 =93Mom, she=92s worse in the kitchen than you ever were, and her diet=92s w= orse than mine. I saw her melt chocolate over her popcorn once. I don=92t know h= ow she does it. Her doctor even compliments her on her cholesterol level.=94 =93Well, I guess a great career, a super husband, and a bionic metabolism k= ind of help, CJ. I=92ll never forget your expressions Lois, Clark, when CJ and = I came running over that fence when I first met you.=94 Lois thought back to that day and remembered how happy she was that her son found someone special who loved him as much as she loved Clark.=94 ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=3Dsignup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:26:30 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 2/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Four years earlier, Metropolis =93Laney, you ready to go?=94 =93As ready as I=92ll ever be, I guess. I know your parents are great; afte= r all, they did raise a perfect son. I=92m still nervous, though.=94 =93Don=92t be. They=92ll love you. I know I do.=94 =93I love you too, Mr. Kent.=94 =93Mrs. Kent, I would love the honor of escorting you to Smallville to meet the family.=94 She wrapped her arms around his neck, and he scooped her up into his arms. =93We should be there in time for dinner. After dinner, I want to show you around the farm.=94 A quick kiss later, they were on their way to Kansas. The couple landed in his grandparents=92 backyard a short time later. CJ scanned the area, and noticed that everyone was in the family room. He spun out of the suit, and escorted his bride into the house. =93It=92s now or ne= ver, sweetheart.=94 She smiled back, kissed his lips briefly, and squeezed his hand. =93Let=92s= do it.=94 They stopped under the mistletoe at the door, and were interrupted a few minutes later by the sounds of throats clearing. "Mom, Dad, it's good to see you." Lois smiled as she saw Laney and CJ grab each other's hands. "You must be Laney." Clark smiled at his son. "CJ has talked nonstop since the first of October about the lady who stole his heart." Laney smiled at CJ. "Yes, but the feeling is mutual. I'm glad to finally ge= t to meet you all. CJ has told me so much about you." "Mom, Dad" CJ interrupted as he kissed Laney's ringed finger, showing his own in the progress, "we have an announcement to make." Lois and Clark both noticed the glints of gold, but let their son speak. "We eloped yesterday. I told her all about the adventures you two had getting married, so we decided to elope. We're on call practically 24/7 at work, so planning would be a problem. We thought that since every time we tried to vist you in Metropolis, or you tried to visit us in Washington we missed each other, a wedding would be a logistical nightmare." Lois smiled at the happy couple in front of her. "Congratulations." "You're not upset, mom?" CJ briefly wondered who had replaced his mom with = a clone this time, but decided he'd better not mention it. The "C" word was not a joking matter to the Kent family. "No, I know how many times we've tried to all get together since you called us about the engagement. I can see how happy the two of you are. Welcome to the family, Laney." "Thanks, Mrs. Kent." "Please, call me Lois, and CJ's dad prefers Clark. I am a little bit disappointed at missing my son's wedding, but given the family history, I understand. I remember all too well the frustrations we encountered on our way to the altar. I'd probably understand if you had waited a week and then told us." "I'm so glad to hear you say that, Lois. I was really worried you'd resent me for eloping with CJ." "No, I'm glad he's happy. Clark and I decided long ago to never force a big wedding on anyone." Clark wrapped his arms around his wife while maintaing eye contact with the younger couple. "Laney Kent, huh. I've always liked any combination of the names Lane and Kent." Laney smiled. "It's short for Elaine. My youngest sister couldn't say Elain= e very well, so I've been 'Laney' for years." Martha and Jonathan emerged from the kitchen with a tray of hot chocolate filled mugs. "Grandma, Grandpa, this is Laney!" CJ exclaimed proudly. "It's great to finally meet the two of you in person, Mr. and Mrs. Kent." "Oh, Dear, CJ has told us so much about you, and please, call us Martha and Jonathan." "It's great to meet you, Martha and Jonathan." Martha distributed the hot chocolate. "Wow, Martha! This is fabulous. I love hot chocolate." "I'm glad you like it. I know Lois loves it, and CJ said you like just abou= t anything if it has enough chocolate in it or on it, so I made it. There's a death by chocolate cake in the kitchen." ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=3Dsignup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:33:09 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 3/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Lois and Laney both looked up at Martha like two children whose parents had promised them a trip to Disneyworld Simultaneously they exclaimed, "Death by Chocolate?!" Martha laughed. "Yes, CJ said it was one of your favorites." "Clark, CJ was right. Our new daughter is brilliant." Laney turned to CJ and kissed him sweetly. "Thank you for remembering." CJ looked at his wife tenderly. "I love you; it's easy to remember. It's not like I could ever forget the first time we shared it." Laney smiled at the memory. "You'd better not." The shared a lingering kiss which would have continued had giggling not interrupted it. When they pulled apart, they noticed Clark and Jonathan blushing, and Lois and Martha trying to unsuccessfully control a fit of giggles. They quickly realized how their conversation must have sounded. "Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, it's not what you are thinking." Lois raised an eyebrow at her son. "It's not?" Laney smiled and shook her head. "No, Lois. We were on a stake-out. We were posing as a married couple, and the restaurant had a reputation for it's chocolate cake." "I knew how much she loved chocolate, and it was our first stake-out after we admitted our feelings to each other." "It was also the night he proposed." "I knew how much I loved her from the moment we met, but it took me a month to admit it to her. We were partners, so if we got involved romantically and it didn't work out, it would have been practically impossible to remain partners." I had a lot of bad relationships before I met CJ, so I was determined that love wasn't in my future. I fell in love with CJ the first moment I met I him. That terrified me more than any bad guy I'd ever chased. It just took me a while to admit my feelings to him." Martha nodded to Lois and Clark and squeezed Jonathan's hand. "Don't they remind us of another couple we know?" "Actually, Dear, they remind me of two couples I know." The next day dawned bright and clear. There was a chill in the early December air, but it was not as cold as usual for that time of year. Lois and Clark were taking an early walk, which was something they loved to do when they visited the farm. They saw their son and his new wife running across one of the fields. Both of them did a double take when they saw Laney and CJ jump over a fence separating the fields. "Clark, how high is that fence?" "Lois, they ran a little over a mile in under a minute. That's amazing." Lois and Clark had long ago stopped using the word impossible when it came to their family. In another minute, CJ and Laney stood smiling before Lois and Clark. Clark noticed that neither of them was breathing much faster than normal. "CJ, Laney, what are you two not telling us?" Lois inquired. CJ and Laney shared a brief smile and nodded. "Lois, Clark, you'd better sit down for this. Why don't we go inside? Lois, this is a definite chocolate moment." Lois looked at her husband and squeezed his hand. "Oy." "Mom, it's okay, really. Actually, it's kind of cool after you hear the whole story." After they all sat down with coffee and leftover chocolate cake, Laney began her story. "First, you two need to know that this is not a story you can publish in the Planet. It never goes past the four of us. I mean this is bigger than a Superman scoop. It would compromise national security for this to become public knowledge." "Laney," Lois began, "we can keep a secret." She favored her daughter-in-law with a smile. Laney took a deep breath. CJ squeezed her hand in encouragement. ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:36:05 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 4/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "It all started the last week in October. It was just under a month from the time we met. We were walking the horses back to the barn from a friend's farm. I thought it would be fun if we raced. I knew better, but sometimes I don't think things through very well. CJ was on a slower horse, so I had an advantage. I passed the bend in the road well ahead of CJ and noticed a tractor trailer headed straight for us. I tried to get out of the way, but even a Thoroughbred can't outrun an eighteen wheeler." "CJ was there because I never ride alone. We had just revealed how we felt to each other that morning. I screamed for CJ, and that is the last thing I remember." CJ's eyes moistened. "I should have never let her race. I should have been faster. I could have saved her so much pain." Laney stopped her story and turned to her husband. "CJ, stop it! It was not your fault. You saved my life. There is absolutely nothing you could have done that would prevented the accident." She kissed his cheek softly. "Besides, now I can kick your butt at basketball." "You always could, sweetheart." They shared a brief kiss and Laney continued her tale. "The impact knocked me out. I remember waking up the next day in the hospital." CJ wrapped an arm around Laney and kissed the top of her head. "Mom, Dad, it was the longest day of my life. I knew she would be okay because she had to be. I couldn't lose her. I remember vague bits about spinal cord nerve replacements, artificial limbs, enhanced vision and hearing, experimental procedures, and only a few previous cases. I told the doctors that they should do whatever they could for her." "I had severed several nerves in my spinal cord, lost both legs, an arm, punctured an eardrum and lost an eye. The doctors replaced them with new and improved bionic replacements. After the doctors explained what I would be able to do, I lost it. I felt like a freak. I thought I wasn't even human anymore. I didn't know how CJ would ever be able to look at me again, much less love me." "I screamed at everyone to get out, but CJ wouldn't budge. The doctors left, and our co-workers left, but CJ remained. For the first time in years, I cried. I bawled like a baby, but instead of making a graceful escape, CJ held me. He gathered me in his arms, stroked my back, and kept telling me over and over how much he loved me." "When I had finally calmed down, I asked him how he could love an android. I told him I wasn't even human and that I would understand if he wanted to stop seeing me." The memories had brought tears to the eyes of the young couple as they recalled the painful experience. Laney smiled as she began again. "He told me that I was still the same smart, funny, stubborn woman he worked with, the same vivacious person who was his running buddy, and the woman he loved, only with a few added bonuses." "CJ was the first person who ever accepted me for me, he was the first person to tell me he loved me without wanting anything in return, and the man I never thought I would meet. I asked him why he would settle for a robot when he could have any girl in the agency, or the country." "He told me that different wasn't necessarily bad. He said that different could mean special. He asked me if I thought Superman was a freak because he was from Krypton and not Earth. I told him of course not. It's a person's personality that is important, not their planet of origin." "Now, I was about to get the second shock of the day. He said that we were obviously made for each other, no pun intended. He said that as he levitated off the floor, froze my glass of water with his breath, then melted it with his vision." CJ laughed. "Mom, her first question was 'Weren't you wearing that outfit yesterday?' I told her I had no intention of leaving until she was awake." "He hadn't left the hospital in the 30 hours since I had arrived. I told him that the powers were great and all, but if he *really* wanted to impress me he needed chocolate." "He was back in half an hour clean, shaven, and bearing gifts. He brought roses, chocolate and a new pair of Nikes." At his mother's questioning look, CJ explained. "Well, the doctor told Laney that she would be able to run at like 100 mph. I thought she'd appreciate a new pair of running shoes. I also wanted my favorite running buddy back as soon as possible." Clark smiled at his son. He felt the same way about Lois, and he was thankful that his son had found that completeness that came from being with one's soul-mate. Lois asked the question foremost on her mind. "How did his revelation make you feel?" "Honored. I found out that the best man I knew, was also the superhero the world loved. The thought that he chose *ME* when he could have chosen anyone on the planet was amazing." "It's hard to believe that we've only known each other a few months. It seems like we've known each other forever." Lois was happy that her son had found his match, but she did think that it happened a bit quickly. She had heard details of their relationship from her son's phone messages. She wanted to make sure she had it right. "So, you met on October 1, at work, had the accident three weeks later, right after you told each other how you felt, and you left the hospital on Halloween?" "How did you know that, Lois?" ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:42:24 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 5/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "Well CJ asked Clark to take over the Superman role the last week in October. We knew that if CJ could tell us why, he would, eventually. We don't ask CJ about his job very often because we know he can't give us many details." "Yes, we had an undercover assignment together November 3. Nothing major, no gun play, explosions, or car chases, but we were finally a real team again." "That's when you had the cake, and when he proposed?" Lois knew her priorities well. "Lois, that cake was the best I had ever had. After we finished the operation that night, CJ proposed. The next morning we flew to Metropolis to visit, but you two weren't home, or at the Planet. We were going to wait for you to return, but we got called back to Washington." "It seems that everytime the Agency didn't need us both, the world had plans for Superman." "CJ told me you were working more regular hours, and everytime we planned to come for a visit, something happened. We knew that if we couldn't plan a 3 hour trip to see you, we couldn't plan a wedding." After her emotional revelation, Laney rested her head on her husband's shoulders. Lois noticed that they had finished the cake, and she thought that they would likely need more. She didn't know what it was, but there was something so familiar about Laney. "Clark, honey, would you mind flying out to get us some more chocolate?" Clark looked at his wife and smiled. He knew she was up to something. "Sure, honey. I'll be back soon. I love you." "I love you, too." They briefly kissed and Clark was gone in a flash. "Laney, how did your parents react to your news?" "Ah, Mom, don't go there." Laney and CJ locked gazes. Laney smiled and nodded her head. "It's okay, honey. Your mom should know." "Lois, I don't have any family members to tell. It's another long story. In fact, it's why I joined the Agency in the first place." "I didn't exactly have an ideal childhood, and, well, one thing led to another. I'm sure you and Clark had perfect childhoods, because you raised a wonderful son." Lois laughed out loud. She stopped at the hurt look on Laney's face. "I'm sorry. I had anything but the perfect childhood. Clark's parents did everything right, and mine epitomized dysfunctional. Even CJ doesn't know everything." "Mom, you mean Grandmother and Grandfather Lane weren't always like they are?" "No, CJ. They matured a lot after we had you. Clark will be back soon with some more chocolate. In the mean time, would either of you care for more coffee?" Lois excused herself to start some more coffee, and left the young couple alone for the first time since early morning. "Laney, I love my parents, I really do, but I'd love nothing more right now than to scoop you into my arms and fly away somewhere where there are no interuptions." He waggled his eyebrows. "We are newlyweds." "Yes, we are. As much as I like spending quality time alone with you, and I have liked that very much, especially since our engagement, we really need to spend a liitle bit of time with your parents. We sprang this on them kind of suddenly. We may not see them for a while, and I know how close you are to them." "I love you, Laney Kent." "I love you too, CJ Kent." The kiss started out sweet and tender, but increased in intensity quickly. They kissed until Lois's voice brought them back to their surroundings. Sudden wedding or not, it was obvious to Lois that Laney and CJ were meant to be together. Laney reminded her of herself, and Lois's instinct told her that there was even more to Laney Kent than she knew. As the young couple broke apart from each other to acknowledge Lois, CJ got the all to familiar look on his face. "What is it, honey?" Laney knew when he heard things that he could be gone a while. She hadn't had Superman take her husband away since their wedding, and she certainly didn't want to sleep alone a couple days into their marriage. "It's a radio broadcast saying there is a fire in Kansas City, and Superman has requested his son's help. We rarely need to be at the same place at the same time, so it's going to be bad." "Well, go. Your mom and I can talk till you and Clark get back. I love you, be safe." "I love you, too. I'll be back as soon as I can." A blur of red and blue later, Lois and Laney stood alone in the family room at a loss for words. Laney broke the silence with a giggle. "I've never been speechless before." "It's not something I do very often, either." "It's just this is the first time he's had to be Superman since we got married, and" "and it's different somehow, right?" "Exactly, how did you know?" "Laney, I remember the first time Clark had to be Superman after we got married. We had just gotten back to work after our honeymoon when he got 'the look'. At least we had two weeks alone, you and CJ barely had two days." "Wow, two whole weeks? Where did you go? If you don't mind me asking." Lois smiled as she remembered those two weeks. "Well, we were supposed to go to Hawaii, but we never really made it out of the apartment. Unless you count the time travel, but we basically stayed in the whole time." ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:46:19 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 6/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "Time travel?" "Yes, it's a long story. I guess we have the time. How about some coffee first?" "Sounds wonderful." Two pots later, Laney knew all about HG Wells, Tempus, and the whole soul mates concept. "I'm surprised CJ never told me all that; it's a fascinating story." "Well, we never really told him. We would have, but by the time he was old enough, we didn't feel like he'd want to hear about such ancient history. Besides, our honeymoon never came up in conversation. He was embarrassed enough when his hearing developed and he heard us one night." "I'll remember that. I think it's great he knew he had a family that loved him and each other." "You want to talk about it?" "I'd love to, but first you need to know a little bit about who my biological father was." "You do look so familiar. I can't quite place it." "Well, I want you to know that the man who got mom pregnant had nothing to do with anything about me except my appearance." Lois's face paled as the recognition dawned on her. My biological father never knew me, because he left when mom told him she was pregnant. He was her boss, and he sold the company and moved out of town." "How awful." "Yes, it was. Mom was tough though, she decided to marry her previous boyfriend." "I was small when I was born, so no one but my mom and her best friend knew I wasn't premature." "She didn't tell him?" "No, she was too embarrassed. Everything was okay until I was ten." "What happened then?" "Mom was in a car accident. Dad took it really bad because she was pregnant. He threw himself into his work. He was a cop, and was killed in the line of duty a few months later." "I'm so sorry to hear that." "My mom's best friend took me in. It seemes CJ and I found out who our dads were at the same age." "How did you find out?" "My mom's best friend told me. She was drunk, as usual, but she was responsible for me. Eventually, the novelty of having a kid around the house wore off, and she sent me to Chatham Hall." "The boarding school?" "Yes. The money from my parents' insurance paid for it. I learned a lot about myself there. I learned that I was smart and that I could do anything I wanted if I tried hard enough. I also learned that anything was okay if there was chocolate nearby." "I worked hard in school, and eventually got a scholarship to Georgetown. I majored in criminal justice. I graduated three years later. I went to work for the Agency immediately. Four and a half months later, CJ walked into my life." "Love at first sight?" "Yes, but I didn't tell him. The only thing I thought I knew about men was that they would say anything to get you in bed, and then they'd jet. I was so mean to him." "What did you do?" "Well, for starters, I treated him like my errand boy. After a few days, I told him I was top dog, and he was still a wet behind the ears puppy." Lois laughed at that. "What did he say?" Laney blushed. "Lois, you wouldn't believe what your son said." "It can't be worse than I'm imagining." "He told me, and I quote, 'So, you either like to be on top or do it doggie style. I'll remember that.' He even winked when he said that! I was furious." "That sounds like a conversation Clark and I had shortly after we met, but Clark wouldn't have added the second part." "Well, the next morning we were called in at like 0300 an given an undercover assignment together. As partners, we had to trust each other with our lives. By the end of the assignment a couple days later we were best friends." "That was quick." "Well, we had a lot of time to talk, and he knew that I didn't trust people because one way or the other they always left. He promised that he wasn't leaving." "He called us after his first day at work and told us that he had a co-worker that was stubborn, tenancious, brillant, and beautiful. He said that she put salt in his coffee instead of sugar, shook up his soda before he opened it, and that he'd die if she ever stopped paying attention to him." "I acted very immature towards him those first few days. It's hard to believe that he put up with it. It's even harder to believe that we were a couple a few weeks later." "Laney, you sound a lot like me before Clark came into my life. I was all about getting ahead in my career, and going out of my way to avoid emotional entanglements. I had interviews, not dates." "Lois, it's good to talk about all of these things with someone. CJ had been wonderful, but it's nice to know that I can talk so openly to you. I was so young when mom died, and I never had anyone with whom I could share emotions until CJ. I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd run screaming after we met, though." "What about your sister, couldn't you talk to her?" Laney's expression suddenly hardened, and her voice had a definite snippy quality. "Not unless you have a Ouji board." ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:49:38 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 7/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit At Lios's apologetic expression, Laney softened a bit. "I'm sorry, Lois. I know you are just trying to help. It's been a long time, and I still don't feel comfortable talking about that. CJ knows the generalities, but even he doesn't have all the details." Lois wanted to lighten the mood, so she grinned at Laney. "Okay. I'm here if you want to discuss it, but I won't push. Deal?" Laney smiled with relief. "Deal." "So, tell me about how my son convinced you to give him a chance." "He always placed my feelings over his own, even with the trivial things. If I wanted Chinese, he didn't push for pizza. If I wanted to listen to the oldies station, he didn't argue for country. He was the first guy with whom I felt truly comfortable. We sat up all night in a hotel on a stake out one time playing Monopoly and Scrabble, and he was a perfect gentleman. He didn't know 'chumpy' was a word, but he didn't argue too much either." Lois could not contain a fit of giggles. "You didn't tell him something to the effect of if a guy is a chump, he is therefore chumpy, did you?" "Yes, I did. I think those were my exact words. Why?" "I made the same argument to Clark on our first overnight stakeout." "That's funny, Lois. I guess we do have a lot in common, huh?" "It sounds like it. Martha and Jonathan had to leave early this morning to go to Topeka, and the guys will probably be a while. How would you like to go get some lunch? My treat." "That sounds great, Lois. But, it's my treat. You do like Chinese, right?" "I never learned to cook, but had three different Chinese restaurants on speed dial." "I think we are going to get along just fine, then." "The two women went out to the Jeep, and Lois drove them into town." On the drive into town Lois flipped through the radio stations every few moments. Laney laughed out laoud. "What's so funny?" "I do the same thing, and it makes CJ nuts." "It does seem that we are a lot alike. Please tell me that you don't have a silver Jeep, too." "I do have a silver car, but it's not a Jeep." "Silver is so classy." They said in unison. "It's a classic car, and still in excellent condition. It's a 1984 Mercedes 300D Turbo, with leather seats and teak interior. I got it the summer before my senior year of college, and I love it. I have a smaller car to drive for everyday stuff, and I take the Metro and Superman Express a lot as well." They chatted about little things like the weather and the Redskins' chance of ever winning the Superbowl. Soon, they were at the restuarant. Lois looked shocked as Laney ordered. "Lois, I'm sorry. I should have asked you what you wanted. I just thought that we'd get the buffett so we could try everything." "That's fine. It's just I didn't realize you spoke Chinese." "Well, I don't, not fluently anyway. I can order dinner in 6 languages, but I only speak English and Spanish with any real fluency. CJ even knows Farsi. I didn't even know that was a language until last week." Lois smiled. "I bet he knows how to order dinner in 347 languages." "Nope, more like 547. That is, if you count the different dialects. Did you know that there are three different Chinese dialects?" "I know. It's just that I don't think even Clark can do that." "Lois, your son is pretty amazing. At everything." When Laney winked at Lois following that last statement both women broke out in a fit of giggles. After Lois recovered her breath, she blushed slightly as she made her next statement. She didn't want to offen Laney, or come across as a nosy mom, but she WAS curious. "If he's like his dad, I'm sure he is. I wonder why the two of you didn't just fly off somewhere for a honeymoon. Clark and I had two whole weeks alone after we finally got married, but it didn't seem like near enough time." ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 15:52:29 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 8/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "Well, we, I can't believe I'm telling you this, didn't exactly wait." Laney smiled as she remembered the night CJ proposed. "It was his first time, and the first time I was actually in love, and we didn't fall asleep until six a.m. We moved in together the next day." Lois grinned. "So, what do you like to do for fun? Other than my son." She added with a wink. Laney laughed. Yes, it was going to be nice having Lois for a mother-in-law. "Sports, mostly. I learned to ride at Chatham Hall. I cleaned tack, mucked out stalls, and lots of other things to earn riding lessons." "I thought the insurance money paid for school?" "It did pay for a lot. It paid for my first year, after that I got a scholarship. I took about ten percent of the rest of it a year, which was about what the investments returned, for clothes, and movies, and such. I wasn't wealthy like the other girls, but I did have enough to have fun. Especially when I started my own business." "What did you do?" "I sold stuff. Mostly candy bars and chips that I'd bought wholesale, but I knew that the other girls tended to have larger allowances than IQ's, so I occasionally sold the odd research paper. I knew that I didn't want to be typed as a 'nerd', but I did want an education. If the kids saw me studying, they figured I was 'working'." "That's certainly resourceful." They finished lunch while discussing their high school escapades. "Do you like to shop, Laney?" "Not really, I'd prefer an elective root canal. I usually buy what ever I need over the internet. Less hassle." "That's because you've never been shopping with me. What do you say? It'll be fun. There's a new mall in Smallville. I hear they have a lingerie store that would make Victoria's Secret look like The Gap." "That sounds intriguing. Let's go." They paid the bill, tipped their server handsomely, and left for the mall. When they pulled into the mall, Laney had a thought. "Lois, honestly, does it bother you about my natural father? I know the resemblance is uncanny." Lois turned to her daughter-in-law as she put the Jeep in park. "Laney, it's obvious to me that you are nothing like him. You said so yourself that your physical appearance is where your similarities end. My son loves you, and I know you love him. That's what matters to me." "Thanks, I'm glad you feel that way." "Laney, why don't we get some ice cream first. There is a Haagen Daz just inside the entrance." "Lead the way." The two Kent women walked into the mall unaware that someone was watching. A few hours later, they came back outside empty handed. "Thank you, Lois. I don't think I've ever had quite so much fun shopping. It's great that the stores will ship everything to DC and Metropolis." "I know what you mean. Flying is so much easier without excess baggage." When they were about 10 yards from the Jeep, Lois pressed the keyless ignition switch. "This is great, the car will be warmed up by the time we get there." Laney cocked her head and she heard a series of beeps that she knew all too well. She grabbed Lois's arm. "Lois, it's a bomb. Just run." The two women were running back across the parking lot as the Jeep exploded. "Lois, are you okay?" Laney looked her mother-in-law over carefully. She had good vision, but not as good as CJ's. "I'm fine. I'm glad you heard the bomb when you did though." "Me too." The two ladies looked over to see the burning remains of the jeep. "I don't think either of us would have survived that." The sound of sirens caught their attention. "Lois, I can't very well tell the police how I knew about the bomb. Let's tell them that we remembered that we still needed to get dinner before we left." "And that's why we went back. You and CJ must have a list of excuses, huh?" "A mile long. Of course, we can always use the 'I've got to do something, but I can't tell you what bcause it's classified' excuse. The 'need to know only' excuse has been pretty handy since I'm you know what and CJ is you know who." After they filed the police report, they gladly accepted a ride home. Lois had a lot of questions for Laney, but she needed the privacy of home for them. The look on Laney's face after the explosion hinted that she knew more than she was saying. ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:07:01 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Bionics: 9/? Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit When they arrived back at the house, Lois turned to Laney. "What is it? I can tell that you know something about that explosion. I've seen that expression in the mirror too many times to think that you don't have an idea about who or what was behind the accident." "I know who it was Lois, I just can't prove it yet. The latest case that CJ and I are working on hits close to home, if you know what I mean. I swear, that SOB has more lives than a cat. He's in his sixties, but he doesn't look over forty something." Laney took a deep breath. "Lois, what I'm telling you is a secret. It will probably affect you on down the line, but you can't say anything just yet. You and Clark can have the exclusive when it's time, but let me be the judge of that, okay?" Lois was taken aback by the mixture of emotions on the younger woman's face. Anger, hatred, pain, determination, and a touch of fear all showed in Laney's expression. "Of course. Please, have a seat and start at the beginning." "Well, it all started when I was eight. I played hooky from school because I'd been up late the night before and I was tired. Mom knew I had good grades, and that I would be sleeping in school anyway, so she let me stay home. After my two sisters left for school, I never saw them again." Lois offered a tissue to Laney as her eyes began to moisten. "Thanks. There was an explosion. Someone had planted a bomb on the bus. There were no survivors. The official ruling was that the driver had mafia connections, but I found out later that was just a cover." "Laney, I'm so sorry. That must have beeen horrible for you." "It was the beginning of the worse few months of my life. A few days after the funeral, mom's car exploded. It was set to detonate shortly after ignition. Just like the school bus, and just like the Jeep earlier today. She never had a chance. Dad worked tirelessly to try to find the person responsible. He got too close, and paid for it with his life." "Laney, that must have been awful for you." "It was. Even at eight, I knew that the official story was a bunch of hooey. Dad was so grief stricken that he had horrible nightmares. One night, two days before he was killed, he told me what he knew. He told me not to ever tell anyone because that knowledge could get me killed." "After his funeral, I vowed to get the person who took my family away from me and make him pay. I didn't know how, or when, but I knew I would one day. That is what motivated me to work at the agency. All I have is circumstantial evidence, and determination. After all, it's not murder if the person is legally dead, besides the agency wants him dead or alive. I'll only need one shot." "I knew it. I don't know how, but I always knew that he wasn't dead. How much of this does CJ know?" "He's seen the file at the agency, and he knows most of what I told you. He knows I can do it in one shot, and that the agency has given me the official go ahead, but he doesn't know that I've been working on this since I was eight. When I was ten and found out about *him*, I had a suspect. I didn't think it was even a remote possibility at first, but as I learned more about his aliases and background, it seemed more feasible. Besides, a lot of that time is a blank." "Laney, I can't begin to imagine how hard that must have been for you." "I've worked through most of it. It's been a long time, and the hurt is there, but each day gets a little bit better. CJ has helped tremendously. Too bad I didn't know him when I was eight." Lois looked away for a second remembering something. "Laney, I think I remember the school bus explosion. Clark, as Superman was there to fight the ensuing blaze. He felt that there was more to the story than the officials let on, but when we submitted our story idea, we were told in no uncertain terms that this was off limits. We wrote two human interest pieces. Would you like to see them?" "There was even a picture of a little girl at the memorial service. She was a cute kid, brown hair and big brown eyes; CJ just stared at that picture for hours. He thought it was so sad. He wanted Clark and me to catch those bad guys because he said, and I quote, 'they made the pretty girl cry.' Maybe you'll recognize her?" When Laney saw the picture she drew in a quick breath. She couldn't believe how much she'd changed since that photograph had been taken. Her eyes were brown instead of a green, hazel color, and her face was full of a sadness that tore at the soul. "That's me." "It is?" Lois looked closely at the picture, then at Laney. There was a definite resemblance. "Now that you mention it, I remember a picture of a little boy in one of the sympathy cards I received during that time. The whole period is very fuzzy, and most of it's a blank. I kept that card long after I threw the others away. There was something so sincere about it. I still have it. I wonder- nah, it couldn't be." "I don't suppose you'd have any of CJ's old pictures out here, would you?" "Of course. Martha and Jonathan have a copy of just about every picture we ever took or had made of CJ. Most of them are on CD's. Why don't you take a look." Half an hour later, Laney sat staring at the computer with a dazed expression. "Lois, remember when I said it felt as though we had known each other forever? I guess we have, in a way." ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:13:09 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: Bionics Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Okay, that's what I have so far. If you've seen the tv shows The Six Million Dollar Man or The Bionic Woman, this may make more sense. All feedback welcome! JOY :) ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:39:30 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Pam Jernigan Organization: http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam/ Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (10/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Helene, Glad you've caught up :) When I first started writing this story, I wasn't sure anyone would be brave enough to read it :D s p o i l e r s p a c e > I caught up with 'Tryst' this morning and read those 10 parts in a > row... AND YOU CAN'T LEAVE ME HANGING THERE!! Really? I thought I left them in pretty good condition, actually ... kissing & cuddling high above the city, with the bad guy just hours away from arrest ... all's right in the world, right? I mean, apart from the small problem of her being living impaired (to borrow a phrase from Raconteur on the message boards ) I was thinking about just typing "The End" and saving myself a lot of extra work... > Seriously, Pam, I can't wait for more, so post post post > post post!! Unfortunately, it's not about posting so much as it's about writing ... and about me having two small kids (one with autism who needs special help), a cold that won't let me sleep for coughing, and a volunteer program for church that has snuck up on me... arrgh! I haven't planned my life properly! :D But I'll manage somehow, 'cause that's how much I love you all At least I'm better than Erin! -- Pam Jernigan / ChiefPam / jernigan@bellsouth.net http://www.geocities.com/~chiefpam http://personal.rdu.bellsouth.net/rdu/j/e/jernigan/ God made you special, and He loves you very much. -- Veggie Tales theology The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend. -- Henri Bergson ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 16:52:18 -0400 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Joy Sowell Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (10/?) Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit <<>> Don't you dare! I hope you feel better soon. Maybe the hubby will take the kids somehere tomorrow so you can write. It's supposed to be a nice day. <>> Ha ha. She posted three yesterday.... ______________________________________________ FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 13:52:55 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: JaT Subject: 7 Days of Superman Parts 16 - 19 Comments: To: 7days FanFic <7DaysFic@egroups.com>, BackStep Fiction , Tad Flowers , Marc Gartin , Dave and Debbie Harrison , Melanie , Backstep Operation , Travel Time , Dad Tull , Danny Tull MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Heres a BIG post Title:Seven Days of Superman Author/pseudonym:Mr. D8A Fandom:Seven Days/Lois & Clark:The New Adventures of Superman Rating:PG-13 Status: PARTS 16 - 19 Archive: Yes E-mail address for feedback:mr_d8a@yahoo.com Series/Sequel: 7 Days/l&c:tTNAOS Crossover Other websites:BACKGROUND INFORMATION.SEVEN DAYS (Details supplied by http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Launchpad/9329/SevenDays Disclaimers: Lois and Clark and the rest of the show's entourage are the property of DC, Warner, ABC, and Joanne Siegel and Laura Siegel Larson. Seven Days is the property of UPN. Summary:Superman fails to stop the nuking of Washington DC and gets some help from Frank B. Parker from Operation Backstep. Part: 16 Sent +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 12:30pm EST Metropolis Daily Planet, Conference Room +++++++++++++++++++++++ Clark paced back and forth across the conference room floor, trying to grasp everything he had been told. "So, let me get this straight. An agent, from the *time-traveling branch* of the NSA, has come back in time two days to inform us of a *possible* plot by Tempus to kill me, blow up Washington, kill both you and our *child,* and cause the *unsubstantiated* destruction of every major city across the globe?” Lois nodded enthusiastically. "Yep." “And the reason he is not one hundred percent certain is because he’s actually from a parallel universe that is a quantum shade of our universe, where Mom is not the President, most of the planet doesn’t know the Secret, and our counter-parts have an adopted son named Ivan.” “Yep.” "And said agent is sleeping in our guest bedroom?" he asked Keith. "Yes, sir. It seemed prudent at the time. Mr. Parker was exhausted and, at my suggestion, Lois offered him the guest bedroom. That will allow us to get started as soon as he gets up and keep an eye on him." Clark sat down and put his hands over his face and rubbed really hard. “All I wanted was a normal life. At least he’s not from Carla Kent’s and Lewis Lane’s universe.” After a couple of moments Clark looked up and put on a weary smiled. “I guess when you’re Superman, you have to take the weird and unusual as normal. What do we know about Mr. Parker?” Keith handed Clark a dossier. Clark glanced through it at super speed. “Sounds like a real man’s man. Photographic memory. A Navy SEAL. CIA Spec Ops Division. Decorated for valor in Desert Hammer. Captured and tortured in Somalia. Oh, this is nice. ‘Was remanded to the Division of Mental Services in South Carolina after experiencing violent paranoid tendencies.’ Is this true of this Frank Parker?” “I didn’t have the information before Mr. Parker started his ‘siesta.’ I plan to ask him later.” “Do we have a picture of him?” Keith looked back on the table and picked up a picture. “Sorry, sir. It must have slipped out earlier.” “That’s alright, Keith. Let’s have a look.” The second Clark saw the picture, he took a deep breath. Lois moved quickly around to Clark’s side. “We thought that Frank looked familiar. Do you recognize him?” “Yes, he looks like a younger version of Fred Carper.” “That’s the same conclusion we came to. We’ve tried to get a hold of the Carpers earlier but the farm hand said that they were out of town on business and wouldn’t be back until the sixth.” “And according to Mr. Parker, that will be too late.” Lois got a frustrated look on her face. She hated to have her goals blocked. “Right.” Clark tried to cheer his life-mate’s mind, “Maybe there will be time to visit them on the morning of the sixth.” Lois smiled at her husband’s attempt to make her feel better. But, somehow, she doubted that that would happen. “Considering our ‘guest,’ should I reschedule our dinner with Lex?” “You can’t do that ma’am. He’s leaving on that trip that he’s been planning since ‘forever,’ remember?” “Oh, you’re right. Sorry. Must be getting forgetful in my old age.” Clark flashed a smile at Lois, “Now you know very well that your cells have started to ‘slow and stabilize’ like mine since we’ve been married. ‘Old age’ shouldn’t be a bother to you until you are at least in your hundreds!” Lois smiled a genuinely sincere smile back at him. “Thank goodness! I’m glad we are getting a chance to see Lex before he takes off. You and Lex have been friends since childhood and this will be our last chance to see him for a long time, honey.” And with that she gave Clark a not-so-innocent kiss on the cheek. Keith cleared his throat. Not that he didn’t enjoy the love that the two shared, but sometimes they did forget the more pressing issues when they got that *look* in their eyes. “You know, Keith? Sometimes you’re as bad as Jimmy.” Keith didn’t even try to suppress the grin on his face, “I try, sir. What shall we do about Mr. Parker?” “As the First Gentleman of the land is fond of saying, ‘If he gets up before we eat, fine. If he doesn’t, there’s more for the rest of us.’ I figure we’ll just let him sleep until he wakes up.” “Sounds like a plan, sir.” Lois, Clark, and Keith went their separate ways: Lois and Clark to their respective desks and Keith to check up on Agent Smith. ~*~ Lois looked over at Clark, **Do I tell him what I suspect or wait until I have a chance to talk to Dr. Klein? If I am pregnant, then I’m probably in my second month, which leaves another twenty months to go.** She sighed, **Oh, I don’t know if I am up to this again. Alexander has been such a precious jewel to us and he has always wanted a little brother or sister, but Kryptonian pregnancies are so long! What am I thinking, if I am pregnant, of course I will carry the baby to term. And it will be easier this time, now that the world knows that Clark is Superman. No hiding in frumpy clothes, no lying to my mother, and no covert missions to Star Labs. Martha and Jonathan will be so happy, as will Clark.** She picked up the phone and dialed Dr. Klein’s personal line. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 6:30pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Alexander breathlessly dashed from the den and looked wildly about. “Mr. Jackson! Ms. Smith! Save me! Save me!” A dark and ominous voice emanated from the darkened recesses of the den, “Mr. Jackson can’t save you, my little rug rat. I banished him to another space/time continuum! As for Ms. Smith, let’s just say she’s sleeping an eternal sleep. First, I’m going to get you, then your Mom!” Just then the door bell rang. Alexander ran to the door and flung it open. Standing before him was a man in his early thirties. He sported jet black hair and chocolate brown eyes, which hid behind a platinum blue pair of glasses. He was attired in blue jeans, an earth tone plaid shirt and a denim jacket. You could barely see the braces attached to his cowboy boots. The only things that gave away his disability was the cuffed crutches he leaned upon. “Uncle Lex! Save me! Save me!” Alexander ran behind the legs of his savior. Bracing himself on one crutch, Lex lifted his other to warn off the pursuer. “Thou shall not lay a hand on this handsome young lad. He is under the protection of Super Lex!” Brought up short by the blunt end of a crutch, the villain stood and pondered his predicament. Raising his hands in defeat, he finally spoke, “You win this time, Super Lex, but the boy *will* get the tickling that he deserves.” Breaking out in a huge grin, Clark welcomed his longtime friend, Lex, into the house. Alex kept his ‘uncle’ between him and his Dad. Clark playfully growled at his son which caused Alex to run shrieking toward the kitchen, where his Mom was. “I’m glad you're here, Lex. How’s your mom?” Just then Lois walked out the kitchen and flashed both men with a big smile. Lex looked at her grinned, “She’s doing fine, Clark. Just fine. “You, Lois, look absolutely stunning.” Lois blushed, “Flatter1 I was hoping that your mother would have come tonight. I was hoping to finally meet her. From the way you describe her, I’m sure we’d have lots to talk about.” Lex shook his head, “You know Mom. I can never get her to stay in any spot for very long. Even now, in her sixties, she’s investigating an orphanage scandal in Moscow. I will send her your regards, as always.” Lois and Clark both nodded. Lola Ellison had been a free-lance reporter for the last two decades, though most of her stories were sent to the Daily Planet. They figured that someday she would blow into town and surprise them all. “So, tell us about this trip you’ve been planning for so long. You've been so secretive with the details.“ “We-ell, if you *must* know…” Part: 17 Sent +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 8:28pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ “…and then I hobbled away without anyone being the wiser!” “Yeah, and I got blamed for it! I had to spend all the next Saturday painting the barn, cleaning out the hayloft, and shoveling out the cow pens!” whined the Man of Steel. Lex was having a hard time keeping from laughing, “I know, haha… you wouldn’t speak to me for nearly a month!” “Only after your mother made you ‘fess up! And she let you off so easy!” “Oh, I don’t know about that. You try cleaning the kitchen floor with a toothbrush, on just your elbows and hands!” Lois was laughing so hard that she could barely get her words out, “But how did your Mother know? I mean it staggers the imagination that you were able to do what you did, what with you being handicapped and all! I…” //CHIRRRRP\\ Lois stopped talking and jerked her head up in the direction of the sound. Clark heard it too, but was surprised by Lois’ reaction. “You heard that?” Lois put on her best ‘innocent’ face. “Heard what?” “A cell phone, ringing, upstairs.” Clark stared at his wife across the table. Just then Alex started to walk down stairs, his eyes heavy with sleep. “There’s a very loud cricket phone in the guest room, and it woke me up.” **Saved by the child.** Lois immediately got up and gathered her son in her arms, like he weighed nothing. “Shh. It’s alright. Mommy and *Daddy* will take care of it.” Lois gave Clark a glance that pointed him to the guest bedroom. She started to take Alex back to bed. Clark checked the room with his hearing and could hear that Frank was stirring. “It sounds like Mr. Parker is finally waking up.” Lex paled slightly and started to get up, “I…um…need to go.” Lois and Clark both stopped and looked at their friend. “But you just got here. Surely, you can stay for a little longer?” “NO. I mean, I have a lot of packing left to do.” Lex quickly retrieved his jacket and hastily put it on. He knew he shouldn’t, but he looked back anyway. His eyes settled on Lois and Alex. He slowly walked back over to the two. It looked like there were tears forming in his eyes. He avoided Lois’ eyes completely and focused on Alex. “You take good care of your Mom when your Dad is not around. Okay?” “Yes, sir, Uncle Lex.” “Will you do me a favor? Will you run up the stairs to your room for me one more time, for old times sake?” “Sure.” Alex wiggled out of he Mother’s arms and dashed up the stairs. He moved a little faster than was normal for a child his age, but then again he was Superman’s son. Alex waved at his ‘uncle,’ “Goo’ night. Uncle Lex!” Leaning on one crutch, Lex waved back, “Good-bye, Alexander Kent.” Lex looked wistfully at the boy, **Run, Alexander. Run while you can.** He turned back to Clark, “I’ll try to get a hold of you real soon.” “You take care now.” “Give my best to Grams, and tell her that even with this ‘nude pose’ crap that her opponents have dragged up, I am sure that she will win, hands down.” Clark just shook his head, “I know she did it, but that was *long* before she even ran for mayor of Smallville. And it was a gift for Dad, for goodness sakes!” “They’ll use anything they can get their hands on. You tell her to be careful.” “And don’t you forget to put the heavy duty grips on the bottom of your crutches. I wouldn’t want you to fall overboard.” “You’re just like my Mom, Lois. Don’t worry. There’s little danger of that happening where I’m going to go.” The doorknob to the guest bedroom started to turn. Lex increased his speed to the door and waved a final farewell. Frank leaned over the balcony and stared at the closing front door, “Who was that?” “An old friend. I’m afraid we haven’t had the chance to meet, yet, Mr. Parker. I’m Clark Kent. Did you sleep well?” “Like the dead. I hope I didn’t snore.” Clark looked at his wife, “I didn’t hear a thing. Did you?” Lois realized that Clark had not been distracted by any of what just went on. “Well, if you didn’t hear anything, I sure didn’t.” “Great, does everybody in this family talk in circles?” Clark grinned at the man, “Actually it’s much worse than this at times.” **Might as well jump into the fire.** “So, who was on the phone?” “How did you…?” Lois pointed to her head, “Really sharp ears.” Shaking his head, Frank felt that there was more going on here than met the eye. “That was my partner, Dr. Olga Vukavitch. She’s stuck at Lambert Field, in St. Louis. All air traffic is on hold until a severe weather front moves through. Her flight will be delayed for at least an hour or two, Which means that she won’t be getting here for another five to six hours. She’s bringing me some supplementary ‘historical’ data related to this back step.” “Why don’t I just go pick her up? Call her back, and tell her that I will meet her by the baggage pickup. I’ll take an extra raincoat with me.” Frank pulled out his cell phone and made the call, explaining the situation to Olga and gave Clark her general description, and where to meet her. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 7:56pm CST St. Louis Lambert Field +++++++++++++++++++++++ An un-familiar whoosh-thud sounded under the overhang on the top level. Quickly making his way down the stairs to the baggage claim area, he approached the M-15 area. Looking for a medium built, reddish blonde woman carrying a black briefcase was next to impossible to find in the glut of people milling about looking for something to do while the airport was shut down. He, in the Suit, was easy to find. He felt a light tapping on his shoulder. He turned around and received the shock of his life. “Mrs. Carper!” Part 18 Sent Olga looked over her shoulder, expecting to find someone standing behind her. Finding no one looking directly at the super-hero, she assumed he was addressing her. She corrected him, "Actually, I am Dr. Olga Vukavitch. Do you prefer Mr. Kent or Superman?" Superman looked at her intently. **It must be the eyes. The hair is different, and the face is not aged, but the resemblance to Mrs. Carper's eyes is remarkable. Just like Frank Parker resembles Mr. Carper.** Clark just realized that she had asked him a question. "While I am in the Suit, I prefer Superman. I do like to try and keep the two aspects of my life separate." "Understood. Shall we?" He offered her the raingear, which she immediately donned. Then they were off. ~*~ Their departure was accompanied by the oohs and ahhs of the terminal-bound people. But among them was one that knew the significant bench mark this was in the order of things. At the top of the handicap ramp, a pair of aged eyes watched the take-off. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed. It rang only once. The voice on the other end was ragged and anxious. "Well?" Only a trace of her mother tongue remained, "Everything is happening as it did. The airport should be opening soon and I should be there by morning. We will meet with Mr. Andrews at the farm in the afternoon. And then we have to hope that Superman survives and finds us." "I wish we could warn them ahead of time. I wish we could spare Lois, Keith, and Alexander." "I always knew you were a softy, Mr. Carper, even back then. I wish it could be different, but you remember what happened when we tried to make a change, we nearly lost Lola. We have to let this happen as it did. If Mr. Kent survives, then we can decide on the next course of action, with his help.” Trying to bring some humor back into her voice she said, “I will see you in the morning, Mr. Carper." You could almost hear the grin on the other end of the line, "I look forward to seeing you too, Mrs. Carper." +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 8:51pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Frank made his way down the stairs to the first floor. He meandered around their living room while she attended to Alexander. **Ni-ice. Very nice. Reporters must make more than chrononauts.** Frank walked over to the mantel and looked at all the pictures on it. There were pictures of the President and the First Gentleman, both with clothing on, Frank noted with a chuckle. One of a man leaning on a crunch, holding a infant. The back of the picture indicated that it was Alexander’s namesake that was holding him. One in particular caught his attention. It was a picture of a man and woman standing in front of a little house with a white picket fence. The back of the picture simple said, ‘The Carper’s in front of their new home – Sept. 1980.’ The thing that drew his attention was the fact that Mr. and Mrs. Carper looked very familiar, especially the Misses. Just as he was about to take a good look at it, he was attacked from behind. The assailant was merciless. Frank was quickly brought to his knees, as his attacker had hit him square in the hamstrings. Rolling over, Frank grabbed his foe and wrestled with him on the floor. Frank tried valiantly to keep the perpetrator from his throat, but in the end was not able to withstand the dogged determination of his assailant. Lois walked in at this point and tried to save Frank. “Mickey! Bad dog! Bad dog! Come here this instant!” Mickey hastily stopped licking Frank’s face and hid behind the chair next to Lois. Lois extended her hand and yanked Frank to his feet. “Whoa! You got a pretty strong arm there, Mrs. Kent.” “It comes from arm wrestling Clark for the remote.” Frank just grinned, “So how long do you think it will take him to get to Saint Louis and back?” Lois looked at her watch, “He’s already been there and is on the way back by now. I would estimate his arrival in about fifteen minutes. Much faster than that and Dr. Vukavitch would have more than wind whipped hair.” “I see.” “Is there anything I can get for you? Coffee, tea, orange juice?” “How about some bacon and eggs?” “You either don’t know about my cooking, or you’re a very brave man.” “How about a Pop-tart?” Part 19 +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 9:45pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ //Whoosh-thud\\ Frank had been pacing the floor, waiting for the return of Superman and Olga. Frank was not a jealous man. He just cared deeply for Olga and didn’t want anything to happen to her, even if this wasn’t the same Olga that he had grown to respect and admire. He was still marveling at the fact that every time he had backstepped, he had come back to a different Olga. They weren't really all that different. According to Ballard, when he slipped a quantum cog, he was going to a universe that was essentially identical in every way. Only minor things had changed. So, in effect, he had already fallen for at least a dozen different quantum-shades of the same woman, who were, in reality, identical. And he had worried about each of them the same. So this one would be no different. He could just envision the Tempus of this parallel universe doing something completely different, and placing her life in jeopardy. He would never forgive himself if any thing happened to any of her. This one was just as important to him as the last one was. He was so deep in thought that he missed completely the sound of their arrival. Lois clued him in that they were here. Olga had a thrilled and exhilarated look about her. “Finally!” Taking Olga to one side, he started asking her questions, “Are you alright? What happened? What took so long?” **Why do you look so happy?** That last thought made him look daggers at the Kryptonian. Whatever bubble Olga had been riding on burst under Frank’s interrogation, “MISTER PARKER! I am quite alright, thank you. As to what happened, it was marvelous, wonderful. It was, was…I should let *Superman* explain.” She looked at Superman will admiration in her eyes. Lois saw that look in Dr. Vukavitch’s eyes. Hero-worship. Pure, unadulterated hero-worship. She knew that there was no harm in it, usually, but it still caught her unassuming husband off-guard. Clark had just finished spinning into his civilian clothes when all eyes settled on him. He never really liked being in the limelight, whether in front of three or three hundred. “The flood waters from a nearby river had washed out a section of road near Terra Haute, Indiana. A bus carrying wrestling team stopped before running off the edge, but didn’t have time to back out before the waters had washed out the section behind them as well. I put Dr. Vukavitch in the bus and carried them into town. I spent about five to ten minutes phoning in the story to the Tribune-Star. Nobody was hurt--only shook up a little.” “It was marvelous! I never knew flying could be so, so…wonderful! And the picking up the bus! Such gentleness. You are a very lucky woman, Mrs. Kent.” Lois gently, but possessively, grabbed Clark’s arm and leaned on his shoulder. He looked into her eyes as she looked into his. “Yes, I am.” +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 10:00pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ It was going to be an early morning, so Olga took the next shift in the guest bedroom. She had been up all day and flying for a good portion of it. Even though the flight and rescue with Superman had been exhilarating, she finally was coming off the adrenaline high and was ready to sleep. Keith came over to stay in the house while Clark left on patrol. Lois went to bed soon after. Even a Supermom needed to get her rest. That left Keith and Frank to be the only watchers in the house. Keith went about checking alarms, sensors, and secret stashes of ‘protective items.’ Frank set about reading everything that Olga had brought him. Research had been kind enough to give a brief summary of the Historical highlights of the Americas, going back several centuries. He skimmed, for the most part. What Frank was really interested in was the profiles on the Operation Backstep staff and the members of the Kent household. Nathan Ramsey and his brother were both arrested twenty-five years ago for attacks on the Soviet embassy in New York. They were both model inmates, but each year they were denied parole because they were unrepentant of their crimes. They had been members of the McCarthy Loyalist from the outset. **Goes to show that some people never change.** Jason Josiah Trask was the valedictorian for the Harvard's Class of 64. His only sister was married to a lawyer in Vermont. **Which is different from my universe. Our Jason's sister disappeared in 1968, apparently abducted by aliens, which was why he was out for Superman's scalp.** He was twice decorated as an operative for the FBI and was head operative for ten years running. He quit the FBI to become Head of Security of Operation Backstep. He'd saved several of the Backstep members a number of times. **What's this? A personal note from Trask.** ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Frank, I know you don't know me, but I knew your counterpart well. He and I have not always seen eye to eye on things. In fact, I have rarely ever met anyone so obstinate or pigheaded. He was also compassionate and caring. He knew the meaning of teamwork and loyalty. If you are even half the man that he was, we should count ourselves fortune to have you on board. If we never get you back to your own universe I hope that I can put behind me the differences that he and I had and give you the benefit of a doubt. Sincerely, Jason Trask P.S. If you tell anyone I wrote this, I will throw you in the holding cell faster than you can say conundrum. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Frank chuckled and quietly tossed the paper into the fireplace. It quickly went up in flames. Frank shook his head with a grin on his face. **Well, this Jason seems to be an alright guy. Though he won't be as much fun as Ramsey.** Frank continued his reading. The rest of the team seemed consistent to his universe. Except for himself. **I was never decorated for valor in Desert Hammer, which sounds like our Desert Storm. During that time I was involved in a covert mission in the old Soviet Union. Other than that, this world's Frank Parker and I could be the same man. Now, what's going on with the Kents?** This world’s Superman didn’t debut until January of ’94, just before the Nightfall Asteroid was due to crash into the Earth. Clark Kent’s accomplishments, besides being Superman, were quite impressive. He has won several Kerths and was jointly awarded a Pulitzer with his partner and wife, Lois Kent, on the fall of Intergang (which, thanks to Superman, they had a very large hand in.) They where married on October 6, 1994. In July of '96, Alexander Arthur Kent, named after close friend, Alexander ‘Lex’ King Ellison, was born. Later, when Clark revealed that he was Superman, it also came out that Lois' pregnancy was ninety weeks long. Frank let out a low whistle. **No wonder Superman's tough! It takes longer for Kryptonians to be put together than an elephant.** President Martha Kent was elected in a landslide victory in 1996, after a hasty re-vote when President John Doe/Tempus was arrested and imprisoned for murder and a variety of other things. She had been Senator of Kansas for two terms and Mayor of Smallville for five years. Her running mate was Dan Quayle. She showed a remarkable ability to bring order and peace to almost any situation. She was much loved and respected. As was her husband. The First Gentleman, Jonathan Kent, was known the world over for cutting to the heart of any matter and fairness. He was as sought after as the President to help settle disputes, both domestic and foreign. Most of the social programs initiated during his wife's presidency were at his request. John Doe/Tempus was an enigma. He popped up out of nowhere and took the country by storm. He actually became President for a whole week before it was found out that he was controlling the nation with futuristic technology. Shortly after his arrest, he disappeared. According to his cellmates a man from the future came and got him. The time-traveling aspect of the man was kept from the public eye. Bureau 39 was a department of the FBI at one time, created to support the Air Force’s Project Blue Book. When Blue Book was shut down in the late ‘70s, Bureau 39 was disbanded. Until Superman showed up. It was then reopened until, after he defeated Lord Nor of the New Kryptonians in hand-to-hand combat, it reached the conclusion that Superman posed no threat to national security. **Funny, no mention of Lex Luthor. That could very well be the reason that Superman showed up later in this universe.** +++++++++++++++++++++++ Monday, October 4, 1999 11:33pm EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Keith finished his inspection of the house and sat down across the man from another future. Since Frank was totally absorbed in what he was reading, Keith used this as an opportunity to study the man. He saw before him a man that looked older than his years. Of course, that could be due to the fact that he had repeated gone back in time and so had actually lived more days than the rest of humanity. But the number of missions would not explain the haunted look that crossed Frank's face every once in a while. **What must it be like to see your comrades and sometimes your whole world die in front of you, knowing that you are the one that has the power to bring them back? How many times has he snatched a soul from the very hands of God, as if to say, 'Not yet. Let them have another chance,' and God has graciously allowed it to happen?** Frank had a responsibility that Keith would never want to have. To him, Frank and Clark had that in common. Both had saved the world countless times. The only difference was that Clark got the accolades for his actions and Frank only received the thanks of a handful. Clark did it because that's who he was. Why did Frank do it? Because he was ordered to? Or because he knew it was the right thing to do? Perhaps, both. Which then was the greater hero? +++++++++++++++++++++++ Tuesday, October 5, 1999 12:07am EST Metropolis Hyperion Avenue. +++++++++++++++++++++++ Frank finally put down the papers and folders. He leaned back his head and closed his eyes. A low moan passed through his lips. "Can I get you something, Mr. Parker? Cup of coffee?" "A beer would be nice." "No can do. No alcohol like that in the house. The best I could produce would be a glass of wine." "That's right, Lois' mom is an alcoholic. I am surprised that they have wine." "There are just some dishes that *have* to be served with wine, according to Mr. Kent." "I would have to agree. Okay, how about a glass of white. I'm not too picky about type and year." "Can do." Keith disappeared for about five minutes and came back with a single fluted wine glass. Frank took a sip and nodded appreciatively. "Very good." "It was a present from the French President when Superman saved his life from an assassins bullet while he was visiting our fair city. It was a very fine wine from his personal stock." "Nice." Frank got thoughtful and finally decided to broach a subject that had tickled at his mind since first meeting Keith, "So, what is it like being Superman's body guard? I figure it would be a smooth assignment." "I *wish!* Technically, I am Lois' bodyguard. Agent Smith is Alexander's. If Clark had to go off and be Superman I take over protecting Lois. If Lois takes off with him, I help out watching Alexander. It works out quite nicely most of the time, but we have our moments.” **Actually, Lois has moments, I get headaches!** Frank and Keith chit chatted for about an hour on a variety of things. Frank found Keith to be a wonderful source of information about this universe’s past. Frank couldn’t help think to himself, **Man, what a different world these people lived in. No Vietnam War. Solidarity between the US and the USSR. Tricky Dick Nixon as the Father of Racial Unity. It would really be interesting to have lived here during the last thirty years.** “I’m going to try and catch another forty winks.” “I’ll get you some spare pillows and blankets. I’m afraid that the couch is all that is left.” “It’s a lot better than some places I have slept. Could you do me a favor?” “Within reason.” “Could you find for me any information on Lex Luthor and William J. Clinton.” “I’ll see what I can do. Any particular reason?” “They were important people in my universe. I’m just curious, that’s all.” “Okay. Now, I’ll get those pillows and blankets.” ----------------------------------------------------- Teasers for Future Parts **HELP! DADDY!!** The telepathic scream nearly knocked Lois and Clark to their knees... Alexander was gone. *** In the blink of an eye she was gone, incinerated into nothingness. *** "You named me after a showgirl!" ===== The D8As - AIM id is mrd8astl Matthew 23:37-39, Romans 1:19-32, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 Go to WWW.FREEWWWEB.COM for the best Free Internet access! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Kick off your party with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 18:08:18 EDT Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kate Crane Subject: Re: NEW: Tryst (10/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 7/28/00 1:43:48 PM Pacific Daylight Time, jernigan@BELLSOUTH.NET writes: << At least I'm better than Erin! >> LOL Pam, you guys slay me. So glad to be a part of this FOLC stuff. Kate ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 23:23:19 +0100 Reply-To: "yconnell@ukf.net" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: yconnell Subject: Re: Yet another little game ;) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit OK, I'll try this for once, Helene! All from memory - s p o i l e r s p a c e > 1. a fake fortune teller Jenni Debbage: Universal Union (2nd part?) > 3. a heavy cloak > probably Wendy's When Lightning Strikes Twice > 4. an ugly broken vase > Um...is this me? Clark found one when he and CK were clearing out his parent's attic in Fear of Discovery II. Wendy said about this one: I feel that I should know this, but can't think! Well, Wendy, you beta-read it . > 5. a bright red dress > Brief Encounter, by Wendy and someone else > 6. a cigarette case > Not sure ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 23:36:46 +0100 Reply-To: "yconnell@ukf.net" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: yconnell Subject: Re: Tryst (10/?) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Pam, this was wonderful stuff again. I'm in awe :) Yvonne (yconnell@ukf.net) ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 17:47:30 -0500 Reply-To: msberard@earthlink.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Brazil Red Subject: OT Tech assistance MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I know this is OT, so if *anyone* can help me, please e-mail me directly. I'm getting a bunch of returned spam mail that *I* never sent. I've worried and I don't know what to do. If anyone can help me. Brazil Red (apologies if this goes too far against the rules, but from the questions that people have asked for fanfics, I think someone knows anything on this list). ========================================================================= Date: Sat, 29 Jul 2000 01:30:48 +0200 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Chiara Prato Subject: Apologize to the mailing list! MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have apologize with all of you... I sent today a couple of post .. they had attachment and a background I didn't choose... I e-mailed them from my office, with a new softwer from my provider... It seem don't work very well so... Again I'm raelly sorry! CHiaraP ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 17:00:15 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Judith Williams Subject: OT: Non-reponsive reply address MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Becky: I received your e-mail, but my reply keeps getting sent back as undeliverable. Please contact me again with your correct address. (Sorry to send this to everyone, but don't know any other way to contact her) Jude ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:44:36 -0500 Reply-To: truitt22@flash.net Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: timothy truitt Organization: tnt technical services Subject: Re: New Fic MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Joy - you haven't changed anything here from what you have already posted, have you? merry Joy Sowell wrote: > I have a fic that I've benn working on off and on for a while on the MB's. > The working title is Bionics are Super. Yeah, it's cheezy, but I remember > the problem with too many fics going by "untitled". :) > > It's rough, so please feel to make any grammar, spelling, plot, whatever > suggestions. Public or private, as long as I get feedback I'll be happy. > > I'll post it here later today, assuming my parents' ISP will let me on line > that long. :) > > JOY:) > > ______________________________________________ > FREE Personalized Email at Mail.com > Sign up at http://www.mail.com/?sr=signup ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:15:20 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: JaT Subject: GGGOH Question MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii What time of year does this episode take place? ===== The D8As - AIM id is mrd8astl Matthew 23:37-39, Romans 1:19-32, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 Go to WWW.FREEWWWEB.COM for the best Free Internet access! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Kick off your party with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:29:10 -0700 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: JaT Subject: For those of you that what to read all the 7 Days of Superman Comments: To: 7days FanFic <7DaysFic@egroups.com>, BackStep Fiction , Tad Flowers , Marc Gartin , Dave and Debbie Harrison , Melanie , Backstep Operation , Travel Time , Dad Tull , Danny Tull MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii The below link will connect you to all the story parts and the comments that other readers have given. This is a Message Board that you can read but if you want to post a responce you have to to register. It is free and your info is not sold to anyone, right Zoom? http://www.zoomway.com/boards/ubbhtml/Forum5/HTML/003005.html I will be updating this link as I post Parts. If you would prefer this to having the actual story put here, please let me know. ===== The D8As - AIM id is mrd8astl Matthew 23:37-39, Romans 1:19-32, 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 Go to WWW.FREEWWWEB.COM for the best Free Internet access! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Kick off your party with Yahoo! Invites. http://invites.yahoo.com/ ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 21:33:36 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kathy Brown Subject: Re: GGGOH Question On Fri, 28 Jul 2000 19:15:20 -0700, JaT wrote: >What time of year does this episode take place? It aired in the November, but it really would have most likely taken place in July. July would be prime harvest time for corn, thus the time to hold the Corn Festival. This always confused me, how they could have a corn festival in November, when the corn harvest would long be past, until the S3 episode "Super Mann". In SM, we learned that the pilot did not take place in September, when it aired, but in May. That pushes all the early S1 episodes back a few months, and finally, the corn festival makes sense! :) Kathy ========================================================================= Date: Fri, 28 Jul 2000 21:35:37 -0500 Reply-To: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" Sender: "Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman Fanfic" From: Kathy Brown Subject: Re: OT Tech assistance On Fri, 28 Jul 2000 17:47:30 -0500, Brazil Red wrote: >I know this is OT, so if *anyone* can help me, please e-mail me >directly. > >I'm getting a bunch of returned spam mail that *I* never sent. I've >worried and I don't know what to do. I'd contact your ISP immediately. If someone has put your email address as a "reply to" address on spam, or if they have somehow stolen your address to use as the source of spam, you need to get on record ASAP as having no knowledge of it. Otherwise, you may find yourself without access at all. Good luck, Kathy