u/shira-hazel

Summary: There was a solar storm, one of the biggest ever, and everything changed. Suddenly Clark Kent doesn't exist, Martha and Jonathan Kent live in a small apartment in Smallville and everywhere there's an unscrupulous prick who calls himself Ultra Man. H. G. Wells turns to the only person who can help - Lois Lane. Again.

Lois finished another Cosmopolitan and stared at the bottom of the glass.
"Hmmm, whoa, empty." She sounded disappointed.
She was about to order another when an older man in a tailored brown suit sat down next to her. Lois studied him and then the bar, which was fairly empty at this late hour. Or early depending on how you look at it. Then back to him.
"I think that's enough."
"Who died and made you my boss? I want another one." He held her hand gently and firmly, preventing her from summoning the bartender.
"Miss Lane-Kent, please." She looked at him in shock for a moment.
Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. She looked for a moment in the mirror behind the bar. The man next to her was silent, giving her a chance to come to her senses.
"No one calls me that anymore, not since..."
"Since the solar storm a month ago." She nodded silently. "Many things are not as they should be." She looked at him.
"I would say. Superman does not exist, and has never existed. In his place there is only this creature... Kal." She emphasized the name, "And my Clark is gone."
"I noticed."
"Well, you're the only one. Well, besides me."
"I know what my excuse is. What's yours?"
"I was unconscious, in the hospital. I woke up expecting to find Clark gnawing around me and instead my father appeared to give me orders."
"I think I might be able to help. Maybe."
"I don't even know who you are."
"My name is H.G. Wells. I'm a time traveler." Lois laughed.
"I must have really had too much to drink. I think I'll go."
"Ms. Lane, I'm telling you the truth." She looked at him. "Give me ten minutes. What have you got to lose?" Lois watched him for a few moments.
"Okay, you have five minutes." He nodded.
"I travel in time. Originally my time machine was the size of a room, but I met a scientist in a world much more technologically advanced than this and we made the machine much smaller." He showed Lois a large gold pocket watch and opened it.
On the face of the clock was another small clock that showed a date. The man turned the watch inside the golden case. The back of the watch was smooth.
"On the face of the clock I set the exact time to which I want to move and on the back of the clock I choose the location. I move not only in time but also between universes."
"I thought only Kryptonians had the technology to do that." He smiled at her.
"One thing I've learned in my travels, anything is possible."
"So, what brought you here?" The man put the watch back in his vest pocket.
"The first time I moved between worlds it was between my world where Lois Lane disappeared, and Kal El was not Superman..."
"Was he a criminal like here?"
"No. But he was in trouble. In the only world I was able to move to, Superman died in a battle against Doomsday and never came back to life. Together with the Lois of that world, we managed to fix both universes. Then I discovered other worlds I could move to, worlds that needed my help. That's how I came over here."
"I don't know how you can help. I can't even get his attention for more than a few moments."
"I'm afraid it's too late to affect him now."
"And that's supposed to help?"
"When I got here, I was trying to figure out what was the point where everything changed. Your Clark ran away from home once."
"Yes, he was in high school. He blamed himself for the accident that happened to his mother." Wells nodded.
"And that's the point where everything changed. Originally your cousin, Chloe Sullivan, found him in Metropolis and two months later told Lana Lang about it..."
"Who confronted him and started a chain of events, at the end of which he returned home."
"This solar storm, what caused it?"
"An experimental communications satellite developed jointly by Lexcorp and Galaxy Communications. It caused problems all over the world, that's why I was in the hospital. Clark had to throw it into the sun. At least, that's what he was going to do before I passed out."
"I think that solar storm caused Chloe Sullivan to not find Clark in Metropolis. I went back in time to the point where she was supposed to find him, and she misses him by seconds."
"Then get back there! Make her see him!"
"I can't do it, but you can."
"But..."
"You don't remember? You were the one who took Chloe to Metropolis."
"Oh… you're talking about then." She looked at him determinedly. "What should I do?""And what will the general say about you being here?" Lois smiled at Chloe, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"He would never know." Chloe laughed.
"Okay, so where are you taking me?"
"Kaylee hasn't stopped talking about this place." They walked down the street. Chloe could see the line in the distance. "I still can't believe she managed to get accepted to Matt-U."
"I still can't believe she's graduating next year." They both exchanged a smile. "Atlantis?" Chloe looked at the sign.
"Turns out it's the hottest place in town."
"Will they let us in? We're not exactly of legal age."
"Leave it to me."
The guard at the door glanced appraisingly at Lois and didn't even look at Chloe. It helped that Lois was wearing a black leather mini skirt and a leopard print semi-sheer tank top over a black bra. She was also wearing a black leather jacket that was currently rolled off her shoulders. She was wearing black high heels. On the other hand, Chloe wore tight jeans and a green shirt with a boat neckline that exposed her shoulders. Even with her green platform shoes she barely reached Lois's shoulder. The guard opened the silver velvet rope and allowed them both to pass. Lois gave him a five-dollar tip.
The place was amazing. Busy, noisy with rhythmic and innovative music. Lois and Chloe stood at the bar and ordered drinks.
"Wow!" Chloe exclaimed.
"Exactly." Lois said with a smile.
"Hey, there's Kaylee!" Chloe happily waved to their cousin who was on the other side of the club with some friends.
Someone pushed Lois into the bar. She gasped and blinked. A bright white light dazzled her for a moment. Lois stared ahead. What? What happened? It worked? Wow, she had a bit of a headache suddenly and her body didn't feel quite right. She looked at the mirror in front of her. What exactly happened?
"Lois? Are you okay?" It was Chloe and she looked so young, a real girl.
"I... I'm fine. I'm going to the bathroom. I'll be right back."
She rushed to the bathroom, miraculously the place was empty. Lois looked in the mirror and saw Wells, but he wasn't behind her. She hurried and locked the door and returned to the mirror.
"Wells? What's going on here?"
"You are in your younger version’s body."
"Yes, I noticed. This is not what was supposed to happen!"
"It's probably fallout from the solar storm."
"What? What am I supposed to do now? I really don't feel like going back to high school. I couldn't stand high school the first time!"
"Ms. Lane..."
"You're right. I need to concentrate. Is this the night Chloe is supposed to find Clark?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll focus on that, and you'll find a way to get me out of here!" The apparition of Wells in the mirror nod.
Lois rushed out and joined Chloe and Kaylee who dragged her to the dance floor. Three hours later people in the club started to leave and Chloe and Kaylee were already tired. Lois finally gave in, and they left the club for the hotel room Lois had rented.
Chloe and Kaylee were sleeping, and Lois was standing on the balcony looking out at the city spread out below her. She remembered that day. In the previous round, Chloe noticed someone while they were dancing and left for half an hour. She came back a bit upset, and they left the club shortly after. This time Chloe didn't leave. The truth is that Lois didn't notice Clark either. And she searched. What will she do now? Clark had to go home!
"Miss Lane-Kent." She heard a voice behind her and turned back.
"Mr. Wells! He wasn't there!" Wells nodded, his fingers playing with the clock. "And I'm stuck here. Tomorrow the general will show up and drag me back to the base."
"Mr. Kent noticed Chloe standing by the bar. He quickly left." Lois bit her bottom lip, lost in thought. "That would have to be you."
"How, Mr. Wells? He doesn't know me; he has no reason to listen to me."
"You know the truth." She looked at him.
"No. No. That's a bad idea, Mr. Wells. If I've learned one thing from Clark, it's that you shouldn't mess with the past. There's always a price."
"Miss Lane-Kent, I tried to get you back to your time several times, it didn't work." She bowed her head. "I think whoever is directing my travels wants to keep you exactly where you are until the problem is fixed."
"But if I intervene, there is no way to know what else will change."
"So I guess the question is, are you willing to take the risk?"
"Clark wouldn't like that." She smiled. Wells smiled back.Lois, wearing a short, tight red mini dress, stood by the bar at the Atlantis club. She knew Clark had always loved her in red. He appeared half an hour later accompanied by a slutty blonde. To Lois's surprise he dismissed the girl quickly and stayed by the bar talking to the bartender. She waited for him to turn around and scan the club, and then she tossed the hair, flipping it and letting it go. When he looked at her, she felt his gaze like an electric touch and smiled to herself. Even from a distance of years, even when they had never met, he still managed to arouse her with a look. She wet her lips and slowly sipped her drink. Clark stood behind her, his hands imprisoning her. Her smile grew. She still didn't look directly at him. He was wearing a black shirt with the top buttons open; his long black hair was wild. Lois ran her tongue over her upper lip.
"I don't think I've seen you here before." She laughed sensually, tilting her head back. Their eyes met in the mirror.
"Is that your best opening line?" He smiled and Lois tightened her grip on her libido. He turned her to him and placed his hands on the bar beside her. Lois couldn't take her eyes off his face.
"Words are not my forte." He leaned in to kiss her, but Lois put her hand on his chest and pushed lightly. There was something lumpy through the fabric. His chest was not as smooth as she remembered. Lois kept a poker face and continued as if she didn't feel anything under her hand.
"I actually like words. For example, names. Like what's yours?"
"Everyone calls me Cal." Clark clung to her. "And your name, beautiful?"
"As if you really care." She moved away from the bar she was leaning on, and Clark moved away from her.
This girl interested him, he was intrigued. It had been a long time since anything had intrigued him like this. She was attracted to him, he knew it, he saw it in her eyes, he felt her body's reaction to him, but she didn't do anything about it. In fact, she was acting cool, playing hard to get. He didn't want to let her get away. He held her hand, preventing her from leaving.
"Where are you going?" She looked at his hand on her arm and then back at him. Her smile warmed.
"Outside." He pulled her back to him.
"Let's dance."
"What about the blonde you came with?"
"Who?" She gently removed her hand from his hand and placed it on his chest.
"You're cute, really, but I'd rather dance with a little more mature guy."
"Am I not mature enough for you?" She looked him up and down and back. Her smile grew. He held her hand on his chest.
"You're just a farm boy who ran away from home because life got a little hard." He tightened his grip, almost hurting her. "Cal."
"This isn't true!"
"I'll need my hand."
"Who sent you here? How did you find me?" He started to hurt her. Ignoring the pain, she pulled out a small note from her bra.
"Afraid I'll tell?" He opened his mouth, but she beat him to it. "I'll be here tomorrow." She handed him the note. Clark took it hesitantly. "Don't worry, Clarky," she whispered, "I'll keep your secret with me." Stunned, he let her slip away and before he could stop her, she disappeared into the crowd of dancers.

 He's been fantasizing about a long shower and his bed for a few days. Diana had finally returned from Themiscra and Bruce, with legs not quite steady but head as hard as stone, was ready to get back to work. By the time he reached the door of his apartment, he already had his jacket in his hand and was starting to loosen his tie. He opened the door and froze in place. Something was different. The apartment looked the same as always, the same as he had left it, but something was different, he couldn't explain it. He had the feeling that someone had been in the apartment in his absence. He really didn't need it now. He scanned the entire apartment in every possible way; there was nothing to prove that feeling. Clark sighed and went inside. He must be imagining things, he had done the work of three superheroes in the last few days, and that was besides his work as Clark Kent, and he was taut as a spring. He closed the door, hung his jacket on the hook, and placed his glasses on the small table next to the door. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, trying to remember why he thought it was a good idea to wear glasses. Eyes closed, he walked by memory to the shower. He was about to turn on the faucet and stopped. Something was different. He went back into the kitchen and blinked at the bouquet of flowers on the island. Where had it come from?

The apartment door opened and Clark turned to see Lois coming in with two large, heavily loaded paper bags in her hands. Another bag was placed at her feet.

"Lois?" She looked at him in surprise for a moment.

"Oops..." she whispered.

"What are you doing here?" He ran a hand through his hair.

"Can I get some help here, Smallville?"

"Yeah, sorry."

He walked over to her and picked up the three bags in his hands and placed them on the kitchen counter. Lois closed the door behind her and when he turned to ask her again what she was doing here, she kissed him and kept him busy with the kiss for long minutes.

"Hmmm..." she said, licking her lips as she finally released him.

"Lois?" She looked at him again, considering, then kissed him again.

Every time he tried to say something she kissed him until he decided to give up and kissed her back. She smiled and took his hand and led him to the shower. She kissed him again.

"To the shower." He opened his mouth to say something and she kissed him again. "To the shower." She held out her hand and Clark undressed and gave her his clothes. She kissed him again and he got into the shower.

He hadn't expected her, but the fact that she was in the apartment made him feel safe and took a lot of the stress out of him. She made it clear that she was in charge now, and after a week of dealing with Bruce and a whole bunch of criminals, of making life-and-death decisions at every moment, it felt so good to give Lois control of his life. The warm water flowed over him, and Clark let it wash away the tension and stress of the last few days. He let go of everything, letting the sounds of the city pass over him. He narrowed his world to this shower, the water flowing over him, and the quiet sounds Lois was making in the apartment. He didn't try to understand what she was doing, but the fact that she was around calmed him down. He got out of the shower and put on the clothes she had left for him. He dried his hair as she entered the shower with a smile. He smiled back. She put her hand on her waist and looked him up and down, then walked over to him and hugged him. It was exactly what he needed. To hold her in his arms, to smell her, to feel her close to him. He thought of nothing but her, the touch of her skin on his hands, the feel of her hair on his cheek, the warmth that emanated from her and enveloped him. He didn't even notice the contented, satisfied sigh that escaped him. Lois smiled at his chest and moved away from him a little. She placed her fingers on his mouth.

“Are you hungry?” He shook his head.

She kissed him and took him to bed. She laid him down and covered him with a blanket. He took her hand and gently pulled her to him. She smiled and kissed him but didn't get into bed with him. She closed his eyes, kissed them and left. Clark didn't want her to go. Just when he decided to accept the fact that she wouldn't join him and he would have to sleep without her, Lois got under the blanket and clung to him. She had changed clothes and was now wearing one of her flannel pajamas, he could feel it. She turned off the light and Clark just held her happily and fell asleep.

Lois looked at him with a smile. She had planned to get the apartment ready for his return, but he arrived before she could do anything but put the flowers in the vase. When she entered the apartment and saw him all her plans flew out the window. Someone who didn't know him like she did wouldn't see how tense he was, but Lois knew him. She knew he wasn't tired, if he was physically tired, he wouldn't be standing, he would already be lying on the couch, not staring at her like that. When she kissed him and he didn't kiss back, she knew exactly what he needed. He needed someone to take care of him, for a change. It took him a while to figure out what she was doing, Clark always did things at his own pace, and from the moment he did he was completely cooperative. And it worked. She saw it when she got into the shower and he was dressed. He was much calmer. When he gently asked her to join him, her heart warmed, she hadn't expected it otherwise she would have changed clothes while he was in the shower. Her effect on him surprised her every time. The calmness on his face now was all she could ask for.

  

If he fell asleep with Lois curled up in his arms, he woke up around midnight with her, as usual, spread out all over the bed and mostly on him like a starfish. Her hair was in his face and Clark couldn't help but chuckle. He brushed her hair out of his face with his left hand, the only part of his body that Lois couldn't reach. He could never understand how she always managed to do that and steal the entire blanket. Brushing her hair away from him, he exposed the back of her neck and planted a kiss there. That was enough for her to turn her head towards him, her hair covering her face and she was looking at him with narrow eyes. She blew on her hair trying to move it and Clark, smiling, brushed the hair away from her face.

"You're not supposed to move."

"No?"

"You should lie down like a good mattress and not move. Preferably with your eyes closed."

"I'm a mattress now? Does that mean you're a blanket?"

"No, I'm Lois." She kissed him, "Why are you awake?"

“Not tired anymore?” She shifts, settling more comfortably on top of him. Resting her chin on her hands folded on his chest.

"Hungry?"

"Not really. I'm pretty happy with the situation right now."

"Very good. It suits me too." He took a deep breath, and she rose and fell with his chest. She smiled, "That was fun, do it again." Clark laughed and Lois vibrated. "Ooh, that's even more fun."

"Now I'm an amusement park’s fixture?"

"No, just a mattress with upgrades." Clark laughed again and Lois vibrated again, a big smile coming across her face.

"Hmm..."

"Yes?"

“I'm asking as a mattress,” she nodded, signaling for him to continue, “Does one of my upgrades include the option to hug you? Just to keep you from falling, of course.” Lois considered the question.

"I think I can live with it. In fact, I think I have to insist." Clark hugged her with a smile. She rested her head on his chest, sighing contentedly.

"Lois?"

"Hmmm?"

"Thanks."

"Clark, you're a mattress now, not a carpet." He laughed again, Lois vibrated again.

"What was in the bags you brought?"

"Since when do mattresses ask questions?"

"You're right, sorry."

"And don't use X-ray vision!"

"Since when do mattresses have X-ray vision?"

"Exactly!" He kissed her head.

"So, what am I supposed to do, as an obedient mattress with upgrades?"

"Exactly what you're doing now, only without talking."

He closed his eyes again, immersed in her scent, in the sound of her heartbeat, he fell asleep without realizing it.

  

Lois opened her eyes and immediately noticed that something was missing from the bed.

"Hey! Where's my mattress?" She called out toward the kitchen, from where noises were coming.

"Making your breakfast." He called from the kitchen.

"Aha, you're not supposed to get up before me! Get back here right now!" A dish towel landed on her face.

“Time to get up, sleepyhead.” Lois grabbed the towel and sprinted to the kitchen.

Clark was standing by the stove, frying eggs and bacon and making pancake batter. Lois crept up behind him and just as she was about to hit him with the towel he turned around, grabbed her and started tickling her. Lois couldn't stop laughing. Still holding the towel in her hand, she started hitting him. He grabbed the towel, took it from her and looked at her in triumph. But Lois wasn't going to give up that easily. She grabbed everything she could and started throwing it at him, eggshells and flour scattering all over the kitchen. Clark laughed but Lois found a wooden spoon and started chasing him around the kitchen island. Clark was standing on the other side of the island not allowing Lois to get close to him with the spoon. It was covered in flour and leftover egg whites. She tried to break the tie between them and go right but when she turned left, she slipped on some pancake batter dripping from the spoon and fell to the floor.

"Ouch." Clark came closer and stood over her with a smile. "Help?" He laughed and lifted her onto his shoulder. "Get me off right now!"

"I don't think so." When Lois tried to hit him with the wooden spoon, he snatched it from her, placed the spoon on the island, and then slapped Lois's butt.

"Oh! You didn't do that just now!"

"You mean that?" He patted her butt again, harder this time.

"You're going to pay for this!"

“That would require me to release you. How likely do you think that would be?” Lois grumbled. He went back to making breakfast.

"Get me off!"

"So you can hit me with a towel? I don't think so."

"I'll beat you with more than a towel if you don't put me down!"

"Want raisins in your pancakes?"

"I bought blueberries yesterday. If you drop me off, I'll show you where they are."

"It's okay, I'll find it." Clark opened the fridge and quickly found the plastic box with the blueberries. Lois tried to grab one of the dishes that was on the counter next to the fridge and before she could, Clark turned around, pulling her away from the dishes and patting her on the butt again.

"You're a caveman!" Clark patted her butt again, "A Kryptonian caveman!"

"Exactly!" He smiled, "Did you buy milk?"

"In the fridge." He took the milk out of the fridge, and she didn't try to grab a utensil this time, "Clark?"

"No, I'm not taking you down."

"The hair is getting in my face, it's unpleasant."

“Is this a plot to get me to take you down?” She fell silent. “Okay.” He walked with her to the bedroom and she grabbed a hair tie from the dresser and gathered her hair.

“Thank you. It would of course be much simpler if you had taken me down!” They returned to the kitchen.

“I like where you are.” Lois suddenly grabbed his butt, “And you probably like it too.” He smiled.

"I'm suddenly discovering all kinds of new things."

"A change in perspective does that for people."

“You’re still a caveman!” Clark laughed.

A few minutes later he finished cooking and put the plates in the oven when he was done.

"I thought we were having breakfast." She muttered.

“I think you need a shower first. Just to cool down that anger.” Lois’s eyes widened.

"No cold water! I'll be a good girl, I promise!"

Clark just laughed. He started by removing her socks and pajama pants and since her top was upside down on his back it was no problem for him to get her out of the pajama top despite her protests. By the time they got to the shower she was completely naked.

"Please, Clark, no cold water."

Since her head was behind him, she couldn't see what faucet he was turning on but she could hear the water running. He lowered her gently, placing her in the stream of water. Lois was apprehensive for a moment, but the water was just the right temperature. She was a little dizzy after fifteen minutes upside down, so she pulled Clark with force into the water. Clark was still dressed but he didn't get out of the shower but started to undress. Lois closed the shower partition when he finished undressing and looked at him with a mischievous look. He looked at her with a smile.

"What are you up to?"

Lois grabbed the sponge and squeezed it over Clark's head. The sponge was filled with cold water left over from his shower the day before. He hadn't expected cold water under the warm stream of water and Lois laughed at his expression.

"Didn't you promise to be a good girl?" She stuck her tongue out at him.

Clark pulled her into a kiss and Lois was happy to be close to him, he was so warm. He held her head gently and kissed her deeply, the water running over them, and Lois drifted into his kiss, her eyes closed and her leg lifted in the air. He released her mouth with a smile.

“Hmmm… delicious.” Lois said, her eyes opening cautiously.

"Wash your hair?" he whispered, not wanting to lose the sweet expression on her face.

"Yes, please."

“Now she’s polite.” Lois smiled at him and he put the shampoo on her head and began washing her long hair.

Lois wouldn't give it up for anything in the world. Clark's fingers were so big and strong they could be delicate and soft. If she hadn't leaned on him for support, she would have fallen because of the weakness in her knees. He left the shampoo in her hair and handed her the bottle. Lois smiled as if he had given her the keys to the city. She always loved playing with his hair; it was so soft. Soon they were both covered in shampoo. Clark kissed her and put them both in the stream of water, making sure to clean her hair of all the shampoo residue. When she opened her eyes, he shook his head, causing shiny drops of water to sparkle in all directions. Lois laughed and his smile grew.

 

Lois, wrapped in Clark's robe and Clark in red boxer shorts, sat at the dining table and ate breakfast. Lois, naked under the robe and feeling as if her entire skin was glowing after their shared shower, kept rubbing her leg against his, which caused mysterious smiles to appear on his face. They finished eating and reached the coffee stage. Lois leaned back, sipping the coffee Clark had made, and Clark grabbed her rubbing leg and placed it on his lap. Lois looked at him.

“Are you planning on repeating the caveman move? Because I really want to enjoy my coffee, please?” Clark smiled.

He began to massage her foot, and Lois quickly placed her other foot on his lap as well. Between sips she made little sounds of pleasure, almost purring like a cat.

"You spoil me too much."

"I can stop."

"No!" He laughed.

"Lois?"

"Hmmm..." Her eyes are half closed.

"Thanks for yesterday."

“You don’t have to thank me; it’s all part of the service.” He ran his hands over her ankles and she smiled. He released her legs and stood up, walking over to her. He lifted her in his arms without spilling a drop of her coffee.

"I do need to thank you. I know it's not easy being with me, that you're alone most of the time."

"Clark, you don't know how easy it is to love you. It's hard for me when you're not here. Yes, absolutely, but I've discovered that it's possible to live with someone whose calling is greater than yours by finding fulfillment in the life you've chosen. I love my job and my life and you're a part of it, a big and important part of it, but you're not my whole life."

"I'm glad to hear that." She giggled at the dry tone in his voice because the smile hadn't disappeared and she knew he wasn't hurt.

“And because I have a full life, I can try to surprise you and try to turn a tough week into something better. What surprised me was that it took so little. Giving you instructions, which I’m an expert at,” he laughed, “and a hug that I get better at every time.” She carefully placed the empty cup on the table, Clark leaning in with her so she could reach the table and then her arms wrapped around his neck.

"It wasn't just that." She raised an eyebrow, "It was the fact that you were here. You make me feel normal. A regular journalist who had a hard day's work and his girlfriend who is a joy to be with."

"You're not a regular journalist! You're an investigative journalist and you're good at your job." He kissed her. "And as much as I enjoy stroking your ego, you remember we have to pick up Jimmy and Lucy, and I still need to get dressed because my caveman stole all my clothes."

"You don't need clothes."

"I'm not going to visit your mother in a robe, Smallville!"

"You don't need a robe either, not in the next few hours."

“Hours?” He kissed her and the next thing she knew they were in his bed, naked. She giggled.

“Any special requests?” he whispered in her ear. Lois could think of a few.

 

The month of January has arrived. In one of the cold and snowy winters in the United States, the week in which President Lex Luthor delivered his speech to the nation was almost like spring. It was very cold, but the sky was cloudless, its blue so intense that Lois couldn't help but smile every time she looked at it. And she looked at them a lot in the last few days. Her short stay on the farm taught her to appreciate the open spaces of D.C.’s skyline. In the Congo and later in Gotham, she could barely see the sky.
After her confrontation with Bruce in the cave she insisted on helping the underground, actively participating in the plan to take down Lex. She didn't know what she was getting herself into. Bruce put her through a training course her father would have been proud of. The solutions that Lois found to the challenges he set before her surprised him every time. Bruce wanted her to wear a costume, but she made it clear that she wasn't going to be a superhero and that her biggest asset was the fact that people knew her. Lois quickly became a symbol of the resistance which worried Bruce but in the end she was right. No matter how much Lex tried to twist the information to neutralize her influence on the nation, Lois always pulled out something that caught him off guard. She was more unpredictable than the Joker and her optimism, determination and belief in the cause infected all the people she worked with. If Bruce somewhere saw the Birds of Prey as his soldiers, Lois showed up and proved him wrong. Oracle and the women she gathered around her became even more independent and even less predictable than Lois. And when Supergirl joined the celebration, well... Bruce decided to admit defeat.
Black Canary worked in the White House, Diana lived in D.C. as an ambassador, Supergirl did not stop in one place more than necessary, her every action restores people's hope and faith in Superman. Lois just made trouble. She appeared at the center of Lex's most important events humiliating him, embarrassing him, distracting him. And all this time Oracle was digging and looking for the information they needed. This week all this effort bore fruit.
A few weeks ago, Kara and Bruce found Perry White and Jimmy Olsen. They also discovered that the re-education camps were not in North Dakota but in Alaska on what looked like oil rigs. Perry and Jimmy were deemed unfit for re-education, but Lex couldn't let them roam free either, so he put them in the deep freeze. Supergirl moved both and all the freezing containers to the Fortress and the Fortress began the process of thawing them and bringing them back to life. They sent the other journalists home, leaving only a few people to man the rigs and give the impression that everything is normal.
But Canary and Oracle found the real treasure. Hidden deep within Lex's personal files they finally found the clip. Lex's ego wouldn't let him delete it and he watched the clip more times than any other clip. The Appalachian Massacre was not the only crime Lex had committed against the American people, and Oracle now had conclusive evidence that would stand up in a court of law. In addition, throughout this time Canary, according to Oracle's exact instructions, had buried code snippets in Lex's system, and now, in one fell swoop, Oracle was going to delete all of Lex's database. A database that also contained Superman's energy signature.
In recent weeks, Lois and the Birds of Prey have gradually taken down the pranks and acts of sabotage directed at Lex and his government, deliberately creating the impression that Lex's scare tactics are working and thereby encouraging Lex to enter into a sense of victory and complacency.
Lex Luthor was going to give his State of the Nation address tonight. The Justice League, the Underground, the Resistance, and Lois Lane were going to make sure this speech revealed a lot more than Lex intended.

 

It's a Tuesday in the last week of January and families all over the United States are sitting down in front of the television waiting for the State of the Nation Address by the President of the United States, Lex Luthor. The Kents and the families in the underground complex also sat down in front of the television. Clark was standing in the kitchen fiddling with the coffee machine. He didn't really want to hear Lex's lies. On the kitchen island were bills from the “Smallville Post” that he had to go through. It could have waited another day or two, but Clark preferred to manage the newspaper's bills than listen to Lex.
The symbol of the office of the president appeared on televisions all over the United States.
"Clark!" Jonathan exclaimed. "It’s starting!"
"Coming."
Clark looked at the bracelet on his hand and then through the window at the American flag flying proudly outside. Minutes passed.
"Clark!" Martha called. Something in her voice made Clark rush into the living room.
On the TV screen Lex Luthor's proud face was interrupted by static. His smug smile froze for a second before the transmission interference won out and the screen filled with a very familiar sight, at least to Clark. This was the background of the title of the Torch, the United States flag waving and in front and to the left the torch of the Statue of Liberty.
"What?" Clark asked, "What happened?"
"There were disturbances and..." Martha began, only then did Perry White sit down at the table that the camera suddenly contained. "Is it...?" Clark sat down.
"Hello, ladies and gentlemen." Perry said with a smile. "I am Perry White and until five years ago I was the editor of the Daily Planet. The rumours of my death were not only exaggerated but also false. In the next hour my friends and I will do our best to show you the true state of the nation and reveal the true face of the President of the United States, Lex Luthor.
"Uncle Sam and his Freedom Fighters," a familiar image that appears in wanted ads for Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters replacing the torch to Perry's left, "will do everything to ensure the continuation of our broadcast and I understand they are receiving close assistance from the Justice League.
"And if we're talking about the Justice League, let's start with the greatest hero of all, Superman." A picture of Superman replaced the picture of Uncle Sam.
The Kents exchanged glances, with Clark just shrugging. He hasn't been in contact with anyone from the League since Lois left. This whole broadcast was a big surprise for him too.
"And it is appropriate that we begin with Superman, since the event that caused Superman to leave the planet was the cornerstone of Mr. Luthor's great plan to bring order to the United States. A plan that received the full support of Congress and led to the nationalization of all media and a general mobilization against an enemy whose identity has not been clarified to this day. To that end, I'd like to invite one of the best investigative journalists I've had the honour of working with, Lois Lane."
Lois entered the broadcast and sat next to Perry, the image of Superman between them. Lois wore a red suit, her hair was elegantly pulled up and she looked professional, dignified, and alive.
Ella Lane, in Washington, DC, looked at her older daughter with a smile. Lois looked good, the ends of hair slipping out of the pins and sliding down the side of her face. Ella grabbed the remote and turned up the volume. Sitting next to her, Lucy smiled at her mother.
"First, maybe we should clarify something." Perry said.
"Yes, absolutely. Uncle Sam and the Freedom Fighters never kidnapped me." Lois said with a smile. "It wasn't necessary because I went looking for them the moment I knew they existed. I arrived at Metropolis, a reality I never expected to see in my nightmares. Soldiers with weapons at the gates of the Daily Planet. All my friends and co-workers are gone."
"And the first thing you did?"
"I went out to find Clark Kent, my fiancé." Her smile grew and her eyes shone. Clark smiled in response. "He updated me on everything that had happened since I disappeared in the Congo and as soon as I knew he was safe and protected I went to look for the underground. Neither of us believed that Superman was responsible for what happened in the Appalachians five years ago and I had every intention of proving it, bringing the truth to light."
"I was here five years ago, Lois. This terrible tragedy, in which 376 people perished for no apparent reason, has troubled the American public ever since. No one has been able to explain what happened there and Superman is not in the area and has not been in the area since to explain. The only survivor." Lois nodded.
"What happened in the Appalachians was terrible and what was even worse was that the victims of this massacre never got justice. No one ever investigated what happened there."
"Some would say it's obvious." Perry said.
"Yes, it's much easier to blame Superman who isn't here to prove or disprove things. But anyone who knows Superman would never believe that this man was responsible for what happened there. There was no reason for Superman to attack innocent people."
"I think you're a little biased." It was clear that Perry had taken on the role of the skeptic. "A few months before you disappeared in the Congo Superman lost control of his powers and it was only by luck that no one was hurt! And this was not the only time he lost control, or someone forced his will on him."
"And you forget that in every case Superman made sure to compensate everyone who was hurt, to evacuate the injured, to comfort the mourners if there were any and to repair any damage. And I think that in the final summary of things Superman did more good for the human race, the earth and everyone who asked for his help than he caused damage. I'd say Superman is more than entitled to the benefit of the doubt and is innocent until proven guilty. The bare minimum is to investigate and find out what exactly happened, don't you think, Perry?" Perry smiled at her.
"And I understand that's what you did."
"One of the first things I did, yes. I met Supergirl and she pointed me in the right direction. I couldn't investigate on my own for reasons I'll explain later but I got a lot of help from the Justice League. We found something in an unexpected place, a video clip. Someone filmed what happened..." Silence prevailed in tens of millions of households in the United States. "Our assumption? Only someone who knew this was going to happen could have filmed what happened and only someone responsible for what happened could have known it would happen. The quality of this video is incredible. I want to warn in advance that the video you are about to watch contains horrific events, it is an accurate record of what happened in the Appalachian Massacre. I suggest keeping small children away from television, these are particularly difficult events, and the experience will be traumatic. There is no doubt about that." She shook her head at the camera as a video was played.
... Superman landed near a chain wreck in front of a bridge. The point of view at first was far from the ground but the camera seems to be moving closer together with Superman to the area of the event. He started rescuing people from vehicles, keeping vehicles from falling into the mouth of an abyss. Since the bridge was the continuation of a main street in a small mining town, people rushed to help as much as they could. It was clear that there were many casualties, but no one was killed. The ambulances started to approach. Superman was at the center of it all trying to calm scared people and crying children and then it happened. Three medics who were standing next to Superman, trying to treat an injured pregnant woman, suddenly collapsed to the ground in what appeared to be excruciating pain. There was no sound in the video. The pregnant woman writhed in pain. Superman looked around, trying to find the source of their pain, and finding nothing. He rushed to help another group of people only for them to writhe in pain as well. The circle of suffering people progressed from Superman outward in ever-increasing circles. Superman's face was full of suffering, people were hurting around him, and he had no idea why and how to stop it, how to protect them. He stood there, people around him writhing in pain until they died on the ground, helpless. He looked up for a long time and then lifted off and flew away. The camera followed him. Wherever he flew, people died from immense pain. He flew faster and faster and disappeared ...
"In the name of Caesar's spirit," Perry said after a moment. "It's worse every time you look at it."
"Yes."
"But that doesn't explain what caused it..." he said. Lois nodded.
"The people in Glory Falls agreed to let scientists from Star Labs examine the bodies. The cars, the bridge, and the ground itself were also examined. In the area of the accident where it all started, nothing has grown since. The trees that were there dried up and turned black. Metals were electrified and distorted. The scientists who investigated the incident concluded that the area was attacked with concentrated microwave beams. After a complicated geometrical calculation, they found the source of the microwave beams in a geosynchronous orbit over the east coast."
"And what was it? An alien attack? A strange space phenomenon? An experiment gone wrong?" The picture between Lois and Frey has changed.
"A space satellite that the US government approved for launch a few months after Lex Luthor entered the Oval Office. Lexcorp satellite." She looked directly at the camera. "You can find the video and the full report by Star Labs scientists on the Torch website." The address of the blog appeared in clear letters at the bottom of the image.
Clark hurried and brought his laptop and opened the blog. Everything was there as Lois said. He also found a small, unapologetic note from Batman. It was quiet in the living room. He slowly raised his head and looked at his parents. They looked back at him worriedly.
"Dad?"
"Clark? Why didn't you tell us about all this?" Jonathan asked.
"I didn't know what Lois was planning..."
"We aren’t talking about that!" Martha said. "We're talking about what happened at Glory Falls!" On TV, Perry started talking about crime and unemployment figures, succeeding in bringing enthusiasm even to the dry numbers, but the Kents didn't care about that.
"Oh. Hmmm... there was nothing you could have done, and I saw no reason to worry about you and..."
"Son, you went through all this alone! You should have told us!"
"I..." Martha hugged him tightly.
"You saw all these people die…" Martha whispered. She looked at his face. Clark took a deep breath.
"I had to leave it behind, mother, I wouldn't have been able to get out of bed otherwise." Martha hugged him again.
"Oh, honey." Jonathan patted Clark on the shoulder.

In the weeks that followed, Supergirl appeared wherever people were in need, wherever there was a natural disaster. She didn't stay put to talk to reporters, and Lex's men didn't have a chance to get close to her. Her impact was impressive, the people's enthusiasm was contagious, and after nearly five years, people returned to looking at the sky and started looking to the future. Her appearances re-raised the question of where Superman had gone.

It was mid-September, the fifth anniversary of the Appalachian Massacre, and in the middle of the memorial service Kara showed up. She floated upright and silent with a black ribbon on her arm above the main stage of the ceremony as she turned towards the monument that commemorated the disaster. Her presence gave the ceremony importance and seriousness. When she talked about it with Clark before, he wasn't sure it was a good idea but supported whatever she decided. When the ceremony was over, Kara landed quietly in front of the memorial and memorized the names of the dead. People began to gather around her. At first, they kept a distance, but slowly the emotions overcame the fear, and they closed in on her. Kara couldn't fly away without endangering them, and she began to fear that they would attack her.

"Stay away from her!" An authoritative voice is heard. "Clear the way. Move!" The people made a path and the local sheriff walked through it and stood in front of Kara.

"Sheriff." Kara nodded her head in approval.

"Supergirl."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a fuss."

"Why did you come here?" shouted a woman from the audience. The sheriff raised an eyebrow.

"I came to express my condolences. I wasn't here when it happened, and I'm sorry I wasn't able to help."

"Help Superman kill as many people as possible!" Someone shouted.

"Kal Al didn't do it!"

"Yes? So where is he? Why isn't he here?" Kara took a breath. That was the hard part.

"Kal Al feels responsible for what happened here..."

"So, he's still alive! Hiding like a wretched criminal!" There were voices of approval in the audience.

"Enough!" cried the sheriff. "I want to hear what she has to say." There was silence.

"Kal El feels responsible for what happened here," Kara repeated. "He didn't do it; he didn't want to, but someone killed all these people just because they were around him. So, he made a mistake and chose to hide. He didn't want any more people to die because of him."

"You mean he's a coward!" Kara shook her head no.

"Superman is not a god; like all of us, he also makes mistakes, and he sometimes lets fear decide for him." She bowed her head sadly. "What happened here five years ago is one of the things Superman feared most: that his presence would endanger the people he loves."

"He doesn't love us! He doesn't know us at all! Our loved ones died, and he didn't care! And now he sent you to apologize on his behalf?" shouted a woman.

"Kal loves all humans. He has no preferences!" Kara exclaimed. "Every person who dies, every person he fails to save, takes away something from him, from all of us. He tried to stay and help, but people died, the people he tried to save!" Silence prevailed all around. "If he could get here without endangering you all, he would appear here to share in your mourning."

"Are you saying that whatever it is that caused the deaths of all these people, that thing is still in the area?" The sheriff said worriedly. Concerned voices were heard in the crowd.

"How do we know it won't happen now, because of her?"

"Because if it were true, it would already have happened!" said the sheriff loudly. "Right?"

"I don't exactly understand the science behind it, but these people died because someone put Superman in the crosshairs. It's like they aimed a heat-guided missile at Superman, only those who were hit by the explosion..."

"Were the people around and not Superman." said the sheriff.

"Yes, and whoever shot that missile knew that this was what would happen." It was as if Kara herself had dropped a bomb. "The people were physically hurt, but Superman..." Silence prevailed again. Even the people who were not convinced, the people who were still angry, kept quiet to hear her words. "Superman mourns these 367 dead as if they died yesterday, and he punishes himself for not being able to save them." Kara hovered slightly above the ground so everyone could see her. "If you need to be angry with someone, if you want to blame someone for what happened here, my cousin is ready to take it upon himself, but he is not responsible for what happened here! He didn't ask for it! He stopped here because he was trying to help the victims of a car accident! And no one stopped by later to find out what exactly happened and who is responsible for all your death and suffering!"

"Who are you to blame others??" shouted someone from behind, but this voice was not supported by the crowd.

"I did not come to blame anyone, only to share in your sorrow, in my name and in the name of Kal El. And promise that I will do everything possible to find the real person responsible for this disaster and bring him to justice!"

"And if Superman is really responsible for this?" asked a man in the audience.

"Then I'll turn him in to the authorities myself!"

 

 

"Then I'll turn him in to the authorities myself!" The TV cameras followed Supergirl as she flew away.

Lex Luthor took the remote and threw it at the TV. The TV screen cracked. He put his hands on his elbows, hugging his body, and looked out the Oval Office window. Lois Lane. It all started with her. The woman was like a bone in the throat, neither rising nor falling. Six years ago, he learned of Lois' planned trip to Africa and thought he had managed to get rid of one stumbling block. The nationalization of the media two weeks after the massacre freed him from further opposition. Of course, he didn't call it "nationalization"; it's against the constitution. He called it "restructuring." Yes, mistakes were made, but he was elected to a second term almost unopposed, and then this troublemaker, called Lois Lane, came back from the dead.

He should not have allowed her to set foot in the United States!

Everything was under control. The fire of resistance dwindled to whispering embers. The so-called heroes of the league have almost completely disappeared. All this hard, precise, complex work, and one woman manages to destroy everything. What she failed to evoke in her heroic deeds with the team of women who called themselves Birds of Prey, another annoying woman managed to do. Priscilla Rhodes and her snarky articles in The Torch that his people still haven't been able to shut down. All the searching, all the research, all the money that went into trying to find the blog's host server, and all the attempts to identify Joseph Clark. Nothing worked because the blog gained momentum. People called it "The Daily Planet of the Internet" for God's sake!

Idiots. He is surrounded by idiots.

And now, Supergirl!

For years he worked to get rid of one idiot in tights, to reveal his true face to the whole world, only for a girl in a mini skirt to ruin everything in five minutes. And his men could not lay their hands on her! She had been hovering over the ceremony for half an hour as if she were a goddess of mercy, and still his people had not been able to lock onto her energy signature.

He sat down at his desk, turning the chair towards the window. His fingers crossed, he looked out.

One of the White House secretaries entered the Oval Office. Her blonde hair pulled tightly at her nape and her blue eyes hidden behind narrow glasses, Dinah Lance looked at the cracked television and smiled to herself. She hated the tailored suits and the office work, but it was worth paying that price for moments like this. When Barbs approached her with this crazy plan, Dinah was sure she had lost all the screws. The fact that Bruce approved the plan didn't change the fact that Lois came up with it. Dinah didn't think she was the most suitable bird to penetrate behind enemy lines; she had no idea about computers; she could barely program the speed dial on her phone. But there was no one else. Lois stood out so much in the field that Barbara thought to take advantage of it to the end; Helena was too hot-headed, and no one agreed to even hear about Barbara being a field agent.

She placed a folder on Lex's desk and left the office without a word. The truth was it didn't matter whose plan it was to get rid of Lex; Dinah would join. She carried the loss of Oliver in her heart, and nothing would change that, but if she could take something back from the man who destroyed him, she would not pass up the opportunity.

 

 

Barbara was in the zone. She was all focused on the task at hand.

"Are you sure about that?"

"They didn't pick up your headset, did they?"

"Yes, well, it's just an earphone. This is about a gizmo-buggy-shmaggy-super-duper-technological-babe who is supposed to do what again?" Barbara giggled.

"He takes a ride on the media and cracks the codes and passwords of..."

"Yeah, yeah, I don't really need to know all that, do I?"

"You mean if it's material that will be on the test? No, Canary."

"That teaching certificate has gone to your head, Professor Oracle. So, I'm repeating. Are you sure about this?"

"This is the only way we will get the necessary information."

"Yes, but we haven't really tested it in the field."

"There was no such option. Canary, we have no other option."

"I know, I know. I'm just postponing the end. Ok, that's it, connected. Does it work?" Barbara waited for her computer to respond to the new information before she answered.

"Works perfectly and... the cave is getting the info too. Great job, Canary; time to get out of there."

"Whatever you say, boss."

Smiling, Barbara moved to the corresponding task, her eyes watching the screen that showed the information being transmitted from the bug Canary had planted.

"Nightingale?"

"I'm really not keen on that nickname."

"Do you prefer a parrot?"

"Not funny."

"Life is hard; you won't always get a chance to come up with nicknames for people."

"Oh, I can think of a few. Night shouldn't have been allowed to pick nicknames for people." Barbara smiled.

"You know why he chose that name." Lois mumbled something about geeky farmers and the books they liked, and Barbara's smile grew. "Status Update."

"Well, it seems to me that everything is working according to plan."

"You think so? I need to hear a little more reassurance than that."

"It's not like we can turn it on now. I mean, I suppose we can, but then it would ruin the whole effect."

"Last time I worked with civilians!"

"Hey, Oracle, you haven't enjoyed a mission this much since you were a kid!"

"This is not true!" Lois giggled. "It is not!"

"I may have offered to make this surprise for Mr. Clean, but you decided exactly what kind of surprise it would be." Barbara blushed and did not answer. "There's nothing wrong with enjoying a task like that. It just means you've got a pulse."

"Night won't be too keen on all the chatter."

"Who cares about him? He's not my boss and certainly not your boss."

"He's quite right. All the chatter is jeopardizing the mission."

"Okay, whatever you say." Lois immediately got serious. "Done. That's it."

"Nightingale?"

"Yes?"

"Thanks."

"Huh, there's an excellent Chinese restaurant here. Shall I get you a dish or two?" Barbara closed her eyes in resignation and smiled to herself. How Clark managed to work with this woman, she had no idea, but on the other hand... "Come on, girl, you gotta eat."

"A bribe to change your nickname?"

"You can be sure of that." Barbara laughed.

"Ok, I'm hungry."

"No problem, what to bring?"

Ella Lane entered her office at the hospital in Bethesda. She sat down at her desk and turned on the computer. As the operating system came up her gaze was drawn to the image that stood next to the screen. Her Lois at the university graduation ceremony, smiling waving her diploma in the air in front of the camera. Ella remembered that day as if it had only happened yesterday. The computer waited for a password, but Ella ignored it.

She should have kept her wild girl under lock and key, insisted Sam stay in one place for more than five months or insisted on staying on her own. Maybe then Lois wouldn't have insisted on risking her life for her stories, maybe she wouldn't have disappeared in Africa.

Yes, she had seen the news reports and Sam had told her that Lois was alive, but he hadn't seen her himself and Ella refused to believe that until she saw her for herself because this fantasy that it was all just a terrible mistake, a nightmare that she would wake up from at any moment, had haunted her ever since the news came that Lois was missing in Africa. Then she was kidnapped, and it confirmed her fears that it was all a big cosmic joke at her expense.

The phone rang. Ella wiped her tears with a handkerchief, took a breath and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" It was quiet on the other end, so Ella tried again. "Hello?"

"Hi Mom." Ella felt her heart freeze. "It's me."

"Lo... Lois?"

"Yes, mother."

"Lois! Oh, my God, my sweetheart! Are you alive?! Are you really alive? Where are you?" Lois laughed. "Don't laugh at me, Lois Joanna Lane! Where are you? Are you okay? They didn't hurt you, did they? When are you coming home? Wait until I tell your father..."

"No! Mom, no!"

"Lois!"

"I'll answer all your questions, mom, but you can't tell dad."

"He may be tough, Lois, but he loves you and he cares for you."

"Mom, I called because I couldn't imagine you worrying about me, but if you bring dad into this..."

"Okay, okay. Are you okay?"

"Yes, mother."

"Don't lie to me, young lady. I always know when you're lying!" Lois was silent for a moment.

"I miss Clark and I'm mad at dad and I'm ready to strangle Lex Luthor but other than that? I'm fine."

"Your father said you were kidnapped."

"I wasn't kidnapped, mom, I ran away. You know me and the army never got along, and dad wouldn't let me see Clark."

"Lois..."

"Mom, you know how important Clark is to me! How could dad allow all these things to be done to him? How could dad allow torture in the military? And Clark didn't do anything wrong! He didn't commit any crime. He didn't even resist arrest."

"I know, sweetie, I know. I may be a bad person but all I care about is you. I want you to come home, my girl."

"I love you, Mom. It's just, I can't go back yet. I missed you, Mom. I called because I wanted you to know I'm okay. I must do this, Mom. I can't let the situation continue as it is."

"Lois, what are you doing? What do you mean? Please, you just came back to us, don't put yourself in danger."

"I can't see people suffering and ignore them! I can't see all the injustices that Lex does, the way he distorted everything and be silent. I don't understand how everyone goes on with their lives as if nothing happened." Ella was silent. "They ruined Clark, Mom." Lois said very quietly. "He has terrible nightmares. You should have seen him limp and all the bruises and scars. How can that be right, Mom? Clark is the nicest, most decent man I know, he has such a good heart, and they treat him like a criminal. And he's not the only one, Mom. So many people are suffering and there is no one to speak for them."

"But why does it have to be you, Lois? Let all your heroes do that, that's what they're here for."

"It's something only I can do, and I can't turn my back." Ella took a breath.

"You always knew what was the right thing to do and you always fought for the truth and justice and whatever you plan to do now I'm sure it's the right thing. I'm proud of you, my girl."

"Thanks Mom." There was relief in Lois' voice.

"Just be careful out there, okay?"

"Always."

"Lois..." Ella said warningly.

"Oh, and Mom? Clark proposed to me before I left for Africa..."

"And you tell me that this man has sense in his head." Lois giggled. She really missed her mother. "And what did you tell him?"

"I told him yes, mother."

"And here's the woman I raised. Knows a good thing when she sees it. I'm glad, Lois. Clark is a good man."

"Thanks Mom."

"I love you, Lois. Take care."

"I will. Bye, mom."

"Bye, Lois."

 

 

Kara Zor-El returns home. After a journey in space lasting more than four years, the Earth rotated peacefully beneath her. There were a lot more satellites than she remembered but who cares. She flew straight to Metropolis and hovered high above the city. Something was strange, something was different, all her senses went on alert. Kal El was much more attentive to the humans, he would surely have noticed the danger ahead, but Kara had learned to trust her instincts and when they told her something was wrong, she listened. She searched the entire city for Clark, but she couldn't find him. She heard another name, one she didn't expect to hear, Lois Lane. When a pair of military jets questioned her about her intentions, Kara flew to Smallville.

The first thing she noticed was that Fort Ryan had doubled in size. She flew high above the farm and to her delight found Clark standing mending fences on the far border of the farm. She quickly flew and carried him in a hug to the sky.

"Kal!" Clark looked at her in shock for a moment and then a huge smile spread across his face.

"Kara! You're back!" She hugged him tightly until Clark groaned in pain.

"What happened? Did I hurt you?"

"I'm fine but I think it would be a good idea if we landed. Maybe in the old crater?"

"But why?"

"I'll explain everything." He looked pointedly at the ground. "Down." A confused Kara took them down.

"Okay, cousin, spill!" She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at him as he sat down on a rock.

Clark looked at her. He missed her, he didn't realize how much before she showed up. She was still wearing the Supergirl outfit, and it had been a long time since Clark had seen anyone wearing those colours and symbol. It had been a long time since he had flown, it felt so good, and Clark missed it. Kara stood in front of him, stamping her foot impatiently. He was so happy to see her, and a smile spread across his face.

"Kal!"

"Okay, okay. I'm just so happy to see you safe and sound."

"Why are we hiding? And how come I hurt you?"

"The world has changed since you left. I have." Kara looked at him and then examined him with x-ray vision.

"Your hand, it was broken not long ago! And why are you wearing a bracelet with blue kryptonite?"

"When you got here, did you notice the excess of satellites?" Kara looked at him crookedly.

"Yeah, so?"

"64 satellites, they all have Superman's energy signature, they all have the ability to shoot microwave beams. They are capable of more things than hunting me but one of them was already used to kill almost 400 people a few months after you left just because they were a few feet away from me."

"Oh, God, Kal! Why? Who would do such a thing?"

"Lex Luthor. Back then there were only three satellites and as soon as I managed to escape them, I created the bracelet."

"You've been without powers for four years?! Where is everyone? Where is the league? Why didn't they do something?"

"I don't know. I guess they were shocked. Lex caught us all off guard."

"And Lois? The news reports are full of her name." Clark's smile lit up and Kara couldn't help but smile back.

"A few months ago, Lois found her way back to the States. Turns out she was in Africa all that time. She lost her memory in the explosion and as soon as she remembered everything she came back. She avoided her father, came here, improved my life in a few short weeks and went out to cause trouble for Lex every in every possible way. She revives the resistance movement almost entirely by herself. She took it personally that he was elected to a second term almost unopposed."

"And why aren't you with her?"

"It's a long story. I can't leave Smallville."

"And Aunt Martha and Uncle Jonathan?"

"They're fine. They'll be glad to see you." Kara pulled him in for another hug.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here to help."

"It's okay, Kara. What matters is that you're back."

"I want to help, now that I'm here."

"I'm sure the underground will be happy to hear about that."

Lois had already been at the Wayne mansion for two weeks when she found the video.

Grumbling and sulking about revealing his identity Bruce Wayne gave her one of the most advanced laptops in the world, a computer as secure as only a man like him could build. He knew Lois was going to kick as many anthills as possible and he wanted to make sure she was safe, for Clark and the entire league. Lois had a plan to take Lex down, but she still didn't trust Bruce, and he still didn't trust her, and she wanted to make sure she covered all the corners before asking for his help. Elliot managed to unfreeze her assets and to allow her to access them without being tracked he transferred everything to an account in Canada. This led to a special federal unit being parked in his office for a week and him spending a night in a holding cell in Smallville, but he considered that Hazel agreeing to go out with him was adequate compensation.

That evening Lois was digging deep into the internet, as far back as she could go, looking for a mysterious internet creature with the nickname Oracle when she landed on a trove of military clips. The clip database was part of a website that collected secret leaked materials. The clips depicted interrogations and torture of terrorism suspects and subversion of the government. Each of these clips was shocking but Lois couldn't help but look and then she came across the name Clark Kent. Clicking on the link led her to a trove whose highlight was a video of Colonel Barker torturing Clark. It was so obvious that it was torture for torture's sake. Clark in the video was in no condition to enlist, he suffered irreparable damage, and the colonel did not ask him questions. As Lois went through all the additional material related to this, she began to get a fuller picture of what happened. She understood how it happened that her father decided to intervene and why. He did it to avoid a scandal. Someone leaked this video on purpose and the amount of people who watched the video was huge.

When Bruce returned tired and exhausted from his night patrol Lois was waiting for him in the cave.

"What the hell are you doing here? How did you find the cave?"

"I'm an investigative journalist, Wayne." Bruce growled. "Do you care to explain it to me?"

In front of his stunned gaze, Lois activated the sophisticated computer system in the cave and the main screen broadcast the clip, the same clip that had prevented him from sleeping for the past four years. Lois stood with her back to the screen, cringing again with each scream of pain.

"Stop the clip!" Lois pressed the keyboard nearest her.

"You knew about it! Why didn't any of you help him?? Where were you?"

"Lois..."

"He always respected you. He was always the first to help any of you who needed him, regardless of the price it took from him, and you let him give up his powers! You let him suffer like this! You left him alone!!" She pushed him hard. "Where were you?? Mister tall, dark, and scary? Why didn't you break in there and free him? Why didn't you kick Barker’s butt? What? Someone must have green hair and a creepy grin for you to put them in a hospital?" She pushed him again. "I can't believe how stupid I am. I was sure that more than anyone else I could trust you to be by his side. But you'd rather stay in Gotham, fighting mobsters while your best friend is being tortured!!" She shoved him again and then turned furiously on her heel and turned away from him. "It was a mistake to come here..."

"This clip caught us by surprise." Lois froze. There was a lot of pain and guilt in Bruce's voice. "And I admit that I did not react correctly when I learned that he had given up his powers. I told myself that it was his business and moved on. Looking back, that was the point from which everything went downhill."

"You didn't do anything..."

"Do you think that if I had the chance to do it all over again, I wouldn't do everything differently??" Bruce sighed and removed the mask. Lois turned to him. "I don't usually dwell on 'what ifs' but in this case...after your father intervened, I was able to get to Smallville. Clark was still in a coma. His sight in the hospital stars in my nightmares every night."

"I don't believe you. You leaked this clip to get my father involved because you were all too cowardly to do it yourself!"

"No. I know who leaked the clip." Lois put her hands on her hips.

"Who?"

"Lex Luthor." Lois paled. "He wanted to break the fierce resistance of the press and the independent media and at least for a while it succeeded but he made a mistake. He misjudged the public's reaction to this particular video and that is why he sent your father to intervene."

"I don't understand. What mistake?"

"Clark Kent became the martyr of the Lex Luthor resistance movement."

"Clark didn't say anything about it."

"Clark doesn't know." Bruce went to the computer and showed her what he meant. "There's a secret internet, a layer beneath the internet. It was created quickly right after Lex was elected president. The underground one calls it Undernet. The computer I gave you can access it. The computers in the compound at the Kent farm can't, except for Clark's computer."

"And you control this network."

"No but I do have some control over Clark's computer."

"Why keep him unaware of all these articles and blogs and posters and everything?"

"He doesn't need to know."

"He's all alone there! What's wrong with knowing he has such support?"

"Because Barker needs to continue to believe that Clark is a nice guy who hides away. Someone he can make his life miserable. If they think they can't control him, Clark will be gone."

"But I..."

"Getting the soldiers off the farm was a smart move, Lois, and having a man like Elliott James in charge of it only reinforces the way Barker sees Clark." Bruce turned to her from the computer. "The video caused a rift in the military. A lot of heroes like Captain Atom resigned in protest of Clark's torture. Lex underestimated the level of esteem people in the country felt for Clark. The people in Smallville were outraged. I don't think Smallville has had a political awareness since the anti-alcohol campaign during the Great Depression."

"And the league?"

"It caused us all to lower our profile. We were scared."

"You thought he broke and exposed you." Bruce nodded. "You too?"

“No. I obtained Barker's private personal report on what happened there. I know better than anyone the damage done to Clark.” Lois looked at him blankly.

"And you blame yourself." Bruce didn't look at her.

"Hal said you had a plan to take Lex down."

"I have an idea; I don't know if you can call it a plan."

"Let's hear it."

"Lex murdered 367 American citizens. Last time I checked that's against the law, even if you're president."

"The Appalachian Massacre."

"Exactly. That's his big win. He destroyed Superman, made the entire nation believe that Superman was a threat. Even Clark believed it! And with Superman not in the area Lex has no real resistance and I'm willing to bet you that arrogant son of a @#$% must have kept a video showing exactly what happened. With a close-up on Superman's face when all these people died around him."

"So, there must be some sign of that somewhere."

"And in order for the satellites he sent later to be able to find Clark, there has to be that energy signature somewhere. To unlock this lock of the satellites on Clark we need to do one of two things; change Clark's energy signature or delete the energy signature from the computer it's on. The first one might reveal Clark's identity so there's only one thing left."

"It would be almost impossible to find it."

"What I was thinking of is a two-pronged operation. Infiltrate someone as an undercover agent as close to Lex as possible so that he can find the scientific information or at least his location and hack into that computer to copy the incriminating information on Lex. The information on the energy signature to destroy and the information on the massacre spread in the media."

"Lex has complete control of the media, Lois. How are you going to do that? We don't have a Daily Planet anymore."

"No, but we have this." Lois went to one of the keyboards and opened a website. "The Torch." Bruce smiled without her noticing. "It's a blog that's the closest thing there is to the Daily Planet today. I just don't know who runs it. I've never heard of Joseph Clark." She turned to Bruce who was still smiling. "What?"

"You do know who runs it. You know him better than anyone else."

"What are you talking about?"

"I have to admit he's got hiding in plain sight down to an art." Lois looked at him in confusion. "Which journalist do you know whose middle name is Joseph?"

"I'm sure there are many. Oh..." Her eyes widened. "But it can't be!"

"His mother's maiden name before her marriage was Clark." She looked at him in shock and Bruce had to laugh. "I helped him start the blog, Lois. When he chose the name, I didn't believe him but he insisted that people see what they want to see. And who like him knows? Joseph Clark is Clark Kent." She sat down on the chair.

"I don’t understand." Bruce crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the table.

"I stayed in Smallville until he woke up. General Lane showed up, made sure the bracelet was on Clark's leg and that Clark understood the rules. I was at the farm, helping the League prepare the compound when Clark came home from work at the “Smallville Post” and asked me to help him set up the blog."

"But why did you agree? You knew he was putting himself at risk. And he was on edge anyway."

"For the first time since the massacre that something moved him, that was so important to him. He was still mourning you but when he talked about this blog, about what he could do with it he came alive. He said something about the power of the press." Lois smiled, "And he was right. This blog has saved lives."

"He didn't tell me."

"You know Clark."

"Yes." Bruce looked at her. "My Shy Smallville."

"I have the resources to help you chase the cuckoo out of the nest, Lois."

"I know. That's one of the reasons I'm here. Lex is about to find out what happens to those who mess with the people I love!"