Discoveries

By Barbara

"Lois, Clark ... in my office ... now!" The Daily Planet editor's
agitated, somewhat melancholy voice bellowed across the news
room. Lois and Clark glanced up at each other from across their
desks, both a bit worried.

"Another bad blind date or is it alimony day?" Lois asked with
clinched teeth.

Clark lifted an eyebrow and shook his head. "Neither. His son was
laid off from his job and is staying with him until he can find
another one. I think they are getting on each other's nerves."

Lois turned in her chair and looked toward Perry's office. "Oy!
Well, that explains why I haven't seen Jimmy around this morning.
Should we sneak out or hide in the copy room?"

"From the look on his face ... " Clark paused and turned back
toward Lois. Raising both eyebrows, he continued. " ... and
knowing what I'm supposed to do whenever we are hiding in a
closet, I'd say it's safer if we get our rear ends in his
office." Clark got up and ushered a grinning Lois across the news
room to Perry White's office. They entered tentatively and
stopped in front of his desk. "You wanted to see us, Chief?"
Clark asked with a forced smile.

Perry peered up at them from his desk. There were stacks of
papers lined up across the front of the desk and smaller, less
organized stacks on the floor to either side. It looked like he
had been working nonstop for weeks. His haggard face told of a
man who had gotten little sleep and was nearing exhaustion. Lois
had never seen him like this. Even during the worst days of his
breakup with Alice, he had never gotten to this state. She shared
a concerned look with Clark.

"Uh ... Lois ... Clark, sit down ... oh ... and Clark ... close
that door." Clark turned and closed the door behind him. Lois
took her usual spot in the wing back chair in front of Perry's
desk, with Clark standing behind her, leaning against the back of
the chair.

"Perry, are you okay?" Lois asked cautiously. "You look tired."

"Uh ... yeah, Lois, I'm fine. Don't I look fine?" His words were
sharp and piercing. Protectively, Clark lowered his hand to Lois'
shoulder for comfort and assurance. Perry noticed the gesture and
realized he had lashed out at Lois, who was simply concerned for
his well-being. His face softened. "I'm ... sorry, Lois, Clark.
Things have been ... well ... a little rough lately. Didn't mean
to take it out on you. Uh ... that's not what I called you in
here for ... "

"That's all right Perry. Anything Clark and I can do to help,
please ... let us know."

"Thanks, sweetie."

Lois thought about the endearment these two men had for her. If
any other man called her 'sweetie', they would receive a verbal
barrage that would humble even the sharpest battalion. But, when
either of them used it, her heart would melt just a little.

Perry was never good at expressing his feelings and was ill at
ease with any discussions of the heart. He cared deeply for Lois,
Clark and Jimmy and had long since become a surrogate father.
Lois joked with Clark on several occasions of Perry's use of
sports and Elvis metaphors to express his feelings with Jimmy.
For Lois, Perry reserved this simple word. Clark seemed to be the
only one Perry would open up to about his feelings. But then,
everyone was like that around Clark.

Clark had first used the term in joking response to her request
for pet names. 'Honey' had become his interchangeable term for
'Lois'. She was still a little shocked that she loved hearing him
call her by it. Clark also had a hard time verbalizing what he
was feeling, especially when they were intimate. Somehow,
whenever passion clouded his thinking, 'honey' turned to
'sweetie'. Whenever she heard that one word, she knew in an
instant that she was loved and had his undivided attention.

Lois' thoughts were brought back to the present when Perry slowly
continued, filling them in on the events of the past few weeks.

"I've debated on whether or not to involve you in this. You guys
have a lot on your minds, what with preparing for the baby and
all ... "

"Chief, Clark and I told you, baby or no baby, we are a team and
will continue our jobs as before. Besides, I'm not due for
months. And I'm pregnant, not an invalid," she said defensively.

"I know, Lois, I know. I've been through this with Alice. I
didn't mean it like that. I meant, I know this is an exciting
time for the two of you and that you would want to spend it at
home, together ... "

"What are you getting at, Chief?" Clark asked, squeezing Lois'
shoulder to calm her.

"Well, it's a long story ... but in a nutshell ... I got a call
from ... " His voiced trailed off to a whisper. Lois
instinctively leaned forward to hear. " ... my source. He told me
to meet him in the usual spot. He gave me copies of classified
photos and memos from the Pentagon to NASA. It appears that
something out of the ordinary happened during the last two space
shuttle flights. Neither agency is talking about it and there is
even reason to believe the live feed of the shuttle missions that
NASA broadcasts are being fabricated to cover up the incidents."

Lois mind was racing now. She hadn't had her teeth in a really
big scandal since they uncovered a drug operation at a local
nightclub. And this was really sounding promising ... NASA and
the Pentagon. That would most likely lead to Congress and the
White House. Yes, this was Kerth material all right.

Perry's informant, Sore Throat, was quirky, at best, and had
definitely seen too many spy movies. He always insisted on Perry
meeting him in a parking deck and that he come alone. And ...
well ... the name? Even so, he had proven himself to be a
reliable source. His information on Project Shock Wave had helped
save Metropolis from a deadly tidal wave. And this ... this
promised to be even bigger and more far reaching.

"I've also checked all of this out through some of my sources in
Washington and Florida. They confirm that there seems to be an
unusual lack of information on the upcoming mission. They have
sent out the standard timing press releases, but nothing more. No
one seems to know the focus of the mission. They were scheduled
to launch a military satellite, but that has been pushed back.
It's common practice for the missions to change, so no one seems
to be the wiser."

"What exactly does 'your source' suspect?" Clark asked, his thumb
now slowly caressing the back of Lois' shoulder. He could feel
her heart racing in anticipation. This was his subconscious, but
futile, way of calming her.

"It has something to do with contact with the shuttle crew ...
from an unknown source. Theories range from HAM radio
transmissions, misdirected satellite feeds to ... well ...
aliens."

"This is beginning to sound like a bad 'X-Files' episode," Clark
joked, trying to play down the 'aliens' theory.

"A what?" Perry asked, looking confused, his train of thought
interrupted.

"Nothing, Chief," Clark responded sheepishly. Perry obviously
wasn't up on the latest TV raves.

"Now ... I don't put a lot of stock in that aliens theory, but
something must be happening up there or the government wouldn't
be trying to blow smoke up our skirts ..." Perry emphasized his
point by raising his hand as if swearing an oath. " ... and I
want to know what it is. The next launch is in four and a half
weeks." He could see their expressions drop, so he lowered his
hand in a comforting gesture. "Now, I know you had vacation
scheduled next week, so I have an idea. Get out of here now ...
go and relax ... and then get to work on the story. I don't want
to see you back in here until you have the exclusive of the
century. Just keep me updated on the story. Go to Washington,
Florida, wherever ... just get me that story. I'll let you know
if I get anything more." Perry lifted two of the stacks on his
desk and handed them to Lois. "Here's what I have so far." Clark
started to respond, but Perry stopped him. "Ah ... go on ... get
out of here," he said smiling and waved them out of his office.

Lois and Clark said good-bye to Perry and headed back to their
desks. Their conversation with Perry left them with more
questions than answers and they were both reeling now with the
thrill of starting a new story and a change to their plans. They
had been counting down the hours to their vacation for days. Lois
laid down the stack of papers on Clark's desk and turned to him.
She could see the disappointment in his eyes. They hadn't had a
week alone together since their honeymoon, over a year ago. And
there was no way they would enjoy a week off before working on
the story. They would both be too preoccupied. He had obviously
come to the same conclusions.

"I'll call Mom and Dad and tell them there has been a change in
plans," Clark said, trying not to show his disappointment.

"I'm sorry, Clark. I was looking forward to a relaxing week at
the Corn Festival myself. I was going to have you win another one
of those bears for the baby. I'm kind of partial to the original
one. Maybe we can 'fly' out for dinner one evening?"

Clark smiled at his lovely bride. Even though he knew she was
champing at the bit to sink her teeth into the story, she was
doing everything she could to comfort him. What a change from the
driven reporter he first met. If they had received this
assignment four years ago, he would be running to the elevator
trying to keep up with her. He was glad to see that same drive
was still there, but that she had learned to control it a little.
He was thrilled to learn on their honeymoon that she approached
everything with the same gusto. And was even more pleased that
she hadn't found a way to control her passion for him as she had
for work. Yes ... he was a lucky guy!

Leaning down, Clark gave Lois a quick kiss and whispered, "Have I
told you lately how beautiful you are and how much I love you?"
He pulled back and stared lovingly into her eyes. He could see
she was a bit shocked by his sudden display of emotion. He also
knew he better move on to a new topic ... they were at work. "And
... I have an idea. Neither of us would enjoy a vacation if we
went now ... so ... why don't we combine work with pleasure." She
gave him a quizzical look, so he continued. "What if we go home,
pack the car and head south. We'll go to Washington and see what
we can find out there and then head down to Florida if we need
to. We have four weeks. We can spend a lot of time together *and*
work on the story. We can even drop in on Mom and Dad for dinner
when we get a chance."

Her face was now beaming. The small grin that had formed at the
edges of her mouth had spread across her face. They had never
spent that much time alone together and she couldn't wait. She
leaned up and picked up the kiss Clark had started and mimicked
his actions, whispering in his ear. "Have I told you lately you
are incredible?" She placed one last, brief kiss on his cheek and
turned to pick up the papers Perry had given them.

Clark placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her. He smiled at
her and picked up the phone to add one last item to the plan.
Handing her the receiver, he explained. "Here, call your doctor
and make sure it's okay to be gone so long." She started to
object but realized he was right. She took the receiver from his
hand and began to dial. Grateful for her compliance, he placed
his hand on her stomach and whispered, "You're the incredible
one."

***

Lois could never remember being so relaxed and content. She was
happy in work and happy in life. She sat sidesaddle in the
passenger seat of their Jeep leaning against the door. Her feet
lay across Clark's lap, who was absentmindedly massaging one foot
and then the other as he drove. He had surprised her by stopping
on the outskirts of town at a Ben and Jerry's ice cream shop and
bought her the most heavenly chocolate ice cream creation she
could imagine. Yes ... this was heaven. As she scooped the last
drop of chocolate syrup from the bottom of the container, she let
out a contented sigh.

Clark glance over at her and smiled. "I take it that was the
official seal of approval?"

"Umm hmm. That was the best ice cream sundae I've ever had. I'm
beginning to think pregnancy has its advantages."

"I don't seem to recall hearing that same sentiment the past few
months. Let me see, what was it again? Oh, I remember ... it was
'Clark Kent, if I ever get out of this bathroom again' ... or ...
'Clark Kent, if you even think of touching me again' ... "

Lois winced at the memory. "You heard that?"

"Well, I was worried about you. For a while there, you spent half
of the day in the bathroom. I would listen in occasionally to be
sure you were all right. You wouldn't let me in, remember? I
don't think you spoke to me until after four o'clock for about a
month ... "

She smiled. She was finally over that horrible stage of pregnancy
and, thank God, the memories of it were fading. "I'm sorry,
Clark. You know I didn't mean it ... "

"I know, but I felt pretty helpless. I hate that you had to go
through it alone."

"Clark ... I knew you were there for me. Just knowing that was a
comfort. It's not exactly the kind of experience you want to
share ... " Trying to lighten the mood, she added, "This sundae
was a step in the right direction ... and *do not* pay any
attention to that last comment you overheard! I expect to receive
a lot of *attention* from you on this trip!"

Clark laughed and squeezed the foot he had been massaging. "You
haven't let me pay attention to it yet, I don't see why I should
start now ... "

"Good!" Lois said, ending the matter. Clark chuckled under his
breath and returned to his massage. It seemed to have a calming
affect on him, but was doing wonderful things for her. As she
leaned down to deposit her empty container into a bag in the
floor, she noticed a tape case she hadn't seen before. She had
made Clark promise that there would be no listening to the radio
for possible *emergencies*. They had been listening to a
classical CD he had brought along and she was interested to see
what else he had packed. She picked up the case and set it in her
lap. Opening up the case, she read aloud the titles it contained.
"The Shadow, Abbot and Costello, Edgar Bergen and Charlie
McCarthy, Inner Sanctum, The Green Hornet ... " She looked over
at Clark. "What are these?"

He smiled and glanced over at her. "They are some of the best of
the radio shows from the 30s and 40s. The local NPR station used
to broadcast them on Sundays when I was a kid. I would listen to
them with Mom and Dad. They would tell me how they used to listen
with their families when they originally aired. I started
collecting the cassettes several years ago. I thought they would
be good on a long car trip ... put one of them in."

"I've heard of some of these shows before, but I don't think I've
ever actually heard any of them." Lois picked up one of the
cassettes, placed it in the stereo and sat back, waiting for it
to begin.

An organ began playing a slow, foreboding melody while a deep
voice warned, "Who knows ... what evil ... lurks in the hearts of
men ... The Shadow knows," finishing his warning with an evil
laugh. Lois giggled at the melodrama. The laughter ended and the
announcer set the stage for the drama. "The Shadow, who aids the
forces of law and order, is in reality Lamont Cranston, wealthy
young man about town. Years ago, in the Orient, Cranston learned
the strange and mysterious secret, the hypnotic power to cloud
men's minds so they cannot see him. Cranston's friend and
companion, the lovely Margot Lane, is the only person who knows
to whom the voice of the invisible shadow belongs ... "

Lois realized she had been holding her breath. She let it out at
the same time she cried out, "Clark ... "

Clark laughed. "I know ... pretty coincidental, don't you think.
I haven't listen to them in a while. I had forgotten her name was
Margot *Lane*."

"Coincidental ... my God, Clark ... change the names ... well,
one of them ... and the wealthy part and that is us. So what do
this Lane and Cranston do for a living ... no ... let me guess
... .they're reporters, right?"

"No ... actually, I don't think Cranston does anything ... he's
just ... *about town* and I don't remember them ever saying what
she does. I guess we'll have to listen to find out."

Everything about the recording intrigued her. There was a
background static that they apparently were unable to edit from
the original broadcast. Surprisingly, it added to the mystery,
giving it an almost haunting quality. She imagined a family
sitting in front of one of those huge wooden radios in their
living room, hanging on every word. She smiled as the announcer
sang the praises of anthracite, the sponsor's product, which she
now knew was coal. Finally, the music returned, signaling the
story was about to begin. She wanted to know more about this
Shadow fellow and the Lane in his life. Nestling in the space
between the door and the seat, she listened as a simple story of
three robberies turned to murder.

Lois had been silent for so long, Clark thought she had fallen
asleep. He looked over and was amazed to see she was immersed in
the story. He could see the concentration on her face as she
added each clue together to solve the crime. He loved sharing his
fascinations with her and was thrilled that she seemed to be
sharing his enjoyment.

The story was nearing the end. The Shadow managed to foil the
criminal's plan and handed them over to the police commissioner.
Lane and Cranston reviewed the events in the car on their way
home.

"Well, it's all over now ... let's forget about it," Margot Lane
sighed. "Hmm, isn't this nice ... just driving in moonlight."

"Now, now, now ... stop cuddling, Margot. Don't you remember what
Weston said about the Shadow? I'm dynamite ..."

"Are you, Lamont? Someday, I wish you'd prove it ... "

The music ended and the announcer came back to give another plug
for their sponsor. He ended with the usual disclaimer. "The
Shadow program is based on a story copyrighted by Street and
Smith publications. The characters, names, places and plot are
fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely
coincidental."

The evil laugh returned and the Shadow issued one last warning.
"The weed of crime bears bitter fruit ... crime does not pay. The
Shadow knows ... ." The tape ended with the Shadow's now familiar
laugh.

Clark reached down and turned off the radio. Turning to Lois, he
asked, "So, what did you think?"

Lois sat there for a minute, shaking her head. She was still
trying to put all of the pieces together in her mind. "Well,
Clark ... let's see ... getting past the obvious similarities ...
the name ... the secret identity ... his girlfriend being the
*only* one who knows his secret ... and we won't even discuss the
*helpless* Margot Lane. I'll concede that to the time. What does
that leave us? The Shadow solving the crime for the police. They
allude to Lamont writing a book ... so he must be a writer. The
conversation in the car ... 'I'm dynamite' and 'Someday, I wish
you'd prove it' ... the announcer should just add to his
disclaimer ... 'persons living, dead or to be born in 30 years'
...Come on, Clark, Freud would have a field day with this
stuff."

Clark couldn't help but laugh. He'd never thought about it
before. "I guess it is a little ... familiar."

"Clark, my dear, *that* is an understatement! Seriously, is this
where you got the idea for a secret identity?"

"No. Well, no ... not that I'm aware of, anyway. I haven't
listened to these tapes in years. I found them when we were
cleaning up for the nursery and set them aside to listen to them
again. I told you, Mom came up with the costume ... but it was
*my* idea ... Maybe I should rush back to Dr. Friskin ... I'm
acting out a radio series ... " He reached over and grabbed Lois'
hand. "Tell me, Margot, what should I do?" Lois couldn't help but
laugh, but slapped him in the arm for making fun of her. "Okay,
barring the *similarities,* what did you think of the program?
Did you solve the crime?"

"It was fun. He's sort of an American Sherlock Holmes ... calling
the police commissioner to witness the criminals' confession ...
explaining to his trusty side-kick how the crime was pulled off
... and I love that laugh ... " Clark tried his best to duplicate
the laugh, but his voice wasn't quite as deep as the actor's.
Lois laughed and rubbed his shoulder in sympathy. "Honey, you
better stick to the tights ... I don't think Superman's greatest
attribute is his laugh ... " Clark retaliated by holding her legs
to his lap and tickling her feet. She knew struggling to free her
feet was pointless and he *was* driving. When she couldn't take
it anymore and was exhausted from laughing, she finally called a
truce. "I give ... I give."

Clark attempted the Shadow's laugh one more time. "Chalk one up
for the good guys." He released his hold on her legs and went
back to caressing her feet.

"Well, at least we have some more baby names," Lois joked.
"Margot Lane Kent ... or maybe ... Cranston Kent ... think anyone
would figure it out? My favorite is still ... Calvin Kent!"

"Well, maybe we better keep a lower profile, Lois. I still like
Charlton or Eulalee."

"I knew I should never have told you that Charlton Heston was
president in that alternate life. And where did you get Eulalee?
We are *not* naming our child Eulalee."

"What about Wanda?"

"Clark ... "

"Okay ... okay. I know you've thought about the story. We'll be
in Washington in an hour. What's the plan?"

"Well, by the time we get there, it'll be after six o'clock, so
everything will be shut down. I say we check in, order room
service and read what Perry gave us ... then we'll know where to
start. Or, we could go with plan B...check in, go out for a nice
dinner and then come back and read."

"I vote for plan C ... we check in, order room service and start
on the story in the morning."

"What would we do all evening? Is it 'Must see TV night' again,
Clark?"

"Oh ... I'm sure we'll think of something ... So, which is it?"

"C ... definitely C."

***

Lois woke up and instinctively reached for Clark. Realizing he
wasn't there, she opened her eyes to look at the night stand.
When they got back from their honeymoon, they had developed a
signal to let her know if Superman had been called away. They
wanted it to be simple, but something that wouldn't be obvious to
anyone else. They finally agreed on a tie. If he had to leave, he
would put one of his ties on the night stand. She looked over and
breathed a sigh of relief ... no tie. About the same time she
smelled coffee, so she knew he was still there. After a quick
stretch, she slipped on a robe and went into the next room.

Clark was sitting at the desk going over the papers Perry had
given them. He was wearing his usual pair of shorts and a
t-shirt. He looked up and smiled as she walked over to him. "Good
morning, sleepy head."

She sat down in his lap and gave him a kiss. Clark put his arms
around her, one hand coming to rest on her stomach. "Good
morning," she said, reaching over to steal a sip of his coffee.
He tried to stop her, but she protested. "Just a sip ... I
promise."

He moved his hand back to her stomach, bent his head down and
continued, "And Good Morning to you, Baby Kent."

Lois smiled at his new morning ritual. He was going to be such a
good father. "What time is it?"

"Nine thirty."

"Why didn't you wake me? The day is half over?"

"You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to bother you.
And you and Baby Kent here need your rest."

"Remind me not to invite you to any more of my doctor's visits.
But, I have to admit ... it was nice sleeping in and having you
here when I woke up. I like this mixing work and pleasure idea."
She leaned down and gave him a quick peck on the lips and
switched gears. "So, what have you found out?"

"Well, I read through all of the material Perry gathered.
Something is definitely contacting the shuttle. It's not a HAM
operator, it's not the right frequency. That must be something
they created to leak if the story came out. I don't think it is
coming from a satellite, but I can't be sure with what we have so
far."

"Clark, you're not saying that an alien ... "

"Well, Lois, you're sitting on one ... is it so improbable that
there are others out there? I know, I'm sure glad I'm here," he
smiled, rubbing her stomach again.

"Okay, for argument's sake, let's say it is ... someone from
another planet. Why would they try to contact the shuttle and not
just come here on their own?"

"Maybe they need a lift?" Lois gave him a disapproving look and
pulled his ear. He smiled and obligingly grimaced as if her
action had hurt. "Okay ... bad joke. I don't know, Lois. The
signal they are receiving is some sort of pulse ... like a Morse
code ... but they aren't able to decipher it. If we could get our
hands on a copy of the transmission ... "

Lois interrupted. "Could you decipher it?"

Clark looked at her, confused. "Lois, I may be an alien, but that
doesn't mean I speak all of their languages. I came here when I
was a baby, remember? And my parents spoke to me in English, so
if they used another form of communication, they didn't share it
with me."

"Oh ... sorry."

"What I was going to say, is that if we could get a hold of the
transmission, we could get Doctor Klein to analyze it. He could
tell us if the frequency could be broadcast from a satellite."

"Oh, right. But Clark, you were how old when they put you in the
space ship?"

"I don't know ... Mom and Dad guessed I was about five or six
months old. Why?"

"Well, if you were around them for that long, you would have to
have heard them talk to one another. We can assume the message in
the globe was in English because they knew you would learn it
here. What if we took you back to before you came here, maybe you
could remember their language."

"You're talking about Star and hypnosis, right? What are we
supposed to do ... drop in and say ... 'By the way, Star, Clark
is Superman and needs to speak to his parents. Can you dial them
up?'"

"No, lunkhead. Superman can go for a visit. She knows we're
friends. And maybe she could talk to your parents. Wouldn't you
like that? They could see you with me ... *They* would know. You
could tell them about the baby."

"I don't know, Lois, it's awfully risky.

"Well ... think about it. So, what do you have planned?"

"Perry dug up a lot of information on the Pentagon's role in all
of this. I talked to him this morning and he gave me the name of
his source. I'm waiting for him to call now. I hope we can meet
with him today. If not, I want to get as much information on
satellite transmissions and alien communications as we can. I
have Jimmy working on the satellite information now. I thought it
was best if we worked on the alien angle."

"Okay ... I'll jump in the shower and get ready."

Hearing the phone ring, Clark added, "And there's Perry ...
timing is everything."

***

Lois and Clark stood on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial,
looking out over the water. Even on a weekday, there were people
out in paddle boats enjoying the beautiful day. She had been to
the nation's capital on many occasions, but all she ever saw was
the inside of a hotel, restaurant or airport. She was amazed at
the beauty of the river and even the monument itself. She looked
up at Jefferson staring down at her. All she could think of was
the beginning of the Declaration of Independence. Her fourth
grade teacher made them memorize it and recite it to the class.
Over the years, she had read a lot about him and realized he was
an incredible man. What would he think if he were to see what had
happened to the country he helped form? And what would he think
of the story they were working on ... government cover- ups ...
alien contacts. Heck, what would he think of her husband? She'd
have to ask Mr. Wells the next time he came looking for them.

Clark spotted a man coming across the street that fit Perry's
description. He was wearing a business suit and carrying a
newspaper. Taking Lois' hand, Clark led her down the stairs to
meet him. When they reached the bottom of the steps, the man came
over to them and smiled.

"You must be Perry's crack news team."

"Mr. Williams? Clark Kent It's a pleasure to meet you." Clark
shook the man's hand and motioned to Lois. "And, this ... "

The man interrupted Clark before he could finish the
introduction. "And you must be Lois Lane." He sought out Lois'
hand and shook it. "Perry has been bragging on you for years.
You'd think you were his daughter, the way he dotes on you. I
think he told me twelve times that you were expecting and that I
should keep an eye on you."

"That's Perry, all right. It's nice to meet you, Mr. Williams."

"Please, call me Dan." He took a glance around. "Why don't we go
for a stroll. Washington has eyes and ears everywhere. That's why
I asked you to dress casually." Pointing toward the path around
the river, he said, "Let's walk over there."

"So, Dan, Perry tells me you two were roommates in college,"
Clark added, trying to start the conversation.

"Yes, we were. I never realized how much I hated Elvis until I
roomed with Perry."

Lois laughed. "He is a bit obsessed, isn't he?"

"Well, deep down, Perry's a great guy. Best friend a guy could
have. He got me through college. I wasn't exactly the most
motivated of students. If Perry hadn't pulled me along, I would
have been tossed from the dorm and the campus."

"He does have a way of taking you under his wing," Lois agreed.

"I was so sorry to hear about him and Alice. He has always been
married to that paper and I don't think she ever understood his
passion for his work." He looked at the two young reporters.
"Good thing you two are married to each other and the paper ...
so one of you won't be at home waiting."

Lois looked at Clark and smiled, raising a knowing eyebrow at his
unintended truth. "I was just telling Clark the same thing this
morning."

They continued to exchange pleasantries as they walked around the
lake. Their new source was Perry's age, but had seemed to wear
the years a bit better. His hair was a striking blond, with a
hint of white at the temples. He was a few inches taller than
Clark and appeared to be in great shape. As he told them about a
time when he and Perry sneaked into Alice's sorority, his eyes
lit up like a three year old's. As the story neared the end, they
stopped and sat on the wall around the river, looking out at the
couples in the paddle boats.

"I know you two didn't come here to hear about the misadventures
of Perry and Dan, so I'll cut to the chase. I work for a firm
that does consulting work with the Pentagon. I got a hold of some
information that didn't ring true, so I called Perry. He always
had the best nose for a scandal. I ran what I had by him and he
checked into it. I have some more information for you ... it
should be waiting for you at your hotel. Look, I know this all
sounds cloak and dagger, but you have to watch your back in this
town. Everything I know is in that package. There are some names
for you to follow up with and the latest press release from the
Pentagon."

"Is there any way to get a hold of a copy of the transmissions?"
Clark asked.

"Hmm, that would be tough, but I'll see what I can do. The first
name on the list is your best bet. I'll check out any other
avenues I can think of." Getting up, he pointed them back in the
direction they came. "We better head back. I have a meeting later
I can't miss." He started in on a story about Perry's experience
with the birth of his son. Both Lois and Clark were laughing so
hard their eyes were watering. "And I'm sure you'll never hear
that story from him! That's why friends are around at the time
... to tell about it later."

When they had made their way back to the steps where they had
started, Dan opened the paper to reveal a copy of the Daily
Planet and a gift. "This is a copy of Perry's first big story. I
have several copies ... I thought you two would enjoy it." He
handed the paper to Clark and held out the package to Lois. "And
this is something for the baby. My wife suggested it ... " He
leaned over and gave Lois a hug and shook Clark's hand. "It was
great meeting you two. I can see why Perry thinks so highly of
you. If you need anything while you're here, call me. We'd love
to have you over for dinner ... Jane insisted."

"Thanks, Dan," Clark answered. "We'll keep in touch."

They watched as he walked back across the street to his car.
Clark looked down and read the headline of the paper for the
first time. He held it out for Lois to read. "Nixon Quiet on
Democratic Party Scandal."

Lois looked at Clark. "You don't think ... " Lois had always
wondered about Perry's sources, but she couldn't believe what she
was thinking. She looked over at Clark who was shaking his head.
"No ... " they said in agreement.

***

They made their way back to the hotel and picked up the package
that Dan had left for them. They were both anxious to see what
Perry and Jimmy had uncovered. Lois read through the information
while Clark logged onto the computer and started printing what
Jimmy had faxed. Reading through the faxes, Clark joined Lois on
the couch to see what she had found. She handed him the list of
names Dan referred to and a letter he had written explaining the
whole situation. "Read this, Clark. It gets better ... "

Clark read the letter and glanced at the list of names. He didn't
recognize any of the names except the first one ... Dr. Klein, at
STAR Labs. "Lois, what does Dr. Klein have to do with this?"

"I don't know, Clark. You wanted to get a copy of the
transmission to him and Dan says he might be the best source to
get one. But, how would he have a copy of it?"

"He has been helping me come up with something to counteract the
effects of Kryptonite. Maybe the military found out and thinks he
might be an expert on aliens?"

"I don't know, Clark."

"Well, why don't we ask him?" Clark reached for the phone and
dialed while Lois continued reading the stack of papers on her
lap. She listened to Clark's side of the conversation and glanced
at the notes he made. "Thanks, Dr. Klein. I'll wait for your
fax." He hung up the phone and turned to Lois. "Well, we were
half right. Apparently, STAR Labs has been working for some time
on a satellite project with Dan's firm. Dr. Klein was contacted
by the Pentagon to analyze the transmission. He is sending us his
findings. Basically, he doesn't know what it is, but it
definitely could not be sent by satellite, at least with current
technology. It has him stumped."

"So that leaves us ... back with the alien theory?"

"I guess. Lois ... why are you looking at me like that?"

"Well ... have you thought about going to Star?"

"Lois, we are lucky that she hasn't figured out who I am so far.
Do we really want her finding out Superman's family history? I
mean, she's a nice person, but ... "

"I know, she's a bit flaky ... but Clark ... this could be the
key."

"I don't know ... "

"Clark ... take a chance."

***

Star opened her door and was surprised to see Lois standing there
with Superman. "Lois, neighbor ... well, ex- neighbor ...
Superman ... come in." They entered and looked around the
apartment. This was the first time Clark had been there. She had
always been at Lois' when he'd seen her before. He expected to
see dark drapes, dangling beads and crystal balls. Instead, he
was surprised at how ... normal ... it looked. The only
indication of her occupation was a sign in the window. He looked
at Lois, who had obviously been there before, as she did not seem
surprised. "Lois, Superman, what can I do for you ... no, no ...
let me ... you are in trouble and you need my help."

"Star ... " Lois started, "Superman needs some information. He is
helping Clark and me with a story. Clark is out of town working
on it now. I know you took Clark and me back to remember our
past. Could you do the same with Superman ... and can I ask the
questions?"

"I don't know, Lois. I've never done anything like this before."

"Please," Lois pleaded.

Star looked over at Superman. He looked a bit sheepish, but
raised his eyebrows, echoing Lois' pleadings. "Oh, all right.
Just don't let this get out ... it might ruin my reputation in
the psychic circles. I'm trying to get onto one of those psychic
hot lines. Dionne Warwick is reviewing my resume, you know."

"Wow," Lois murmured. "That's ... impressive ... isn't it Cl ...
Superman."

"Yes," he answered, nodding to Lois. "Yes it is."

Star grinned in satisfaction. Turning to Superman, she paused.
"Well, I guess it will work on you. Have you ever been hypnotized
before?"

"Uh, no ... "

"Well, we can try it. Sit down over here." Clark sat down in the
chair Star pointed out and she and Lois sat down together on the
coach. "Now Lois, I'll make sure he's under and you can ask the
questions, okay."

"Okay ... "

Star proceeded to hypnotize Clark. She told him he would be in a
safe place and could come out at any time. Lois remembered that
the last time Star asked Clark his name he had said Kal-El.
Before she could ask this again, Lois motioned to her. Star got
up and went into the bedroom. Lois turned on her recorder and
began asking her questions.

"Superman, go back to the time before coming to earth ... while
you were still on Krypton. Can you remember anything of it?"
Clark nodded. "What do you see?"

"I'm in a room, it looks like nursery, and Jor-El and Lara are
there."

"What are they doing?"

"They are talking to one another."

"Can you hear what they are saying?"

"Yes."

"Tell me ... "

"They are talking to each other, but their lips are not moving
... yet I can still hear what they are saying. They're talking
about sending me to earth."

"What language are they speaking? Is it English?"

"No ... I'm not sure what it is, only that it is familiar and I
can understand it."

"Remember the language ... .and tell me what they are saying."

"They are discussing whether I will survive the trip. Lara says
that whatever the chances that it won't work, if they don't send
me, I will perish with the rest of them. Jor- El is comforting
her. He said if there were any way all of us could go, he would
arrange it, but there isn't time. Lara walks over to where I am
lying and picks me up. She is holding me and ... she's begun to
cry. I reach up and play with her hair, not understanding why she
was crying."

"Can you remember anything else?"

"I see them placing me in the ship and sending me to earth." He
paused as he remembered the sadness in his parent's eyes. "My
father is comforting my mother. He put the globe in the ship with
me and tells her they will contact me if they can find a way to
survive." He paused again. Lois noticed that he has switched from
referring to them by Jor-El and Lara to mother and father. She
could see in his eyes and hear in his voice the love they held
for him.

"Anything else?"

"No."

Remembering what Star had done in the past, Lois decided to bring
him back. "Superman, you will come back to the present now
remembering everything." Lois turned off the recorder and went to
Clark. He shook his head and looked around. Lois leaned down next
to him, taking his hands and cradled them in his lap. "Are you
okay?"

"Yes. I remember. I was there ... with them."

"Do you remember how they spoke to one another?"

"Yes. It was some sort of mind transference. They didn't have to
open their mouths ... but I understood what they were saying."

"Clark, you mentioned that when your father put the globe in the
ship, he said he would contact you if he could. Do you
remember?"

"Yes ... could that be ... "

"I don't know, but let's get to STAR Labs and find out." Lois
went to the bedroom and knocked on the door. She thanked Star and
agreed to come back and tell her all about the baby when she
could. It was all Clark could do to keep her from telling Lois
whether the baby was a boy or girl.

***

Lois and Superman arrived at STAR Labs moments later. They
entered Dr. Klein's lab and found him at his desk, staring off
into space, listening to something on a headset. He nearly jumped
out of his seat when Clark put his hand on his shoulder to get
his attention.

"Superman, Ms. Kent ... I was just working on what I spoke to
your husband about earlier."

"That's why we're here, Dr. Klein. Could Superman listen to the
transmission?"

"Yes. Oh, wait ... I'll rewind it." He handed the headset to
Clark and fumbled with the recorder. Clark sat down in the chair
and waited. Dr. Klein pushed play and Clark listened intently.
When the tape came to an end, Clark took off the headphones and
looked up at Dr. Klein. "Has this been edited in any way?"

"No, Superman. It's the live feed."

"Can I have a copy of this?"

"Well ... yes. I have an extra copy in my office. I'll go get
it." He turned and walked into the adjoining room.

Clark looked at Lois and held a finger to his lips. Knowing she
was dying to know what was on the tape, he whispered, "I'll tell
you on our way back to Washington."

Dr. Klein returned and handed Superman the tape. "I probably
shouldn't be releasing this, but if anyone can figure out what
that is, it's you."

"Thank you, Dr. Klein. I'll let you know if I uncover anything.
Please let Lois or Clark know if you learn anything more."

"Of course, Superman."

***

Lois waited just until Clark had her above STAR Labs to quiz him
on his findings.

"Okay, tell me. What did you hear?"

Clark looked down at her in his arms and grinned. "I guess
patience isn't something that comes with pregnancy, huh?"

Lois gave him a gentle slap on his chest. "Well?"

"Actually, it's more of what I didn't hear."

"What?"

"Remember the radio show we listened to yesterday. You could hear
static ... something transmitted over the airwaves they couldn't
filter out."

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, there were no background noises on the tape at all , which
leads me to believe they are fake."

"But for what purpose? And why feed it to the space shuttle."

"Maybe they are using this as a diversion to something else."

"Okay, but what?"

"Well, I had Jimmy check on all of the missions. The three before
this one and the next three that are scheduled. I also had him
run a check on Dan's company. There's one common denominator.
Dan's company. They are involved in some aspect of all of these
missions, whether simply supplying equipment or NASA running an
experiment for them."

"What are you saying, Clark?"

"What if our little alien transmission is just a cover to throw
NASA off, to keep a bigger problem from being recognized."

"Okay, but who? You don't think Dan ... "

"No, not really. But I do think he was set up. Think about it. He
just happens to get a hold of Pentagon classified memos. They
have to know he is best friends with the editor of The Daily
Planet. It's just too nice a package."

"You're right." Lois' pulse was starting to race now. She thrived
on unraveling any sort of cover-up ... government or otherwise.
Following his train of thought, she started throwing out
theories. "Maybe there is a problem with the satellite they
developed. Their contract could be coming up for renewal and they
are trying to stall NASA."

"Could be."

"But where is this going to leave Dan? Should we warn him?"

"I don't know. Maybe we should discuss this with Perry. Let's go
pack our things and head back to Metropolis."

Lois and Clark spent the first hour of the trip back to
Metropolis sounding out theories on the cover-up. They had the
story of the century, as Perry had called it, but what they were
going to do with was another matter entirely. Once they had
decided to discuss their theories with Perry, they were able to
relax and enjoy the ride home and plan their vacation.

"So, Clark, let's leave for Smallville as soon as we have this
thing nailed down."

"I think there is room for one in first class. It is a charter."

Lois leaned over and nuzzled Clark's neck. "An exclusive charter,
I hope ... "

"As a matter of fact, it is ... and the fare is pretty steep ...
think you can afford it?"

"Well, can I take it out in trade?"

"Actually, that's the only form of payment accepted."

Lois smiled and nestled against Clark's shoulder. Clark's slid
his arm around her and rested his hand on her stomach, a gesture
he had begun as soon as she told him about the baby. It seemed to
be his way of being connected to the child growing within her.
This child was such a precious gift. He so desperately wanted a
family and they had no way of knowing if they would be able to
have children. She was thrilled at being able to give that to
him.

"You know, Clark, it's still hard for me to put all of this into
perspective. I mean, I *know* you came from another planet and
you have abilities that no one else on this one possesses. But
when I think of 'aliens', I think of 'ET' or the 'X-Files'. You
are Clark ... my husband ... my best friend. I can't bear to
think of you being hunted down like the military is trying to do
with the source of those transmissions."

"Lois, the image you have of aliens is from TV and the movies.
Their depiction is sensationalized for effect, not based on
reality. I am reality. I'm afraid Hollywood still uses Orson
Welles as their basis for anyone not from Earth." Looking down at
himself, he grinned at her. "The truth wouldn't make for very
good TV."

Looking up at him, she proceeded cautiously. "Does it bother you
when other people talk about aliens?"

"Well, maybe a little. The only thing that really bothers me is
how it will affect you. How do you feel being married to one?"

"You know, the weird thing is ... I don't really think of you
that way. I mean, I know you can fly and all ... and believe me
... I love it. But, I can't think of you as an ... alien. I mean,
you are the most normal person I know."

This caught Clark's curiosity. This was something he had wondered
about, but they had never really discussed. "What do you know
about ... aliens?"

"Aliens? Well, I've been reading up on the subject for a while
now. You know, abductions, crop rings, Soltzvig's books. I saw
'Communion'. Oh, and I loved 'ET'."

"Thanks, Lois. I love the company you've put me in."

Reaching up, she placed her hand on his cheek to reassure him.
"No. No, I didn't mean it that way. I wanted to know what *they*
knew about aliens. I mean, I know what an *alien* is really
like." Giving him a wicked grin, she continued. "And, as I've
told you before, it's a good thing no one else knows how
wonderful that really is."

Reaching down, blushing a bit, he kissed her. "Thank you."

"Clark, think about it. What if others have come here too. If
they are like you, maybe they have blended in also. They can buy
glasses too, you know."

"Very funny."

"Okay ... seriously, Clark. Why would the Pentagon be so
interested in aliens, anyway? Before you came, all anyone knew of
what was out there was 'War of the Worlds' or Marvin the Martian.
Well, we all know that's not the case now. Maybe they've known
this all along."

"What are you getting at, Lois?"

"Maybe the government has known all along that there *was* life
out there, somewhere. They knew about it and also knew that there
were no *little green men*. That these people were actually
rather ordinary looking, but with extraordinary abilities. They
kept this to themselves because they thought they could use it to
their advantage. The ultimate weapon. They control them for their
own purposes. Then you come along and show the world that aliens
weren't what they made us believe."

"So, what you're saying is that they created crop circles,
abductions and ET to keep up their pretense. I'm just a fluke ...
all of the others are of the *green men* variety and to be
feared?"

"Yes. I mean, it occurred to me, when I was trying to put all of
this into perspective ... you know, you being from Krypton, and
all ... well, I'm an alien to you. If Krypton still existed and
you could take me there, I would be the one from another planet.
I mean, we really aren't so different, are we. It's just
geography."

Clark had to admit that, in all of the years he had thought about
his situation, this had never crossed his mind. He was always the
outsider, from another planet. Leave it to Lois to see it all
from a different angle. It was one of the many things he loved
about her and why they were such good partners.

Smiling down at her, he shook his head in amazement. "I never
thought of it that way." He tenderly slid his hand back on her
swollen belly. "So, does this mean Baby Kent will have dual
citizenship?"

Lois laughed. "I guess so." Clark would always be Clark. He would
always find a way to see the humor in any situation. "The only
thing I can't figure out is why they've never tried to use you?"

"I know. I've wondered that myself. Dad always used to worry
about me ending up in a lab, being dissected like a frog." Lois
winced at the thought. "Sorry, honey. Maybe they do already have
others and don't need me."

"Maybe."

"This really is starting to sound like an 'X-Files' episode."

Lois grinned. "Yeah. Do you think we'll run into Scully and
Mulder?"

"With you, honey, I've learned anything's possible."

"Well, I've seen the way you look at her ... I'm going to have to
keep my eye on you."

"Good, cause you're the one thing I never tire of looking at."

"Oh, you are a sweet-talker, aren't you?"

"No ... I just always speak the truth."

They fell into a companionable silence, retreating back to their
thoughts and the comfort of each other's company. Clark had one
more question he had been wanting to ask, but hadn't found a way
to broach the subject. Since they were being so open about this
topic, Clark decided this was the time.

"Lois, I know you said you had come to terms with being married
to an alien, but what about the baby?"

Lois looked up at him and grinned. "I wondered when you'd get
back to that."

Clark continued. "I know you are scared, honey. You've said some
things ... in your sleep."

Lois' expression changed to one of shock. Certainly she had been
concerned and she had had a few nightmares, but she had written
them off to just fear of the unknown. "Clark, I've never been
pregnant ... it's a scary thing. I've just started getting used
to being married ... and yes, I'll admit it ... depending on
someone else. Trusting that you'll always be there. And now ...
knowing that baby Kent here will be depending on *me* ... " Lois
paused, deep seeded fears coming to the surface. "I just keep
thinking back to my family and the day Dad left ... all the years
before that. I remember Lucy coming into my room and holding her
until she stopped crying. She was still too young to understand
what was going on. And Mom ... " Lois had been staring out the
window, but slowly turned to Clark. "I just never want our child
to go through that ... and I'm afraid, because that's all I know
... "

Clark took her hand in his and turned to her. "Lois, that was a
long time ago ... and that was your parents' problem, it had
nothing to do with you. And honey, you aren't the only one in
this marriage. I depend on you, too ... and you never let me
down. I couldn't continue to be Superman if it weren't for you.
As for role models, Lois, look at how you took care of Lucy. You
have more mothering instincts than you give yourself credit for.
Look at how you took care of me when I had that virus." Lois had
been staring at his hands, unable to look him in the eye. Clark
paused and turned her chin to him. "Lois, you are going to be a
wonderful mother ... you already are a wonderful wife, better
than I deserve."

She stopped trying to fight the tears and just let them flow.
Clark brushed them off with his thumb. "Lois, you know I'll
always be there for you and for our child."

"I know ... " She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "I guess some
things just take a while to sink in ... "

"Lois, what I'm concerned about ... well ... tell me what's
really scaring you about the baby."

"Well, Clark ... I guess I'm nervous. We don't know what is going
to happen. I mean ... what if this is different from other
pregnancies. How are we going to explain it?"

"I know ... I've wondered about that, too. Mom and I've talked
about it ... what she did with me. She said I progressed normally
until I was a teenager ... and that I never needed to go to a
doctor. So, we can assume this pregnancy will be the same as
anyone else's."

"So far everything has been ... I've talked to your Mom about
this too. That's helped a lot."

Clark knew that she still hadn't gotten to what was really bother
her. Her took her hand again and continued. "Lois ... please tell
me ... you won't hurt my feelings ... tell me honestly ... what
are your real fears about the baby."

She knew she needed to get this one barrier between them out of
the way, but that didn't make it any easier to discuss. "Clark, I
love you ... everything about you. Who you are and all of the
things you can do. Your being Superman did scare me ... but I
came to terms with that a long time ago. I know you'll be there
for me and this baby. I guess it's ... " She hesitated, this was
so hard for her to express. Clark gave her hand a gentle squeeze,
urging her to continue. "Clark, the reason it took me so long to
say yes to marrying you is because I didn't feel worthy of you. I
mean ... you are Superman, I'm just Lois Lane, stubborn reporter
who happened to be your partner."

Clark started to object, but she continued. "No, let me finish."
Collecting her thoughts again, she pressed on. "Clark, you have
all of these abilities. It took me a while to get used to that.
That you wanted me ... I mean, what do I have to offer Superman?
Don't get me wrong, I have no doubts about how strong our love is
for one another. I cherish that. But, what if our child does have
your abilities? How do you discipline a child that is floating
three feet above your head. I can't exactly go after them if they
decide to fly off in the middle of an argument. You can. I
can't."

Clark just sat there staring at her for a time. It never occurred
to him that Lois felt this way ... that she would feel different
or like an outcast in her own family. "Lois, honey, I'm not the
one creating our child." He leaned over and took her hand and
placed it on her stomach. "You are. And it isn't just going to be
like me ... it will be like *us*. I have powers because I had two
Kryptonian parents. Who knows what powers our child will inherit,
if any. But this child is *ours*, not just mine. You are never
going to be the odd person out. Come on Lois, I've known you a
long time ... if bombs, guns, poisonous gases, mind altering
devices ... .just to name a few ... aren't able to stop you, what
makes you think a small child will?" Clark raised her hand to his
lips and softly kissed it. "I know powers have never helped me
where you're concerned."

Lois looked up him and smiled. He was right, as usual, whether
she would ever admit it to him or not. "Thank you," she
whispered, reaching over to give him a quick kiss. "You always
seem to know what I'm thinking ... what to do to make me feel
better. Are you sure you don't have that mind transference
ability like your parents?"

Clark grinned and raised his eyebrows. "I'll never tell."

Lois stuck her tongue out at him and smiled. "We still haven't
decided on a name for Baby Kent here. And I know you know what it
is, but if you could choose, which would you want ... a boy or a
girl?"

"That's easy. I'd want a little girl that looks just like you ...
with your smile ... your eyes ... your laugh ... so I can
thoroughly spoil her."

"Don't you think one of me is more than enough for any family,
Clark?"

"Never! In fact, if I could clone you ... "

"Clark ... " Lois screamed, punching him in the arm.

"Sorry, honey. What about you? What do you want?"

"Well ... I think I want a little boy. I can just picture him
with these big brown eyes and dimples. I just hope he doesn't
inherit your sense of humor, though ... "

"And I thought that's what you loved most about me ... my sense
of humor."

"Well, Clark, I wouldn't say that was your best feature," Lois
said seductively.

Clark blushed. "Lois ... "

Lois laughed and placed her hand on his flushed cheek. "This is
your best feature ... that you are the most powerful man in the
universe, but you still blush. What did you think I meant?"

"Oh ... I ... "

"So, what is my best feature, Clark?"

Clark gave her an evil grin. "Well, it sure isn't speaking ... "

Lois punched him again. "Very funny ... so, what is it?"

Clark placed his hand on her chest.

"Why, Clark Kent. I never knew you were so ... so ... "

Clark laughed, not sure if he should finish her sentence or
correct her misunderstanding. "Honey, you are the most beautiful
woman I've ever seen, but I was referring to your heart."

"Oh ... "

"You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. I'm so grateful
that you opened it to me ... and now to our child. Thank you."

"It's just what I'm learning from you." Lois grinned, until
another thought struck her. "You said you would like a girl. Are
you trying to tell me something?"

"Lois, I thought you wanted to wait and find out."

"I do ... I do. I think ... "

They had both fallen back into thought, resting comfortably now
that they had discussed their concerns. As always, Lois' brain
seemed to drift back to the story.

"Wait a minute, Clark. I just thought of something. Dan could
have met us anywhere in Washington, right?"

"Yes," Clark replied, not sure where she was headed with this
thought.

"But he chose the Jefferson memorial. Maybe he was trying to tell
us something. I mean ... all of the information he gave us is
just background stuff ... nothing really all that classified or
damning. Even the tape from Dr. Klein ... anyone could have
gotten that off the live satellite feed. Maybe Thomas Jefferson
is the clue." Lois reached down and picked up a pad of paper and
began to make a list. "Okay, what do we know about him ... he was
the third president ... "

As Lois wrote, Clark joined in the brainstorm. "He wrote the
Declaration of Independence."

"There was the Louisiana Purchase," Lois added.

"Let's see ... he was from Virginia, he was an inventor, a farmer
and an architect ... and his library was used to restore the
Library of Congress after the War of 1812," Clark continued.

Lois turned to Clark with a sly grin. "Sometimes that
photographic memory of yours comes in handy. Okay, let's see what
we've got." Lois looked over the list. "It would probably be
something obvious so let's look at our first thoughts ... the
third president and the Declaration of Independence."

"There are so many things about *being* the president ... that's
too general," Clark pondered. "Maybe something to do with the
number three?"

"Could be ... but what about the Declaration of Independence?
Maybe there is something in that ... let's see ... we had to
memorize it in fourth grade." Lois paused and began reciting.
"We, the people, in order to form a more perfect union ... "

Clark cut her off before she could continue. "Honey, that's the
preamble to the Constitution."

Lois thought for a moment and smiled. "You're right. We had to
memorize that, too. It has been a while."

Clark grinned and started the document for her. "When in the
course ... "

"Oh yeah, that's it. 'When in the course of human events it
becomes necessary for one people to ... to do something ... and
that we hold these truths to be self- evident ... that all men
are endowed by their creator with certain ... '" Lois stopped and
began laughing.

Clark turned to her a little confused. "What is so funny?"

Lois tried to regain her composure enough to explain. Finally,
almost out of breath, she managed to eke out a few words. "Now I
have proof ... "

"What? Proof of what?" Clark had begun to laugh with her, her
amusement sparking his own. "Honey, what are you talking about?"

Lois let out a long breath and continued. "Jefferson proved my
original theory about our relationship. 'All men are endowed with
certain *un*alienable rights'. See, even Thomas Jefferson knew I
was top banana ... "

Clark couldn't help but laugh. "So I guess my *alienable* rights
are life, liberty and the pursuit of Lois Lane?"

Lois smiled and reached over and kissed him. "Exactly ... and
that last one is a lifetime commitment."

"It has been since the moment I saw you, Lois."

"Ahh," Lois sighed as she mockingly patted his cheek. "Now pull
over at this exit, I need you do something."

Clark turned off the interstate and parked in the far corner of a
fast food parking lot. Lois immediately handed him the pad of
paper.

"Clark, do that superspeed writing thing and jot down the
Declaration of Independence. There has to be something there."

Clark took the pen and within seconds had written out the entire
text. Lois took back the pad and began reading.

"'When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for
one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected
them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth,
the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of
Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of
mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel
them to the separation.'" Lois looked up at Clark, recognition of
her thoughts evident without words. She looked back down at the
text and skipped down to a section that jumped out at her. "'That
to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men,
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That
whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these
ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it,
and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such
principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them
shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.'"

They both sat in silence a second, trying to collect their
thoughts. Lois finally turned to Clark. "What does that sound
like to you?"

"That there is someone out there who doesn't care for the current
government and wants to change it."

"Exactly ... but who do you think it is? Someone in Dan's firm?"

"I'm not sure. To pull off something like that, they would have
to have a lot of power and access to some pretty high positions
in the government."

"You're right, Clark, but who ... and how far up does this go?
And what would this have to do with the space shuttle or
satellites?"

"Well, what do we have so far? We have fake transmissions to
seemingly stall the space shuttle missions. It appears that Dan's
company is causing the stall ... why, we're not sure. Dan sees
... something ... we're not sure what ... that makes him
suspicious and calls Perry. Perry looks into this and almost
exhausts himself ... Dan gave us surface information and this
clue. But, what is the connection?"

"What about the newspaper he gave us ... that story Perry broke
... maybe there is something there."

"Lois, I don't think Nixon is planning another break-in anytime
soon."

"Maybe it is a similar operation."

"Well, Jefferson has been credited with being the founder of the
democratic party. He was a proponent of liberal views. Watergate
was an operation to break into the Democratic headquarters to
sabotage an election. Maybe that is the goal. The democratic
party has held office for two terms, now. Could this group be
wanting to replace them?"

"Clark, what have we stumbled on ... is this really as big as it
sounds? Who would have this kind of power?"

"I don't know, Lois. But, if you were going to try to buy an
election, what would you need?"

"Lots of money, for one thing."

"Exactly. I think that might be what Dan has stumbled onto. Maybe
that's what this phony satellite feed is all about. Maybe they
are trying to funnel money through some of these government
contracts."

"You may be right." Lois turned to find the information Jimmy had
found on the shuttle missions. "While I check out the details on
the missions, be a dear and go get us some food. I could really
use a fish sandwich and a strawberry shake."

"You want a *strawberry* shake? And aren't you the one always
joking about how they find square fish for those sandwiches?"

"Yes, but that's what I want."

"Okay." Clark answered, as he started to get out of the car. Lois
grabbed his arm to stop him.

"And get lots of mustard."

"Got it." Clark walked toward the restaurant shaking his head. 'I
guess this is the stage of pregnancy where the husband gets sick
watching what his wife eats,' he thought to himself. 'Ugh ...
fish, mustard and ice cream.'

Clark returned to the car to find Lois in the back seat with
papers spread out across the seat in front of her. At his
questioning look, she quickly responded.

"Before you say a word, no ... there was not enough room for me
to maneuver in the front seat. And knowing that you are the
cause, I would wipe that smirk off your face."

"Me ... smirk? I'm just one happy guy."

Lois just grinned. "Uh huh ... "

Clark decided to quickly change the subject and handed her two
bags of food. "Here you go, one fish sandwich, one strawberry
shake and a bag full of mustard."

"Thanks." Lois opened the bags and began eating, continuing to
delve through the mass of papers in front of her. Knowing that
she would surface when she had found something, Clark went about
eating his food as well. He also cracked a window a bit, trying
to deaden the smell of Lois' lunch in the jeep.

A few moments later, after inhaling the sandwich and most of the
shake, Lois shoved some papers toward Clark. "Look at this,
Clark."

Lois had made a list of the shuttle missions Jimmy had
researched, outlining their original dates and the actual dates
they were run or scheduled to run. She also listed the purpose of
the mission and what companies had contracts for that mission.
"Notice anything interesting about these missions, Clark?"

"They sure have been delayed a lot, haven't they?"

"Yes ... and I think we were wrong as to why they might want to
create a diversion. I don't think they are trying to stall to
finish a project. I think they are stalling for the money. What
better way to funnel funds than through an open- ended government
contract."

"You might be right. They create this whole satellite story to
draw attention to the missions, not divert it. That way they have
justification for spending more money. Keep people running on the
wild goose chase as long as they can."

"Right ... and if we're are correct, Dan was set up to leak the
story. We just have to figure who."

"Head back to Washington?"

"Yes."

***

Lois and Clark decided they still needed to update Perry on their
findings. Lois called him on their way back to their hotel and
asked if he could get in touch with his infamous source. If
anyone would know who was behind this, he would. He quickly had a
meeting set up for that evening in the parking deck of their
hotel. They also had Jimmy find out where the money for the
missions was coming from and where it was going.

As they waited in the dark, drafty parking deck, they both
remembered their first encounter with 'Sore Throat'. Clark tried
to keep Lois warm as they waited, rubbing her shoulders through
the coat that she was now barely able to button. They both turned
when they heard a gruff voice behind them.

"So, we meet again. So much for retirement."

"Hello ... Mr. Throat," Lois stammered, not sure how to address
him.

"Good to see you both again. Congratulations on the marriage and
the baby."

"Thank you," Clark answered. "We appreciate your meeting with us
like this. I know you are used to dealing with Perry."

"I've been following you two since last we met. I can see why
Perry has so much faith in you. That's the only reason I agreed
to this meeting."

"We appreciate that," Lois said, ending the pleasantries to get
to the information they needed. "Clark and I have been
investigating a lead on what we think is an attempt by a very
organized group to buy the next election. We have traced the lead
to a company with various government contracts. We think they are
funneling the money from these contracts. What we need to know is
who's behind this and how far it reaches. And how they plan to
use the money."

"Sounds like you two have been busy, finding out so much in just
two days. I'm afraid all I can do is give you a name ... and
confirm your findings. The rest you'll have to find for
yourselves."

"Okay," Lois answered.

"The name is Mitchell."

"Did you say Mitchell?" Clark asked, a bit confused.

"I know, ironic isn't it. It's all a bit of deja vu for me."

Lois and Clark turned to look at one another. When they turned
back to Sore Throat, he was gone.

"Well," Lois sighed, "That was interesting."

"Sure was," Clark agreed, ushering Lois to the elevator. "Let's
get upstairs where it's warm and check this out."

Clark searched through all of the information they had to
determine who this Mitchell could be while Lois read through the
shuttle information Jimmy had faxed them. Clark finished jotting
down some notes and pulled a few pages off the printer. Turning
to Lois, he began to think out loud.

"Lois, if you were the Democratic party, who would you run for
President in 2000?"

"Well, the vice-president, I guess."

"Exactly. So if you wanted to sabotage an election, wouldn't you
need to sabotage their leading candidate?" Clark held up a piece
of paper with a small picture. "Meet William Mitchell,
businessman from Tennessee, a major stockholder in Dan's firm and
a long time business adversary of the vice- president. Seems he
voted against something years ago that would have made Mitchell a
lot of money."

"So, this is as much about revenge as it is about changing the
power in the White House?"

"It would seem so. Want to know the strange thing?"

"What?"

"Guess what party he belongs to, Lois?"

"Well, my first guess would be the republican, but I guess that
would be wrong."

"Yep. He's registered as a democrat. He's after his own party."

"Wow! And he must have the right supporters. From what I've
calculated, these contracts are worth big bucks. They could
easily have millions tucked away by now. So what do you think
they are planning to do?"

"I'm not sure. Let's have Jimmy do a background search on William
Mitchell. And I think maybe we should take Dan up on his dinner
offer."

"Good idea."

Lois and Clark sat on the patio of a modest home in Arlington,
VA. They had been listening to Jane and Dan recount the tale of
Perry and Alice's wedding day. Jane even produced a few pictures
of the event, leaving Lois and Clark in hysterics over Perry's
'Elvis' sideburns.

"You know, Jane," Lois laughed, "This is one picture he never
brought to the office."

"And I don't ever remember him mentioning anything about almost
passing out at his wedding," Clark added.

"Imagine that, Dan," Jane grinned. "Maybe we shouldn't have
divulged some of his secrets."

"He knew the risks sending these two here," Dan replied. "He'll
just have to pay the price."

After a few more trips down Memory Lane, Lois was ready to get
back to the story. She had been trying to find a way to work her
questions into the conversation. She finally decided to try the
subtle approach and change the topic. "So Dan, you must know why
we took you up on your dinner invitation."

Recognizing the Lois Lane 'bull in the china shop' subtlety,
Clark quickly came to her rescue. "Other than the wonderful
company, of course."

Dan grinned, having been on the receiving end of that particular
life preserver many times after 30 years of marriage. "I wondered
how long it would take to get to that. In fact, I was surprised
when you called so soon. I've been agonizing over this for weeks.
What do you need to know?"

"Thank you for the clues," Clark added. "We were able to confirm
your suspicions."

"What we need to know is how far this goes," Lois followed.
"Who's involved with these contracts and what areas of government
they control."

"I've been looking into that ... and I can't believe the names
I've come up with. If the ones I suspect are involved, we are
looking at a major shakeup at the Pentagon and Congress. But I
don't have any real evidence. Just suspicions."

"If you can get us the names, Dan," Lois assured, "We can get the
proof."

"Look at the back of the card on the baby gift. They are written
into the fine print at the bottom."

"Very clever," Lois laughed. "You're in the wrong business,
Dan."

"Actually, it was Jane's idea."

Lois and Clark both looked at Jane and smiled. "Actually, I saw
this Hallmark commercial ... "

After checking the background of the names Dan *and* Jane
supplied, Lois and Clark were able to piece together the shell of
the organization. William Mitchell was the mastermind, with the
assistance of two key members of the Defense Department and the
House Ways and Means committee. They were able to trace the funds
siphoned from the government contracts through several holding
companies to a small office in Georgetown. Once they had a little
heart-to- heart talk with one of the staff members at the office,
they had the evidence they needed to run with the story. Mitchell
was planning to set up the vice-president and insert his
candidate once he was out of the way.

Lois and Clark sent the story off to Perry and decided to hang
around Washington for a few days for follow-up interviews once
the story broke. When the indictments came down and they had two
weeks' worth of headlines wrapped up for the Planet, they headed
north to Metropolis.

***

Taking their time returning home, Lois and Clark had begun to
enjoy this time alone in the car. Their conversation spun from
topic to topic, but eventually would return to a comfortable time
for reflection, leaving each to collect their thoughts. After
absently listening to one of Lois' favorite CDs for a time, she
finally broke the silence.

"Clark, I realized something during all of this."

"What's that, honey?"

"Well, when we were waiting outside the Jefferson Memorial for
Dan, I remember wondering what Jefferson would think about the
country he had helped form. How it had turned out, the scandal we
were following and ... well ... about you. And later, when I read
the Declaration of Independence, I tried to imagine what it must
have been like to create something like that. What courage it
must have taken to risk everything ... your life, your home, your
family ... all for a cause that you believed in. Knowing that you
wouldn't be able to see the real fruits of your labor, but rather
paving the way for future generations." Lois paused, collecting
her thoughts and continued. "And I never used to think that
things were meant to be. After the way my family turned out and
reporting on all of the horrible things people do to one another,
I'd made myself believe that everything just happened by chance.
I mean, I couldn't believe that that could be my destiny in
life."

"So what made you change your mind?"

Lois reached over and placed her hand on Clark's cheek, mimicking
the loving gesture he reserved for her alone. "You did. You know,
I always wondered how anyone could place their child in a
spaceship and send him to a world they'd never see, not really
knowing if he would even make it. But listening to you recall
your parents' conversation, I realized that that was the greatest
act of love ... the greatest gift they could give you ... the
gift of life. And I realize now that everything does happen for a
reason. I mean, you could have ended up anywhere, but you landed
in Smallville at the exact time Martha and Jonathan were driving
by, a couple who desperately wanted a child. They never
questioned where you came from, but were just thankful to be able
to give you a home. You could have worked for any paper in the
world, yet you show up at the Planet."

Lois looked down and placed her free hand on her stomach. "And
now, after everything we went through, we're married and
expecting our first child. This has to be destiny. And not
knowing what the future holds doesn't scare me anymore, *because*
I know that this was meant to be. Martha made me realize that no
one is prepared to be a parent ... that you and I will make
mistakes, but we'll learn from them and move on. I never thought
I would ever love anyone the way I love you. I'm connected to you
in a way I don't think I'll ever understand. And even though this
child isn't even here yet ... well, I have these feelings I can't
describe, but they are the same ones I saw reflected in your eyes
when you were repeating Lara and Jor-El's conversation."

Lois looked up at Clark and smiled. "I know I'm rambling, but I
do have a point. All of this just sort of fell into place when I
read the last line Jefferson wrote. That 'we mutually pledge to
each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.' I know
now how he felt when he wrote that, because that is our
commitment to each other. And, I know you wanted to know what my
fears were about the baby. I don't know that I was really able to
describe them until now. Thank you for letting me work them out.
I guess I had to come to terms with it myself before I could
voice them. I guess my greatest fear was not feeling worthy of
all of this ... of you ... the baby."

Clark reached over and placed his hand over the one she had
resting on her swollen belly. "Honey ... " Clark whispered,
trying to disagree. Lois just continued.

"I kept coming back to what HG Wells told us about the future.
About how our children changed the world. How our story was told
to generation after generation of how their utopian society was
formed. It's a bit overwhelming knowing the rest of the world is
depending on you ... on us. I didn't feel worthy of you, I
certainly didn't feel worthy of that. I mean, I can't even make
toast without burning it, how am I going to be responsible for
helping change the world? But Jefferson's words finally made me
see that it really is just about you and me. He and his
compatriots pledged their lives to one another to form this
country and then did what they had to do to prepare the way for
future generations. All they could do was show the way, it was up
to the future generations to see it through. And that's what we
did. We pledged our lives to each other and will prepare our
children to lead to way. I guess I felt it was all on our
shoulders ... that we were responsible for it all. And all along
Martha was right."

"Right about what?"

"She told me that all any child asks for is to be loved and cared
for. I guess it's the same when you are raising a child or a
country."

Clark just looked at her and shook his head. "You are amazing,
Lois Lane. I'm still not sure who's the one with superpowers in
this relationship." Rubbing her stomach, he grinned. "This is far
greater than any power I possess."

"Honey, I've also figured out what we should name 'Junior'
here."

"What's that?"

"Well, I asked Martha, I wanted to make sure ... and she agreed
with me. We both owe your real parents so much for sending you to
us. It only seems fitting that their names be carried on to the
future. If it's a girl, let's name her Lara, and if it's a boy,
how about Joel ... it's the closest to Jor-El."

Clark closed his eyes, overcome with emotion for the woman before
him. Tears that had welled up in his eyes ran down his cheeks.
Letting out a deep breath, he gently brushed his thumb along her
face in a familiar gesture. "Lois, thank you. For everything ...
you are the only reason I exist. I've known it since the moment I
saw you and I'll know it when I take my last breath." He paused a
second, uncertain whether to continue. "There is something I need
to tell you ... and I know you wanted to wait to know about the
baby, but ... "

"No, Clark, tell me. I want to know. I know I said I wanted to be
surprised, but I'm ready to know now."

"Well ... " Clark grinned and looked down at her belly. Looking
back up, he continued to caress her cheek and said simply, "We're
being doubly blessed."

Lois' eyes got wider as his words sank in. "Clark, you don't mean
... "

"Yes, honey. We can use both names. We are having a boy and a
girl."

Lois just sat there, staring at her stomach, unable to form any
words into a sentence. Clark allowed her some time to come to
terms with the news. Finally, after a few minutes, Clark couldn't
stand it any longer.

"Lois ... honey ... are you all right?"

Lois slowly turned to him and sighed. "Twins. That's all, right?
Just two."

Clark smiled at her expression. "Yes, honey, just two."

"I take it back, Clark. I'm not ready."

"It will be okay, honey. Breathe, Lois."

"Twins ... " Lois shook her head and grinned. "Do you always have
to be such an overachiever?"

Clark just laughed, knowing that the initial shock had passed.
"Well," he said with a devilish grin, "Weren't you the one who
gave me the name Superman?"

"Yes, I did at that. So, I guess we'll have to amend the
legendary slogan ... faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap
tall buildings in a single bound and able to create twins in one
try."

"I don't think the world needs that particular bit of
information."

"I guess you're right. There are already too many women throwing
themselves at you now. I certainly don't want this to get out."

Clark blushed, still uneasy with his 'idol' status. It always
made Lois laugh knowing she had this effect on the 'man of
steel'. "I'm sorry, Clark. Didn't mean to embarrass you ... "

"No you're not."

"Okay, I'm not ... but one thing's for sure. Unlike that Shadow
fellow, you certainly proved that you are 'dynamite'."

Clark tried once again to mimic the Shadow's laugh, once again
earning a laugh from Lois.

"The laugh still needs some work, however ... "

***

The next few months were difficult ones for Lois and therefore
for Clark. Because she was having twins, the doctor forbade her
to return to work around the seventh month. The doctor actually
wanted her out earlier, much earlier, but she only gave in when
it *required* Superman to be able to get out of a chair. Even
then, Perry and Clark worried about her returning after a few
days. Perry went so far as to place 'Wanted' signs at the
entrance and on the elevators, offering a bounty if anyone
spotted her in the building.

All in all, she took it stride. Of course, to Lois Lane, this
meant working from the bed through the phone lines. She even had
Clark create a makeshift desk that he placed on his side of the
bed each morning.

Clark was responsible for keeping her informed on their latest
story and keeping her supplied with what was to become her
mainstay, pears. Clark had never seen Lois eat a pear before,
much less be able to pick one out in a grocery store, but every
day she consumed several gallons of water and at least 5 pears.
He had also set up a charge account at the McDonald's down the
street when Lois realized how good pears were dipped in a
milkshake. EPILOGUE:

December 3rd would be a day that Lois and Clark would remember
for the rest of their lives. This was the day that the best news
team in the industry were awarded their highest honor. A
Pulitzer. But that was just a pale comparison of the joy the two
of them shared on that day. For on this day, at the same time
they were being honored for their most incredible journalist
endeavor, Lois gave birth to Lara Lane Kent and Joel Samuel Kent.
While she had waited her whole life to win a Pulitzer, after
looking into the eyes of her two little miracles, she knew
nothing would have the same meaning again.

Lois sat in the soft shadows, staring into the same eyes that she
woke up to every morning. She gently rocked the small child held
tightly in her arms, trying to lure him back to sleep. Looking
down, she spotted the sleeping form of her husband who had
finally given into exhaustion an hour earlier. Across the room,
she could hear the soft murmurs of her daughter, who had fallen
asleep just before Clark.

'This is bliss,' she thought. Finally, she realized what Clark
and Martha had been trying to tell her all along. Looking at the
impossibly small version of her husband in her arms, she finally
realized just how much love she had to give. All along she had
thought that there was just so much love to go around. She
couldn't love Clark as much as she did and still have enough for
a child, or in this case, children. Now she knew. Love doesn't
divide or separate, but rather it expands. She knew she couldn't
predict the future any more than her parents had and she knew she
would make a million mistakes. She also knew that she and Clark
would see them through together. That love made everything else
possible.

Clark awoke in his old room at the farm house, just as he had so
many times in the past. But on this morning, it wasn't a
rooster's banter that pulled him from his dreams. This morning,
it was a sound he had waited his whole life to hear. The simple
cry of his child. Rolling over, he noticed Lois holding their
son, gently rocking him to a rhythm only the two could hear. He
slowly got up and walked over to his daughter, picking her up to
hush her cries. Walking back to the bed, he noticed Lois watching
him.

"So, Clark, I guess this is what it's going to be like. As soon
as one's asleep, the other wakes up."

Clark sat down beside her and grinned. "Lois, you know Mom is
going to stay with us for the first few months to help out.
Between her and your Mom, I think we can handle it."

"I know. I just wish they could tell us what it is they want. I
mean, she was crying. Why was she crying?"

"Honey, I think she's hungry."

"Oh ... yeah, I guess you're right." Lois smiled, content that it
was something they could take care of ... until another thought
entered her mind. "Oh ... my ... Clark, she's hungry," she
repeated, it finally dawning on her of just how *she* was to take
care of this hunger.

"It's okay, honey. You can do this."

"That's easy for you to say. Let's see you try it."

"Lois ... "

Just then there was a soft knock on the door. Martha opened it
and entered slowly, holding two bottles and a familiar red cape
and suit. "Did I hear the sound of someone wanting a little
breakfast?" Walking to her son, she handed him the suit and said
simply, "There's a flood in Ecuador."

Clark looked over at Lois, not sure whether he was relieved or
upset at the intrusion. Realizing his mother's intentions were
for the best, and nonnegotiable, he kissed his daughter and
handed her to his mother. "I guess I should go." Leaning down, he
kissed his wife and son. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I love
you ... both."

With the blur of her son leaving through the window, Martha
turned to the task at hand, ready to prepare another generation
for the future.

THE END