13 Interlude: Clark Kent
The Daily Planet was a busy place, made even more so by the news of yet another heroic person with immense power. Clark was glad that the situation had been resolved, the monstrosity that apparently was formed from and used chemical weapons defeated. He felt some regret he couldn't be there to help reduce the damage and inevitable cost in lives such a creature would bring. The nature of his own abilities, he mused.
Superman could fly, sure enough, but his hard limit was at most around Mach three. It would have taken two and a half hours to reach Paris and rather unfortunately he had been delayed, writing a fluff piece on the local zoo with Jimmy Olson along for photos.
He had made more than half the trip across the ocean, when he overheard that the situation was resolved, from the radio of a passing cargo vessel.
With a sigh he returned, only to be grilled by Lois about where he had been. The optometrist, he claimed. He needed a second set of glasses anyway, clenching certain facial muscles only helped so far to disguise his identity, wide frames and coke-bottle thick lenses really helped the illusion along.
This young man, known as 'Joyride' in French dared to reveal his real face without care for the repercussions, Clark was mildly jealous. He could never do that, bringing that kind of attention on his parents and friends or even co-workers.
Of course Metropolis was a busy place and after being given barely the length of time to drink a cup of coffee as he thought of doing away with all the lies he was caught once more by an obviously motivated Lois Lane and cornered.
"Smallville! Stop goofing off with your head in the clouds and start gathering information on that 'Joyride' kid, I want every scrap of information on him… reading between the lines he's almost a copycat Superman!" She demanded, that passion for a good story ablaze once more. God help you, Joyride. "After that, we are heading to Paris ourselves on the three o'clock flight, by the words of Perry White himself! Grab a camera, you're my photographer. Here's hoping we can find something news worthy in all that mess, if not the destruction, the soldiers involved and the homeless should give us a decent story."
"Right!" Clark jumped to it, accidentally spilling the last of his coffee on his shirt in the process of checking his watch. Get the newspaper clippings and tape recordings of the incident, then hurry back to his apartment to pack an overnight bag. They could review the information on the flight. Also change his shirt and leave it soaking, so it didn't stain.
At least with his powers he rarely felt rushed and doing simple chores like anyone else went a long way to keeping his strength and speed within normal human levels in day to day situations.
Jimmy came running up looking excited.
"I hear you're heading to Paris with Lois, City of Love and all that… don't do anything I'd do!" The young photographer teased, in a cheerful tone.
"Right. I'll do just that Jimmy." Clark replied with a faint smile.
"But I just said..." Jimmy paused, confused.
"See you later Jimmy, I've got work to do." Clark added, walking towards the records room.
"Bring back a souvenir!" Jimmy yelled after his retreating form.
"If I find time, sure thing!" Clark agreed, expecting Lois to spend any time not sleeping working like a fanatic.
I wonder if I can take time out to meet this 'Joyride' in person? He thought to himself. It would be interesting to meet someone so similar to him. Having someone to talk to about this lifestyle would be a great thing.
