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View Full Version : [WIP] 2010 Summer Interactive Story (Witty, Insightful Title Coming Soon!) Updated June 28



skauble
17th June 2010, 12:57
This is going to be the story post for the Summer Interactive Story. This is also the thread for feedback, so please feel free to let the authors know what you think of their work and what you think of the story as a whole! :)



The Story


asharnanae


Chapter 1 - “....Water knows nothing of mercy....”

The pale light illuminating his features was intermittent, and in the semi gloom of his office Lex sat tensely as he studied the video footage in front of him for a second time. In a chaotic mix of fascination, anxiety and sheer disbelief he watched the bizarre events unfold once more.

Lex had been wrapping up his days work when the express courier bought in the apparently urgent package, and took his signature of receipt. Upon opening the thick nondescript manilla envelope he was greeted by a file folder of papers, a DVD protected in a thin case and a concise covering note, the codenamed signature of which caused him to immediately give the contents his undivided attention.

‘Lex - New unrelated data - discovered this while searching the data streams in regard to project hydra, knew that this would warrant the risk of bringing it to your attention. - regards - Allegory.’

The video footage captured the concentration and pain shown on the face of the participant only too well, but by all accounts he had volunteered for the project. Floating upright in a tall sealed cylindrical tank of pale green water, covered by banks of electrodes and with a couple of large drip lines feeding a blue liquid chemical directly into his veins, the man signaled that it was ok to shut of his air supply, and spat out the mounthpiece.

The split screens of the labs video record log, saw the scientists start to proceed with their testing, slowly dialing up the flow of both the electric current and then chemical.

The head scientist grabbed hold of his radio headset and approached the tank, he needed to reemphasize the key metal concepts to the subject again “Now remember, it is imperative you must concentrate on feeling the water, wanting to become part of it, surrounded by it, natural to it, or the limit of the adaptation will not begin to progress further.” He paused in his emphatic recitation as his subjects body started to begin the inevitable struggle for oxygen. He watched his subjects fists clench and begin to shake. “Thats good, concentrate on that primal physical need to breath, know that the only way to survive is by being able to get what you need from the water all around you, good, good!”

As the physical changes began to occur the excited scientist was pulled back from his absorption in the subject by a startled squawk of fear from his main assistant.

Eyes wide in concern the lab tech gestured violently to his monitor and called the team leader over, clearly agitated by the progressing experiment.

Aiden’s lungs burned. The shear agony of needing air eclipsed even the feeling of the electricity coursing though him. It was so much worse this time, webbed hands was one thing, growing working gills was quite another, but as he forced himself to think about only needing the water, the blessed water that held what he so desperately needed, he felt the beginnings of the mutation.

Aiden grasped onto the thread of the mutation and poured his will into making it grow. But as he fought to breathe he suddenly knew something was happening that wasn't suppose to be, he opened his mouth to scream into the water surrounding him as his whole body began to convulse. ‘So this was what it was to die’ was his last thought before his mind went black.

Even though Lex had seen some damnably freak shit in his years, especially in Smallville, he was still amazed yet again by what happened next. His own fist tightened as the machinery on the screen registered a massive feedback overload, and showers of sparks flew in all directions. The labs lights flickered ominously and the camera registered the explosion of the water tank by whiting out for a few seconds. When the feed came back, it showed what appeared to be a man shaped mass of watery liquid, standing erect and unsupported where the tank used to be. The translucent figures head turned to regard the cowering scientists and rage rippled violently over the surface of the liquid apparition.

Stepping slowly over to the head scientist, the figure suddenly started to warp, it’s shape becoming malleable and it quickly flowed over the horrified scientist, incasing him and proceeding to drown the futilely thrashing man and then his team in quick succession before escaping from the lab by flowing though an air vent in the grey wall.

Lex stared at the frozen screen a moment longer and then picked up the phone and dialed the required number, “Mr Duagan, I need you to make something disappear.....”

****

Across town Chloe put down the phone and contemplated the information a source slash friend had just given her. The body of a woman had been discovered by the authorities in Metropolis, she had apparently inexplicably drowned next to her parked car in the middle of a high rise parking garage in broad daylight. The really weird bit was that the water that drowned her was closer to that of human tears in composition than that of normal water, and that she was not the first to be found in this state.

“A woman who is drowned by tears? Ok, now this just sounds a little bit too much like the Smallville variety of weird to be ignored” Chloe mused, while she booted up her computer and started to feel the first tingling of a great new story in the making.


Somethingeasy


Chapter 2 - A waste of talent

Lex was screening through the footage on the DVD for the third time, and even now he still felt bitter disappointment coursing through him at the waste of talent that the video represented. By all account, the experiment had been a brilliant success. A powerful and valuable mutation had been successfully induced in the body of a volunteer who had been previously free of all genetic anomalies.

Granted, the notes in the package indicated that the scientists had been trying to induce the ability to breathe underwater into their volunteer, rather than turning him into water itself, but even taking this into account, the experiment had been a valuable step forward in the research into genetic manipulation using meteor rocks. Dr. Bruner’s line of research is going to make LexCorp millions in profits from pharmaceuticals alone, and possibly billions from military application. It was such a pity that Dr. Bruner chose to keep his experiments clandestine from his financier.

Apparently Dr. Bruner has been using Lex’s resources to conduct his own pet projects for his own personal purposes. Perhaps he wanted to crack the genetic code and be awarded fame and acclaim when he released his results to the scientific community; or perhaps he wished to keep his LexCorp financed results to himself and sell them to the highest bidder for an obscene personal profit. Whatever Dr. Bruner’s motivations, he had crossed a line, and he was going to pay for that.

Lex picked up the folder that had accompanied the DVD in the package. It frustrated him to know that there was a spy who had more in-depth and accurate access to his own labs than he did. He had tried to track down this ‘Allegory’, but to no avail. His investigations were limited by the fact was that he had to keep his inquires into Allegory’s real identity discrete, otherwise he would risk losing this strange alliance he had formed with this mysterious informant. Allegory was far too useful to risk alienating.

Flipping through the pages in the folder, Lex could see that nearly a year had been spent on building up this experiment. The chief scientist, Dr. Bruner was actually quite careful and conscientious in his test-trials and documentations, and the notes preceding this final experiment were generously detailed and meticulous. He smiled grimly at this small gift amidst the pile of muck that this situation represented. Strictly speaking, he no longer needed Dr. Bruner to continue this line of experimentation. He could hand these notes over to another scientist, someone more trustworthy, or at least controllable, to continue Dr. Bruner’s research.

It appeared that Allegory had sent over all the information that had been gathered about Dr. Bruner’s experiments into controlled mutations, without holding anything back. At least, that was how it seemed, although Lex could never be sure about that. Once again Lex felt the heat of frustrated irritation wash over him as he realized that he has to depend on mysterious, freelance informants who have shown themselves to be more reliable than his own overpaid employees. He gritted his teeth at the evident lack of control that this latest debacle suggested.

Lex was especially furious that the chief scientist of this experiment had proven himself to be untrustworthy as well as far too ambitious for his own good. Lex expected to be kept well-informed of all proposed experiments in his lab, especially the ones that involved human volunteers. Dr. David Bruner had not only failed to informed Lex of this experiment proposal, but until this morning, Lex had not even been aware that this experiment had been executed with mixed results.

Lex was at least gratified and relieved to find out that Dr Bruner had used a genuine volunteer for this experiment, someone who seemed fairly informed of the dangers and expected results of the experiment. Lex had strictly forbidden the use of abducted human ‘volunteers’ for lab trials. Cleaning up after such messes was always a horrendous exercise in bureaucracy and bribery.

‘You want me to bring you Dr. Bruner alive?’, Duagan had been appraised of the situation and had been told to strip the lab of all its paperwork before burning it to the ground. Now there was only the question on how to deal with David Bruner himself.

Lex considered for a moment and made his decision, ‘I might still have some questions for Bruner. Keep him locked away, but alive for a few days. No need to be too gentle with him. I want him capable of talking, but not much else.’

Duagan murmured his understanding of his instructions before hanging up. Lex shook his head regretfully. Dr David Bruner had been such a promising find during Lex’s headhunting. He was brilliant and passionate with an obsessive work-ethic that sometimes made Lex feel slovenly. It’s such a pity that he turned out to be as greedy and compromised as most of Lex’s other employees. Such a waste of talent.


skauble


Chapter Three: Runoff

Chloe had little trouble finding the scene of the mysterious drowning as the left over strips of the neon yellow tape that had cordoned off the area glowed even brighter under the harsh florescent lights of the parking garage. She was fairly certain that with the exception of the police the site hadn’t been disturbed; because while people tended to be morbidly curious about crime scenes, few wanted to linger in the depths of an underground parking garage just to play looky-loo.

Although she had the preliminary file on the crime, Chloe had no idea the direction that the investigation was taking and so she’d used her smile and her press pass to make contact with one of the rookie officers who had been on site mainly as a routine security precaution. No matter what they told them in the academy, it took time and experience to teach the younger members of the force how to deal with the press, which is why they were always her first target for cases in which she had no sympathetic sources higher up the ladder.

Officer Dewitt had been incredibly earnest in his attempt to be professional and discrete, but Chloe had been investigating crimes far longer than he’d been trying to stop them and in no time she’d had him revealing the particulars of the case that she’d needed to know. Of course, it helped that she didn’t need any of the truly sensitive details, and so her tried and true method of asking questions that she new contained inaccuracies had him spilling far more than he’d probably intended in his attempts to correct her misconceptions.

And that was how she’d found out that, as with the other cases, the police had quickly come to the conclusion that the victim had been killed elsewhere and the body dumped in the garage after. It was understandable really. It took growing up in Smallville to get the brain to go from things like “that person is acting a little odd” directly to “that person is acting a little odd so they’re probably a clone”. The mindset came with its own form of paranoia, but that was far outweighed by the times that it had saved her life. It was also beneficial while investigating, because an open mind was more likely to see details missed by those with society’s narrow outlook on reality.

And it was because of that that Chloe had noticed something that the police had overlooked. In one of the photos of the body, the car next to the victim’s own was visible. With the subject of the picture being a murdered woman, it was unlikely that anyone would focus on the unremarkable surroundings of what was thought to be merely a dump site. But because she believed that she was studying the crime scene, she’d been interested in everything, and that was why she’d noticed that the flash of the camera caught the windshield of the second car in such a way as to show the faint pattern of dry water droplets, as if someone had thrown water across it and left it to dry.

The shine on the rest of the car and the fact that it hadn’t rained in months, had convinced Chloe that two things were likely. One, that the woman had almost certainly died in that garage. And two, that the police probably hadn’t searched the area quite as thoroughly as they might have had they known that.

In fact, her gut immediately told her the one place that they should have searched but almost certainly had failed to, given their theory. Because once she’d accepted that the woman had drowned there, she knew that any excess water around would flow towards the nearest of the many drains in the underground garage. And she’d felt a fierce sense of triumph as her suspicions were validated; for there, stuck to the cement near the gutters entrance, was a small square of what was obviously once wet paper. The water had bled away much of the ink, but she could make out some of the words.

ington
uner – 2:30
38 Edison St.

The victim’s name was Joan Harrington, which assured Chloe that the note was almost assuredly hers. But what made her certain and caused her nerves to tingle was that Edison Avenue was a small street in the outskirts of the Industrial District. And she knew that fact specifically because she knew the building at 38 Edison St. She’d never been there, and it held no particular importance in her life. But she would never forget one moment of her desperate research into all things Lionel in her attempt to escape him and so she had no trouble recognizing the building as property of LuthorCorp.


westwingwolf


Chapter 4: Paper covers...something

The best investigative reporters hone their skills over years of work. One can’t watch television characters and appropriate all their tricks. Okay, one can’t only watch television.

After discovering a subject, in this case LuthorCorp’s Paper Company at 38 Edison St., Chloe’s next step was to observe the activity. Taking notice of any suspicious behavior. The best business fronts could afford a full time staff to appear as if their work is legit. When a mere paper company needs a full scale security team as oppose to a couple of guys with walkie-talkies, then obviously something isn’t quite right.

Deciding the best effort to get information would only come straight from the source and not a mouthpiece for the company, her next task is to take appropriate measures to get said information. Most people assume breaking into a facility in the cloak of darkness would be a safe bet. But security always doubles in the night. Going in undercover during the day is a better choice.

The best staff members to impersonate are the lowest on the totem pole. People higher on the chain of command and security rarely take notice of the little guys: janitorial staff, office lackeys, or for today’s job…a factory worker. In the proper beige coveralls, no one cared.

Finding a group of workers and following their lead, she was assumed to be part of the unit. During her work, she spared glances to memorize the layout. In one corner, she noticed a door in which none of the managers entered or exited despite the sign for ‘Authorized Personnel Only.’ How authorized did a person need to be if the foremen weren’t allowed? And why would someone need a keycard?

Her next step involved speaking to someone. A tricky situation because she would have to call attention to herself. Appear casually observant and not doggedly pursuant. Approaching another factory worker, Chloe said, “You know when John told me about this job, he didn’t mention any of the unspoken rules.” She slightly tilted her head to the area behind her where the mysterious door stood. It was a non-committal move. If the other woman got too suspicious and accusatory, then Chloe could improvise another object. If the woman was willing to talk, then she would either know exactly what Chloe wanted or wouldn’t, and there would be no harm.

When lying, it is always best to stick to basics. Don’t get creative. At least one Bill, Bob, or Steve is guaranteed to be working at any business. John guarantees three. The person would have to ask all the Johns in the building to confirm her presence, and by then she would be gone.

The lady replied, “Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me. John is always forgetting something. No one on this level is allowed back there. They are working on some new way to make paper that saves the rainforest or something. Makes no difference to me.”

“Right. I know better now.” Chloe went back to her station and positioned herself to have a view on the door.

She was rewarded for her efforts when a young woman exited the door. Taking this as her only chance, Chloe put her next skill to use. When impersonating a specific person, common sense dictates choosing the right person in preparation for the chance of being caught. The identification of a tall, black man is no help to a short, white woman. Prior to moving to Smallville, another student at Metrodale Junior Academy taught her pickpocketing. She also taught her lock picking and hotwiring, but those efforts weren’t needed now. One ‘accidental’ bumping causing the lady to scramble for her papers, and Chloe was in possession of the necessary keycard.

She ducked behind several boxes, ditched the coveralls, and walked to the door in her professional looking skirt and blouse. In laboratories and hospitals, a missing lab coat can always be explained away as being left in a locker or office. If noticed as someone who shouldn’t be there, then these clothes say more ‘I’ve lost my way’ and less ‘I’ve stolen an outfit to infiltrate this facility and all of its secrets.’

Once inside, she displayed confidence with slight nods to anyone she passed. Common friendly gestures always put people more at ease than urgently glancing away to avoid eye contact.

She noticed several people exiting one room that only held file cabinets. Once she opened the first file drawer, she realized the records were typical business correspondence. Nothing special, but then why would every worker be leaving this room? Beyond several cabinets was another door. Nothing more than a usual maintenance door, but it had a keypad. She would need a code.

She saw four buttons had fingerprint smudges and wear from being overused: one, four, seven, and eight. Taking in account that people like something easy to remember, and this building was on Edison Street, she punched in the code: one, eight, four, seven. Turning the handle, she thanked her American History class, and entered the room.

Only the room wasn’t a room so much as a large area the size of an airplane-hanger. And the scientists definitely weren’t testing new methods for creating environmentally-friendly paper-making.

“Hello Ms. Sullivan.”

Funny thing about spying is no matter how skilled or how much one could prepare; there was always one problem that couldn’t be tackled. If caught by someone who knows you by name, then you are screwed.

“Hello Lex.”


Rachet


Chapter 5: (part one)

Chloe knew that she was on the right track. Why else would Lex come in person to one of Luther Corp.’s smallest holdings? She had to think fast on her feet if she was going to get a longer look at what Lex had set up in this “back room” of his.

“I came to check out your new methods of creating environmentally friendly paper. The Planet is doing a big work up on all the green products that Metropolis is going to be exporting in the near future. I didn’t think that you would mind some good P.R. So do you have an official comment?” Chloe rushed all four sentences out in one breath, and pasted on one of her famous mega watt smile, all the while praying that her spur of the moment plan would pay off. If Lex didn’t want to look suspicious he would have to give her something and at the least she would be getting a quote from Lex to use later. She may even get a small tour of the factory as she was escorted off the premises.

“I wish that you had called and set up an appointment with me, I would be glad to take you on a tour, but right now I don’t have the time to spare. I have to be back at Luther Corp. in 15min. for a meeting.” Lex gestured to the door. “Let me walk you out and I will give you my direct number so that we can set something up.” Lex set a brisk pace for the exit, as if he truly had a meeting to get to. “And Chloe in the future please refrain from entering restricted areas without a proper escort, I would hate it if you were harmed on my property once again.” He added as they walked out the main door.


Ultra


Chapter 5 (continued)

"Aaw, Lex, thats sweet" Chloe obviously faked appreciation, "I had no idea you cared so much" she added, a hand over her heart.

Lex would've answered, engaged in the verbal judo they were usually so good at, but he honestly didn't have time right now. Fixing Chloe with a tight smile, he bid her good day and disappeared back into the building, the door slamming shut with a clang that echoed through Chloe's head.

"Damn" she cursed, more than a little annoyed to have been thrown out before she could get any real hard evidence of anything.

She had a little knowledge now, of course. That room at the back of the building, or more specifically Lex's overwhelming nede to get her out of there at top speed, was certainly proof enough that something strange was going on. Hiding an eco-friendly project wasn't exactly normal for anyone, such a chance for so much PR all going to waste, it just didn't make sense, especially for a company like Luthorcorp.

"He wants an official appointment, he'll get one" she muttered as she turned to walk away.

Lex Luthor was not getting away from her so easily. It had been years enough now, he ought to know Chloe Sullivan didn't give up without a fight, not ever.

TBC

asharnanae
17th June 2010, 23:01
Ok, here we go. Now, please bare in mind that I haven't watched Smallville regularly since season 3 or 4...... and I have caught only the odd eppi ever since. So this story starter is mainly based on the season 5 themes which I gleaned from reading episode guides and reviews. Its just over 800 words...hope thats ok.... it kinda ran away with me. And, I am no scientist.... so if any of this stuff is completely kookie, well....

****

Chapter 1 - “....Water knows nothing of mercy....”


The pale light illuminating his features was intermittent, and in the semi gloom of his office Lex sat tensely as he studied the video footage in front of him for a second time. In a chaotic mix of fascination, anxiety and sheer disbelief he watched the bizarre events unfold once more.

Lex had been wrapping up his days work when the express courier bought in the apparently urgent package, and took his signature of receipt. Upon opening the thick nondescript manilla envelope he was greeted by a file folder of papers, a DVD protected in a thin case and a concise covering note, the codenamed signature of which caused him to immediately give the contents his undivided attention.

‘Lex - New unrelated data - discovered this while searching the data streams in regard to project hydra, knew that this would warrant the risk of bringing it to your attention. - regards - Allegory.’

The video footage captured the concentration and pain shown on the face of the participant only too well, but by all accounts he had volunteered for the project. Floating upright in a tall sealed cylindrical tank of pale green water, covered by banks of electrodes and with a couple of large drip lines feeding a blue liquid chemical directly into his veins, the man signaled that it was ok to shut of his air supply, and spat out the mounthpiece.

The split screens of the labs video record log, saw the scientists start to proceed with their testing, slowly dialing up the flow of both the electric current and then chemical.

The head scientist grabbed hold of his radio headset and approached the tank, he needed to reemphasize the key metal concepts to the subject again “Now remember, it is imperative you must concentrate on feeling the water, wanting to become part of it, surrounded by it, natural to it, or the limit of the adaptation will not begin to progress further.” He paused in his emphatic recitation as his subjects body started to begin the inevitable struggle for oxygen. He watched his subjects fists clench and begin to shake. “Thats good, concentrate on that primal physical need to breath, know that the only way to survive is by being able to get what you need from the water all around you, good, good!”

As the physical changes began to occur the excited scientist was pulled back from his absorption in the subject by a startled squawk of fear from his main assistant.

Eyes wide in concern the lab tech gestured violently to his monitor and called the team leader over, clearly agitated by the progressing experiment.

Aiden’s lungs burned. The shear agony of needing air eclipsed even the feeling of the electricity coursing though him. It was so much worse this time, webbed hands was one thing, growing working gills was quite another, but as he forced himself to think about only needing the water, the blessed water that held what he so desperately needed, he felt the beginnings of the mutation.

Aiden grasped onto the thread of the mutation and poured his will into making it grow. But as he fought to breathe he suddenly knew something was happening that wasn't suppose to be, he opened his mouth to scream into the water surrounding him as his whole body began to convulse. ‘So this was what it was to die’ was his last thought before his mind went black.

Even though Lex had seen some damnably freak shit in his years, especially in Smallville, he was still amazed yet again by what happened next. His own fist tightened as the machinery on the screen registered a massive feedback overload, and showers of sparks flew in all directions. The labs lights flickered ominously and the camera registered the explosion of the water tank by whiting out for a few seconds. When the feed came back, it showed what appeared to be a man shaped mass of watery liquid, standing erect and unsupported where the tank used to be. The translucent figures head turned to regard the cowering scientists and rage rippled violently over the surface of the liquid apparition.

Stepping slowly over to the head scientist, the figure suddenly started to warp, it’s shape becoming malleable and it quickly flowed over the horrified scientist, incasing him and proceeding to drown the futilely thrashing man and then his team in quick succession before escaping from the lab by flowing though an air vent in the grey wall.

Lex stared at the frozen screen a moment longer and then picked up the phone and dialed the required number, “Mr Duagan, I need you to make something disappear.....”

****

Across town Chloe put down the phone and contemplated the information a source slash friend had just given her. The body of a woman had been discovered by the authorities in Metropolis, she had apparently inexplicably drowned next to her parked car in the middle of a high rise parking garage in broad daylight. The really weird bit was that the water that drowned her was closer to that of human tears in composition than that of normal water, and that she was not the first to be found in this state.

“A woman who is drowned by tears? Ok, now this just sounds a little bit too much like the Smallville variety of weird to be ignored” Chloe mused, while she booted up her computer and started to feel the first tingling of a great new story in the making.


****

End chapter - Right... Next batter up to the plate...

Kit Merlot
18th June 2010, 14:04
An awesome and intriguing beginning:grin3:

skauble
19th June 2010, 13:54
Asharnanae, you should'nt have worried because this is excellent! I love the story that you've managed to set up. It's so intriguing and beautifully well thought out. You brought both Lex and Chloe into the mix right from the get go and yet still did a fantastic job of not defining what their roles are specifically so that the next writer can build on it.

And I know that it was a super amazing job because the entire time I thought "I wonder how she's going to work this all out" and totally forgot that I'd have to write part of it, too. lolol When you can make me forget what type of story it is you know that you've done a great job.

And thank you so much for starting us out. I know that it's hard to go first but I'm so glad you have because you really nailed giving us a solid foundation from which you grow. I want to squee in excitement because we already have a mystery and secret contacts and investigations and people with bizarre abilities - wonderful work! :D

~Sarah~

somethingeasy
19th June 2010, 21:58
asharnanae did an amazing job at starting us off. In fact, she's a darned tough act to follow. I hope my own continuation to the series is half as good as hers. Thanks for the great intro, asharnanae! :D


Chapter 2 - A waste of talent

Lex was screening through the footage on the DVD for the third time, and even now he still felt bitter disappointment coursing through him at the waste of talent that the video represented. By all account, the experiment had been a brilliant success. A powerful and valuable mutation had been successfully induced in the body of a volunteer who had been previously free of all genetic anomalies.

Granted, the notes in the package indicated that the scientists had been trying to induce the ability to breathe underwater into their volunteer, rather than turning him into water itself, but even taking this into account, the experiment had been a valuable step forward in the research into genetic manipulation using meteor rocks. Dr. Bruner’s line of research is going to make LexCorp millions in profits from pharmaceuticals alone, and possibly billions from military application. It was such a pity that Dr. Bruner chose to keep his experiments clandestine from his financier.

Apparently Dr. Bruner has been using Lex’s resources to conduct his own pet projects for his own personal purposes. Perhaps he wanted to crack the genetic code and be awarded fame and acclaim when he released his results to the scientific community; or perhaps he wished to keep his LexCorp financed results to himself and sell them to the highest bidder for an obscene personal profit. Whatever Dr. Bruner’s motivations, he had crossed a line, and he was going to pay for that.

Lex picked up the folder that had accompanied the DVD in the package. It frustrated him to know that there was a spy who had more in-depth and accurate access to his own labs than he did. He had tried to track down this ‘Allegory’, but to no avail. His investigations were limited by the fact was that he had to keep his inquires into Allegory’s real identity discrete, otherwise he would risk losing this strange alliance he had formed with this mysterious informant. Allegory was far too useful to risk alienating.

Flipping through the pages in the folder, Lex could see that nearly a year had been spent on building up this experiment. The chief scientist, Dr. Bruner was actually quite careful and conscientious in his test-trials and documentations, and the notes preceding this final experiment were generously detailed and meticulous. He smiled grimly at this small gift amidst the pile of muck that this situation represented. Strictly speaking, he no longer needed Dr. Bruner to continue this line of experimentation. He could hand these notes over to another scientist, someone more trustworthy, or at least controllable, to continue Dr. Bruner’s research.

It appeared that Allegory had sent over all the information that had been gathered about Dr. Bruner’s experiments into controlled mutations, without holding anything back. At least, that was how it seemed, although Lex could never be sure about that. Once again Lex felt the heat of frustrated irritation wash over him as he realized that he has to depend on mysterious, freelance informants who have shown themselves to be more reliable than his own overpaid employees. He gritted his teeth at the evident lack of control that this latest debacle suggested.

Lex was especially furious that the chief scientist of this experiment had proven himself to be untrustworthy as well as far too ambitious for his own good. Lex expected to be kept well-informed of all proposed experiments in his lab, especially the ones that involved human volunteers. Dr. David Bruner had not only failed to informed Lex of this experiment proposal, but until this morning, Lex had not even been aware that this experiment had been executed with mixed results.

Lex was at least gratified and relieved to find out that Dr Bruner had used a genuine volunteer for this experiment, someone who seemed fairly informed of the dangers and expected results of the experiment. Lex had strictly forbidden the use of abducted human ‘volunteers’ for lab trials. Cleaning up after such messes was always a horrendous exercise in bureaucracy and bribery.

‘You want me to bring you Dr. Bruner alive?’, Duagan had been appraised of the situation and had been told to strip the lab of all its paperwork before burning it to the ground. Now there was only the question on how to deal with David Bruner himself.

Lex considered for a moment and made his decision, ‘I might still have some questions for Bruner. Keep him locked away, but alive for a few days. No need to be too gentle with him. I want him capable of talking, but not much else.’

Duagan murmured his understanding of his instructions before hanging up. Lex shook his head regretfully. Dr David Bruner had been such a promising find during Lex’s headhunting. He was brilliant and passionate with an obsessive work-ethic that sometimes made Lex feel slovenly. It’s such a pity that he turned out to be as greedy and compromised as most of Lex’s other employees. Such a waste of talent.

asharnanae
19th June 2010, 23:38
ooooooh! *dances and does a little clappy hand gesture* love how you have added depth to Lex's part, especially Lex's own thoughts on how he can salvage the situation :) Excellent work.

hfce
20th June 2010, 05:37
EEK!! Such a great start with the two of you. More please. :)

cbrunberg
24th June 2010, 01:58
great start can't wait to see whre you take the story

skauble
25th June 2010, 09:07
Hey all, sorry for the lateness but my computer started acting weird the other day by randomly shutting down my programs, then itself, and then it crashed altogether. Luckily my brother works with computers for a living and I was able to toss it to him and say, "fix it" and it got fixed. *hugs brother*


Chapter Three: Runoff


Chloe had little trouble finding the scene of the mysterious drowning as the left over strips of the neon yellow tape that had cordoned off the area glowed even brighter under the harsh florescent lights of the parking garage. She was fairly certain that with the exception of the police the site hadn’t been disturbed; because while people tended to be morbidly curious about crime scenes, few wanted to linger in the depths of an underground parking garage just to play looky-loo.

Although she had the preliminary file on the crime, Chloe had no idea the direction that the investigation was taking and so she’d used her smile and her press pass to make contact with one of the rookie officers who had been on site mainly as a routine security precaution. No matter what they told them in the academy, it took time and experience to teach the younger members of the force how to deal with the press, which is why they were always her first target for cases in which she had no sympathetic sources higher up the ladder.

Officer Dewitt had been incredibly earnest in his attempt to be professional and discrete, but Chloe had been investigating crimes far longer than he’d been trying to stop them and in no time she’d had him revealing the particulars of the case that she’d needed to know. Of course, it helped that she didn’t need any of the truly sensitive details, and so her tried and true method of asking questions that she new contained inaccuracies had him spilling far more than he’d probably intended in his attempts to correct her misconceptions.

And that was how she’d found out that, as with the other cases, the police had quickly come to the conclusion that the victim had been killed elsewhere and the body dumped in the garage after. It was understandable really. It took growing up in Smallville to get the brain to go from things like “that person is acting a little odd” directly to “that person is acting a little odd so they’re probably a clone”. The mindset came with its own form of paranoia, but that was far outweighed by the times that it had saved her life. It was also beneficial while investigating, because an open mind was more likely to see details missed by those with society’s narrow outlook on reality.

And it was because of that that Chloe had noticed something that the police had overlooked. In one of the photos of the body, the car next to the victim’s own was visible. With the subject of the picture being a murdered woman, it was unlikely that anyone would focus on the unremarkable surroundings of what was thought to be merely a dump site. But because she believed that she was studying the crime scene, she’d been interested in everything, and that was why she’d noticed that the flash of the camera caught the windshield of the second car in such a way as to show the faint pattern of dry water droplets, as if someone had thrown water across it and left it to dry.

The shine on the rest of the car and the fact that it hadn’t rained in months, had convinced Chloe that two things were likely. One, that the woman had almost certainly died in that garage. And two, that the police probably hadn’t searched the area quite as thoroughly as they might have had they known that.

In fact, her gut immediately told her the one place that they should have searched but almost certainly had failed to, given their theory. Because once she’d accepted that the woman had drowned there, she knew that any excess water around would flow towards the nearest of the many drains in the underground garage. And she’d felt a fierce sense of triumph as her suspicions were validated; for there, stuck to the cement near the gutters entrance, was a small square of what was obviously once wet paper. The water had bled away much of the ink, but she could make out some of the words.

ington
uner – 2:30
38 Edison St.

The victim’s name was Joan Harrington, which assured Chloe that the note was almost assuredly hers. But what made her certain and caused her nerves to tingle was that Edison Avenue was a small street in the outskirts of the Industrial District. And she knew that fact specifically because she knew the building at 38 Edison St. She’d never been there, and it held no particular importance in her life. But she would never forget one moment of her desperate research into all things Lionel in her attempt to escape him and so she had no trouble recognizing the building as property of LuthorCorp.

TBC

asharnanae
25th June 2010, 17:43
yay!!!!!!!! we have our first foray in to Chloe, LOVE it!!!!!

I think this is my fav bit :
And that was how she’d found out that, as with the other cases, the police had quickly come to the conclusion that the victim had been killed elsewhere and the body dumped in the garage after. It was understandable really. It took growing up in Smallville to get the brain to go from things like “that person is acting a little odd” directly to “that person is acting a little odd so they’re probably a clone”. The mindset came with its own form of paranoia, but that was far outweighed by the times that it had saved her life. It was also beneficial while investigating, because an open mind was more likely to see details missed by those with society’s narrow outlook on reality.

great continuation!

Ultra
25th June 2010, 19:24
You're all doing such an awesome job with this :)

See, now I'm getting nervous 'cause I never write this kind of fic (all mystery, adventure, drama, etc.) and I'm a bit worried I won't be able to come up with anything when it my turn...

Avalanche
27th June 2010, 00:48
It took growing up in Smallville to get the brain to go from things like “that person is acting a little odd” directly to “that person is acting a little odd so they’re probably a clone”.

Bwah! So so very true! I looooove this line and want to make sweet sweet love to it!

I just want y'all to know that I am very much intrigued by this! Cannot wait to see where this goes...especially since everyone last one of you is special in a very special way. ;)

hfce
27th June 2010, 02:18
This story is getting so good. :D

Rachet
27th June 2010, 07:18
I'm with Ultra on this, this is turning into the kind of story I love reading but not writing.

westwingwolf
28th June 2010, 01:21
Okay, I would dedicate this chapter to Michael Westen, but he would probably kick my ass so instead I dedicate it to Sam Axe (Woo Hoo! Bruce Campbell!)


Chapter 4: Paper covers...something

The best investigative reporters hone their skills over years of work. One can’t watch television characters and appropriate all their tricks. Okay, one can’t only watch television.

After discovering a subject, in this case LuthorCorp’s Paper Company at 38 Edison St., Chloe’s next step was to observe the activity. Taking notice of any suspicious behavior. The best business fronts could afford a full time staff to appear as if their work is legit. When a mere paper company needs a full scale security team as oppose to a couple of guys with walkie-talkies, then obviously something isn’t quite right.

Deciding the best effort to get information would only come straight from the source and not a mouthpiece for the company, her next task is to take appropriate measures to get said information. Most people assume breaking into a facility in the cloak of darkness would be a safe bet. But security always doubles in the night. Going in undercover during the day is a better choice.

The best staff members to impersonate are the lowest on the totem pole. People higher on the chain of command and security rarely take notice of the little guys: janitorial staff, office lackeys, or for today’s job…a factory worker. In the proper beige coveralls, no one cared.

Finding a group of workers and following their lead, she was assumed to be part of the unit. During her work, she spared glances to memorize the layout. In one corner, she noticed a door in which none of the managers entered or exited despite the sign for ‘Authorized Personnel Only.’ How authorized did a person need to be if the foremen weren’t allowed? And why would someone need a keycard?

Her next step involved speaking to someone. A tricky situation because she would have to call attention to herself. Appear casually observant and not doggedly pursuant. Approaching another factory worker, Chloe said, “You know when John told me about this job, he didn’t mention any of the unspoken rules.” She slightly tilted her head to the area behind her where the mysterious door stood. It was a non-committal move. If the other woman got too suspicious and accusatory, then Chloe could improvise another object. If the woman was willing to talk, then she would either know exactly what Chloe wanted or wouldn’t, and there would be no harm.

When lying, it is always best to stick to basics. Don’t get creative. At least one Bill, Bob, or Steve is guaranteed to be working at any business. John guarantees three. The person would have to ask all the Johns in the building to confirm her presence, and by then she would be gone.

The lady replied, “Yeah, that doesn’t surprise me. John is always forgetting something. No one on this level is allowed back there. They are working on some new way to make paper that saves the rainforest or something. Makes no difference to me.”

“Right. I know better now.” Chloe went back to her station and positioned herself to have a view on the door.

She was rewarded for her efforts when a young woman exited the door. Taking this as her only chance, Chloe put her next skill to use. When impersonating a specific person, common sense dictates choosing the right person in preparation for the chance of being caught. The identification of a tall, black man is no help to a short, white woman. Prior to moving to Smallville, another student at Metrodale Junior Academy taught her pickpocketing. She also taught her lock picking and hotwiring, but those efforts weren’t needed now. One ‘accidental’ bumping causing the lady to scramble for her papers, and Chloe was in possession of the necessary keycard.

She ducked behind several boxes, ditched the coveralls, and walked to the door in her professional looking skirt and blouse. In laboratories and hospitals, a missing lab coat can always be explained away as being left in a locker or office. If noticed as someone who shouldn’t be there, then these clothes say more ‘I’ve lost my way’ and less ‘I’ve stolen an outfit to infiltrate this facility and all of its secrets.’

Once inside, she displayed confidence with slight nods to anyone she passed. Common friendly gestures always put people more at ease than urgently glancing away to avoid eye contact.

She noticed several people exiting one room that only held file cabinets. Once she opened the first file drawer, she realized the records were typical business correspondence. Nothing special, but then why would every worker be leaving this room? Beyond several cabinets was another door. Nothing more than a usual maintenance door, but it had a keypad. She would need a code.

She saw four buttons had fingerprint smudges and wear from being overused: one, four, seven, and eight. Taking in account that people like something easy to remember, and this building was on Edison Street, she punched in the code: one, eight, four, seven. Turning the handle, she thanked her American History class, and entered the room.

Only the room wasn’t a room so much as a large area the size of an airplane-hanger. And the scientists definitely weren’t testing new methods for creating environmentally-friendly paper-making.

“Hello Ms. Sullivan.”

Funny thing about spying is no matter how skilled or how much one could prepare; there was always one problem that couldn’t be tackled. If caught by someone who knows you by name, then you are screwed.

“Hello Lex.”

hfce
28th June 2010, 05:52
I knew it! I knew Lex would get her. :rofl:

Rachet
28th June 2010, 06:59
Well I'm going to keep it shot and sweet.
Chapter 5: (not really a whole chapter)

Chloe knew that she was on the right track. Why else would Lex come in person to one of Luther Corp.’s smallest holdings? She had to think fast on her feet if she was going to get a longer look at what Lex had set up in this “back room” of his.

“I came to check out your new methods of creating environmentally friendly paper. The Planet is doing a big work up on all the green products that Metropolis is going to be exporting in the near future. I didn’t think that you would mind some good P.R. So do you have an official comment?” Chloe rushed all four sentences out in one breath, and pasted on one of her famous mega watt smile, all the while praying that her spur of the moment plan would pay off. If Lex didn’t want to look suspicious he would have to give her something and at the least she would be getting a quote from Lex to use later. She may even get a small tour of the factory as she was escorted off the premises.

“I wish that you had called and set up an appointment with me, I would be glad to take you on a tour, but right now I don’t have the time to spare. I have to be back at Luther Corp. in 15min. for a meeting.” Lex gestured to the door. “Let me walk you out and I will give you my direct number so that we can set something up.” Lex set a brisk pace for the exit, as if he truly had a meeting to get to. “And Chloe in the future please refrain from entering restricted areas without a proper escort, I would hate it if you were harmed on my property once again.” He added as they walked out the main door.

Ultra
28th June 2010, 08:06
I'm with you, Rachet. Short and sweet is good 'cause honestly I don't have a clue what I'm doing...

Chapter 5 continued, I guess

"Aaw, Lex, thats sweet" Chloe obviously faked appreciation, "I had no idea you cared so much" she added, a hand over her heart.

Lex would've answered, engaged in the verbal judo they were usually so good at, but he honestly didn't have time right now. Fixing Chloe with a tight smile, he bid her good day and disappeared back into the building, the door slamming shut with a clang that echoed through Chloe's head.

"Damn" she cursed, more than a little annoyed to have been thrown out before she could get any real hard evidence of anything.

She had a little knowledge now, of course. That room at the back of the building, or more specifically Lex's overwhelming nede to get her out of there at top speed, was certainly proof enough that something strange was going on. Hiding an eco-friendly project wasn't exactly normal for anyone, such a chance for so much PR all going to waste, it just didn't make sense, especially for a company like Luthorcorp.

"He wants an official appointment, he'll get one" she muttered as she turned to walk away.

Lex Luthor was not getting away from her so easily. It had been years enough now, he ought to know Chloe Sullivan didn't give up without a fight, not ever.

asharnanae
28th June 2010, 23:13
good lord!!!! I get back and there are not one but three updates!!!!!! YAY! :D cool beans writers, I am lovin where this story is headed still :) great work.

hfce
29th June 2010, 03:29
More please more. :D