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...
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...
Bwah! So so very true! I looooove this line and want to make sweet sweet love to it!Originally Posted by skauble
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.
Last edited by Avalanche; 27th June 2010 at 00:48.
Fanfiction Master List
“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”
Oscar Wilde
My milkshake bringeth all ye gentlefolk to the yard, and they're like it's better than thine, verily its better than thine, I could teach you but I must levy a fee...
"I'm selfish, impatient, and a little insecure. I make mistakes. I am out of control; and, at times, hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.
Marilyn Monroe
This story is getting so good.
"Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. "
I'm with Ultra on this, this is turning into the kind of story I love reading but not writing.
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.”
I knew it! I knew Lex would get her.
"Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. "
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.
Last edited by Rachet; 28th June 2010 at 07:04. Reason: missing spaces
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.
good lord!!!! I get back and there are not one but three updates!!!!!! YAY!great work.
More please more.
"Everyone seems normal until you get to know them. "
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