I land on the balcony of my apartment,and walk in.Then,Remembering that every reporter in the city is going to be looking for me,I shut the door behind me.
It's...strange,walking in here,dressed like this.It's almost as if I have to put on an act,when I'm out there.As both Clark Kent
and Superman.But...here,I can be myself.
It's a nice feeling.
Putting a shirt over my costume,and my glasses,I sit down in my chair,and grab an issue of The Daily Planet that I had picked up,on the way home.
Not surprisingly,The headline read
'METROPOLIS FLYBOY GETS NAME'.It goes onto talk about how I've been dubbed as 'Superman',and promises an exclusive interview in tommorow's edition.
...Should I give them one?
I mean,after all...I may have a secret identity to uphold,but I don't want the public to get the wrong idea of me.Maybe I should talk with Ma and Pa about this...get their opinions.After all,I don't want to do anything that drastic without their consent...
Getting tired of reading about...well...
me,I turn the page,to see if anything interesting is happening,outside of Metropolis.
The first thing I notice is a headline about some incident in Gotham City...
"THE BAT-MAN" ATTACKS GOTHAM'S CRIMINALS
..."The Batman"?
And I thought
I had issues.But,aparrentally,this guy actually goes around doing what I do without the need of special abilites.This nutcase is going to get himself killed,one of these days...
Looking at the bottom of that,I read about some rumor involving Bruce Wayne,and a reported fling with not one,but
three famous Hollywood movie actresses.One of them happens to be engaged,and pregnant aswell.
It seems
morals have become a rarity,these days...
Turning my attention to the opposite side of the page,I read about a man they call 'Spider-Man'.While I admit,the name isn't the best,and the costume...well...is a bit much,with the webs and all,It isn't
nearly as bad as 'Batman'...
Just when I think I've read it all,I catch a column about a masked man with a bow and arrow,stalking the streets of Star City.
...What is with this sudden trend of costumed lunatics?
I look down at my own set of colorful clothing.
...
Okay,so I'm one to talk.But I doubt any of those other people are out to do the same thing I am.They're probably doing it for financial gain,or some such thing.I wouldn't be surprised,considering the world we live in today.
Of course,I could be underestimating them.Like I did Luthor.
I
still can't believe that happened...
As I sit,moping in my own stupidity,regarding that situation,the phone rings.I look up at it,curiously.
I
never get calls.From anyone.And Ma and Pa are busy with the farm,this time of year...So,that's surprising.
Getting up,I use my speed to get to it within a second,and pick it up.
"Hello?"
"Kent,You have an assignment.Oliver Queen is throwing a bash in Star City,and he's invited the press to come aswell.You and Lane are taking a flight first thing Friday morning."
"Oliver Queen?The Millionaire?"
"Billionaire,to be presice.Anyway,I need you to pack and be ready ahead of time.This could be the event of the century!"
Event of the century?
Is Superman old news already?
"But...What about Superman?"
"Superman can wait.After all,He seems to be staying in Metropolis for now.But this is Oliver Queen we're talking about.No one's seen the man in years...If we could get that interview,We'd be the top newspaper in the country!All the big celebrities are going to be there,too...Wilson Fisk,Lex Luthor,Bruce Wayne...You name it."
"...Aren't we already the top newspaper in the country?"
"Nevermind that.I also have another assignment for you.Tommorow,A scientist named Reed Richards is holding a press conference in New York.I'm sending you,Lane,and Olsen down there tommorow morning.Think you can handle it?"
Two trips in one week?
What am I,Superma-
...
Two trips it is,then.
"I don't know,Mr.Whi-"
"Kent,you wanna make a name for yourself in the world of journalism,don't you?"
"Well,yes...but I-"
"Good.Then you'll have no problem with covering two of the possibly biggest events of the year,right?"
"Well...No."
"Then it's settled!Make sure to pack your things tonight,and get a good night's sleep.After all...We don't want to look bad infront of our competition,do we?"
"...Competition?"
"Every major newspaper,TV show,and radio broadcast are sceduled to cover this,Kent.The TODAY Show,Fox News,The Daily Bugle,The Times,You name it,they'll be there.We need to show Metropolis that The Daily Planet gets results,and gets them fast...Which is why you'll be flying back the same night."
...
FLYING BACK THE SAME NIGHT?
WITH LOIS AND JIMMY?
Okay,I may be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound...but...Even I can't handle that much stress.
But...I
suppose if it gets the job done...
Finally,I let out a sigh.
"You got it,Chief."
"Good man.And don't call me Chief,Kent."
He hangs up,abruptly.Well...I guess I better pack my things,if I'm to be prepared.
Two seconds later,that's done.Now all I need is to get some...
I stop.
Strangely,I'm not tired.I've never felt better,actually.I need to do something to rid myself of this extra energy...
Taking off the shirt and the glasses,I open the door to my balcony,and fly out.
I think I owe a certain reporter an interview...