December 23rd, 2010
Metropolis
In the lobby of LexCorp stood many reporters from reputable news outlets. However, two individuals stood out to me the most. Both of them were from the Daily Planet, and I pulled some strings to make sure they were chosen. It was pretty easy since they both have excellent reputations as reporters. As you can guess, it was Lois Lane and Clark Kent, AKA Superman—THE Superman. My supposedly future arch nemesis.
This version of Clark Kent resembled a combination of Chris Bumstead and Henry Cavil. He is 6'5", packed with muscle, a chiseled jawline, and jet-black hair. Subjectively speaking, he is an incredibly handsome man. However, many of the reporters ignored him even though he looked like a Greek god. It's just like the time the actual Henry Cavil was in New York Square in front of the large Batman v Superman movie sign. It just showed that if one keeps a low profile then they won't be noticed.
Lois Lane was also quite the looker as well. She looked similar to Jennifer Conelly when she was 25 years old and stood at 5' 5" with jet black long hair. She was extremely beautiful that it was no wonder how a god-like being ended up falling in love with a mere mortal. Though she looked like a flower, one can tell she was a rose with thorns with the no-nonsense look she carried. She carried an atmosphere that stated she took no shit and would not be intimidated by anyone.
It was very exciting seeing these two very important fictional characters from my childhood come to life, but I calmed myself for I might have to go against them in the future. Thankfully I had one advantage over all the heroes and villains in the universe and that is I knew who they were but they did not know me. Well the real me that is. I knew many of their secret identities, powers, and backgrounds which allowed me to prepare ways to defeat them. Hell, I could even use Batman's contingency plans he had for the league.
On the other hand, I was a Lex Luthor like no other. So I would not be easy to prepare against. It was impossible to create counter measures against me due to the fact that I had already seen them all in my old world's comics and movies.
As always, Mercy was beside me like a shadow and asked, "You've been staring at those two for some time now, Would you like me to fetch them, Mr. Luthor?"
I looked a little longer at both Clark Kent and Lois Lane and then declared, "No, I was just lost in thought. Let's go Mercy for we have a world to change".
3rd Person POV
"So Smallville, why do you think Lex Luthor called for this press conference? There seems to be a reporter from every news station here," asked Lois Lane
"I don't know Lois, if I did I don't think I would have to be here," Clark replied sarcastically.
"You're being a total smart ass right now you know that."
"Well, glad you've acknowledged that I am smart Lois," Clark replied, chuckling.
As the two were bantering with one another, Mercy Graves appeared and walked up to the podium. The crowd slowly hushed. Once she had deemed it was quite enough she started the press conference.
"Thank you all for coming and making the time to be here, especially with the holidays just around the corner. Please save all questions to the end of the presentation. Mr Luthor will be here shortly."
As she left, the assembly of reporters quietly buzzed with excitement wondering what could be so important that the LexCorp had to call for a press conference with many speculations being made in the crowd.
Soon Lex arrived on stage. The crown quickly quieted down everyone anticipating for him to speak. He then began his speech which many people in the future declared that this was the moment a new age had begun.
"The use of fossil fuels has been around for two centuries. In that period we as a people have cured diseases once thought to be incurable, traveled planes once thought impossible, and have even created inventions once thought inconceivable! Yet, we are still reliant on the bones of creatures of the past. Due to this, we have polluted and defiled the very earth, no home, that we all live on. We at LexCorp will lead humanity to a brighter future for we are proud to present the Arc Reactor!"
As he stated those words a Greek-styled pedestal rose from the ground beside Lex and on top of it was a glass case. Inside that glass case was a circular device that had a white glow to it.
"This small prototype beside me can produce up to three gigajoules per second! This is triple the amount a regular nuclear reactor produces with absolutely no waste at all! Not only that, the lifespan of such a device can last up to fifty lifetimes!"
As Lex Luthor was enthusiastically showcasing the arc reactor, Both Lois and Clark were talking to one another.
"This sounds like some sort of miracle cure, do you believe all this Smallville? It kinda sounds too good to be true" Lois indicated with disbelief.
"Well, I don't think Lex would go out of his way to hold a press conference for a fake device. More than likely it's the real thing", stated Clark as he used his X-ray vision to take a look at the arc reactor showcased on the pedestal. He was amazed by what he saw for this was the most advanced tech he had seen so far on Earth.
"The real question is how is he going to profit from this. I don't think he is just going to provide free energy just to generate goodwill. This is groundbreaking tech, probably even more than 10 years ahead of its time," Clark remarked with slight admiration. For all his thoughts of Lex Luthor, he had to admit he deserved to be called a genius.
"Well if you think he has some ulterior motive, let's just ask him before some other chump does!" Lois said enthusiastically.
Before she could stand up completely Clark gently grabbed her arm and warned her, "Didn't you hear what they said in the beginning? They said to save all questions till the end. What happens if they kick us out for being rude?"
"Look boy scout, I know you live life by the book, but journalism is all about who can get the biggest scope the fastest and you have to be daring if you want to make it in this line of work." Lois declared as she shook him off off and got up. She then asked out loud cutting into Lex's speech, "Mr Luthor, I am Lois Lane from the Daily Planet! May I have a question with you?"
Smirking back at her, Lex flirtatiously stated "Ah Ms. Lane, I recall stating that all questions were to be saved towards the end of this presentation, but seeing as how eager you are you may ask, but it will cost you."
The whole room got quiet and all eyes turned towards her. She easily ignored all of their gazes pointed toward her and retorted back at Lex, "Sorry to disappoint you, but I keep my private life separate from my professional one. Now back to my question Mr. Luthor, LexCorp is a business at the end of the day and is not really known for its altruistic practices, how will LexCorp benefit from all of this."
"Though that is a bit rude for you to say, you are absolutely right Ms. Lane, LexCorp is a business and the business we are trying to break into is the energy business. Though I admit we do aim to make a profit, I can take pride in saying that with this innovation, we can at least now start moving away from the use of fossil fuels and take better care of this world we call home."
The crowd buzzed with excitement about the revelation for this was revolutionary. Soon chaos erupted in the hall seeing that if someone was able to ask a question, it should not be a problem if they asked one as well. Reporters leaped from their seats to try and get their questions out there from the sea of noises. While all this was going on Lex Luthor could not help but revel in their admiration and praise.
"Well as nice as all that sounds, you haven't answered the question, Mr. Luthor. At the end of the day, how will LexCorp benefit?" Lois Lane pressed.
"Well as I stated previously before, we at LexCorp plan to get into the energy business so of course we do plan to charge people. However, unlike other companies, I solemnly promise that no matter what, energy will be affordable to all."