1642/Luthor Versus Lane

Luthor Versus Lane
Date of Scene:	25 July 2017
Location:	Unknown
Synopsis:	Summary needed
Cast of Characters:	Lois Lane, Lex Luthor

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Lois Lane has posed:
While Lois Lane isn't one to sit on information, or potential stories, this one she has. Not purposely so, but just to make sure all her ducks are in a row.

Once she had as much information as possible Lois Lane reached out to LexCorp. A message was left at the PR department, or media department, with a question about a story The Daily Planet will be running. The question went something along the lines of -

'The Daily Planet has learned that LexCorp declined an invitation with Wayne Enterprises. Is there any comment LexCorp would care to make before we publish this story?'

And while Lois Lane could have asked so many other questions, or left a different type of message, that's the one she went with. She's hoping that vaguely almost-kind-of-seemingly-threatening question will draw out the big fish. Well, bigger than the manager at the PR department, that is.

Now the reporter for The Daily Planet waits. Not so patiently, because this is Lois, for some sort of call back. For the moment, Lois Lane can be found at The Daily Planet. She's pushing paper currently, as she tries to draw out other leads for other stories.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Maybe the Daily Planet shouldn't make vague threats to the most powerful company in Metropolis. To the most powerful company in the world. At least, well, it seems that way sometimes. The arrival of LexCorp Representation is quiet for the longest time and it would seem that certain members of the entourage have been told or elected to wait where they won't be a bothersome presence. Instead, the man of the hour, steps onto the floor of the Daily Planet with all the confidence of a man that could buy and sell this place with the stroke of a single pen.

Lex Luthor has arrived.

Lex Luthor stops for just a moment inside and gives a glance around to everyone that may be gathered. It only takes him a moment to spot the office of the only reason he's come down from the highest of horses to make a very special appearance. There are reporters. And then there is Lois Lane. Lex's grin fades into a bit of a smirk as he ignores anyone else in favor of walking steadily towards the office of the questioning party.

He buttons his suit jacket upon his approach, the green jeweled pinky ring shimmering slightly in whatever light may be shining within the building. "I was going to send over a statement until I saw your name." Lex announces his presence with these words. "I thought I should come and handle this personally." Lex grins. "For my own safety, of course."

Lois Lane has posed:
While normally Lois Lane works at her desk out on the floor, for this particular day, she has taken over an office. She had a feeling that her vaguely worded question (threat) would bring out Lex Luthor. Well, she hoped it would, at least.

Her 'office' is a simple thing; desk, chairs, computer and painted a bright cream and beige color. Very little personal effects can be seen within, not even a picture of anyone or anything.

While she's behind the desk, Lois Lane isn't sitting. Instead she's standing there, a small notebook in hand, the end of her pen being absent-mindedly chewed upon. It's only as a flash of movement outside her door catches her attention that her gaze rises upward from the scribbles put upon that page of her notebook. At first her expression looks annoyed - annoyed at being interrupted, but when she sees /who/ interrupted her Lois' features rearrange themselves to something more polite.

And perhaps triumphant, though that's hidden behind a careful mask of interest.

"Mr. Luthor." Begins Lois, as she places her notebook and that pen upon the top of her desk. "What a surprise." She continues with, even as she steps forward and extends a hand to the man. His last words bring a quirk of a grin from the woman, "Your own safety - unless you're hiding something you've nothing to fear from me. Scouts honor." Which again is said in a tone of jest, but within her eyes there's just something there.

Sure, Lex Luthor is a businessman and that's all she knows, but Lois has been around the block long enough to know businessmen at such the level of Lex Luthor can have /many/ skeletons in their closets.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex takes the jest with a grain of salt because he's already been doing a bit of jesting and teasing on his own. He takes just long enough to stand at the door and take a quick gander around the entire office and the lack of anything useful to memorize before he steps inside. He keeps his hands where they can be seen and a smile on his face.

"Please, if we're going to get through this exclusive, you're going to have to call me Lex. Mr. Luthor is a tad too formal. Especially, if I intend to invite you to dinner after you've finished grilling me for information." Lex speaks as openly and honestly, laying his verbal cards out on the table as he does.

"I have nothing to hide, I can assure you. About this deal or any other." Lex continues without losing his amused smile in the least. "I understand why you've brought down here to the Planet and I will answer anything you have to ask. About anything. It has been a while since I've spoken to the public through my own voice. I think I'll enjoy it much more coming through the infamous Lane Filter."

Somehow, Lex has managed to roll up a combination of teasing and compliments into one collective of conversation. He's definitely trying to score some points here before the interview takes whatever turn its going to take.

Lois Lane has posed:
Once Lex Luthor steps into her office, Lois Lane steps back a pace. She'll motion to a chair, there's two there, waiting for him to select a chair first.

"Please, have a seat." She adds, "And would you like anything to drink? Coffee? Tea?" Water is left unsaid, since that's something that's always around - and if he does request anything she'll call it out to a nearby intern. Then Lois slowly circles back to her desk to get that pen and notebook, her attention completely on Lex Luthor. Her bright blue eyes hold notes of shrewdness and curiosity within.

She's listening to /everything/ he says and potentially dissecting it for any other meaning. It's an automatic gesture on her part; she's too used to people hiding the truth behind what they typically say to her.

Immediately her attention seizes upon that one word he just mentioned. Exclusive. "Oh, is this an exclusive? Excellent. Perry will be so happy." The dark-haired woman says with a smile that's gone a little more sharp around the edges. She's likely going to squeeze everything out of that admission of his. Exclusive indeed. The mention of using his first name earns a nod from Lois, even as she offers back, "Lois, then." And while Lois Lane is rarely shocked, surprise now flickers across her features. It's at that invitation of his. She wasn't expecting that, but that doesn't stop Lois from coming back with a witty remark. "Dinner? Hm, it's amazing how many CEOs have recently asked me to dinner. Clearly I need a bigger dance card."

And yes, she's dropping that tidbit of information on purpose there.

His remark about the infamous Lane Filter earns a look from Lois, equal parts wry and amused. "I'm always honest in my writing, Mr - Lex. You never have to worry about that." And with that assurance given, Lois settles in the opposite chair from Lex versus behind her desk. "So, tell me why did you decline Wayne Enterprises' invitation to head the space race? I find that curious that you'd do such a thing. There are very few companies that have a lock on that market - I'd have thought LexCorp would jump at the chance. Your company is already a leader in the technological market, isn't this just an extension of that?"

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex Luthor takes his time before sliding down into a seat. The offer for something to drink is given a small dismissive wave. "No, thank you. My palette is saving itself for the reservations I've made for tonight." Whether he's actually made reservations on the assumption that Lois would just say Yes to his invitation or he's just posturing to show just how much power he has in this city... well, it all comes down with him as he takes one of the offered seats. The one farthest away from the door.

Lex slides into the seat and gets as comfortable as he can while still looking ever the part of the professional. He makes sure that his body language proves how comfortable he is in this office and talking to Lois Lane. Previous jesting aside, there doesn't seem to be any reason for him to feel or even look nervous. "Ah, Perry, yes. I'm always willing to help out a friend." Indeed, Lex knows that an exclusive with Lex Luthor would definitely give the Daily Planet's sales a boost for this next week. "I'll see if I can manage to give you enough to get me the front page, hm?" Lex knows how this journalist game works. He has enough business acumen and spin doctors on the payroll to know what's at stake here.

And then the interview kicks off and Lex is ready and forthcoming with the answers to specific questions. With ease. "Your honesty is what makes you the greatest voice that Metropolis has, Lois." Right after that compliment, of course. "Well, that answer's simple. Intent. During the impromptu meeting with Mr. Wayne, I found myself unable to glean from him the intent of searching the stars. He seemed to be quite adamant about wanting to get up there and poke around but I was unsure as to why." Lex shrugs just slightly. "Now, I can assure you that LexCorp is very interested in space exploration and finding out what goes on beyond the stars. However, there are many other things that LexCorp is focused on at the moment. The arrival of intergalactic immigrants, the rise in the homo-superior population and other genetically different individuals... these are some of the issues that LexCorp has sought necessary to tackle as of late. Quite frankly, Earth is my home and for the moment that's where LexCorp's efforts will be focused. We hope to make this world a better place so that we won't need to find another one."

Lex glances up at the ceiling as if he could see all the way up to the stars. "LexCorp will get up there soon enough. Trust me."

Lois Lane has posed:
His compliment, about her voice being the greatest of Metropolis, earns another one of those wry looks from Lois Lane. There's a quick murmur of an answer from her, before she asks those questions of hers, "Oh, I'm pretty sure there are many out there who wish I'd be silence."

Then it's onward to her questions and now to Lex Luthor's answers.

Lois definitely jots notes down notes and while Lex might easily be able to see upon that notepad of hers, all of her notes are written in a form of shorthand. Shorthand that Lois only knows, though if one were to truly try and puzzle it out it could be unravelled. At least, the abbreviations might easily be puzzled out. LL likely means Lex Luthor, WE obviously Wayne Enterprises, that sort.

A thoughtful look can be seen on Lois' features now as she considers what he's said and what her follow-up is going to be. It only takes a few seconds on Lois' part to ask more questions, as she decides what to tackle first. "Isn't building a station to orbit the Earth helping our home down here, as well? The people at the very least. I've read enough articles from scientists to know there are cures that can be potentially found high above the planet, without gravity coming between them and it." And while she pauses for a breath she's hardly done, "And can you tell me what priority projects LexCorp is working on?" Yes, her gaze sharpened at the mention of intergalactic immigrants and homo-superior population, "And what those projects are specifically doing for the out-of-this-world immigrants and the homo-superior population?" Her head cants slightly at that, "If I were an immigrant or someone different I might feel threatened by you saying that." Though Lois Lane feel threatened? That's hard to believe, but right now she's using that language to try and provoke a reaction from Lex Luthor.

Words are Lois Lane's choice of weaponry.

Lex Luthor has posed:
"Anyone who dares to try to silence Lois Lane would be making a grave mistake."

Lex Luthor's words may even come out as a bit of a threat to those that may never hear him say such a thing. In fact, he even loses a bit of that jovial smile that he's been wearing since coming to this interview in the first place. It's almost as if a threat unto a good reporter is a threat to his own personal beliefs. Lex Luthor could very well be a man that does not stand for bullying or threats or harmful intentions pointed towards attractive women.

To his credit, Lex Luthor doesn't seem to be worried about what's being written down on the notepad. While he may catch some of the wording and the shorthand out of his peripheral vision, Lex Luthor seems to be more invested in what the conversation and the line of questioning is than what's being written down. Lex Luthor doesn't seem like the type to care about what he's said once it has been said. Honesty with No Regrets.

"I don't know how much you know about space, Lois, but there are so many things that could go wrong with a space station. Not to say that I wouldn't love to have LexCorp at the forefront of such a project. I would. In fact, I have several blueprints of exactly that that my people have been working on for the better part of two years now. As of now, though, I see that as more of a desire to learn more about ourselves and out there than a necessity. Neither of which seems to be what Mr. Wayne was interested in when he brought the project to me. He seemed to be setting his sights on Mars for some reason." Oops. Did he say that out loud? Oh well.

"People are people. Those that are 'different' are still people. I believe that with all my heart. Which is why LexCorp's focus is on making Metropolis more habitable for those that are wanting to make this planet their home. Metropolis, if I may be so bold, could be the best place for those that are different than humans like you or I." Lex shrugs with a helpless innocence. "Allow me to clarify, if I may, as I wouldn't want to be misunderstood or even sound as threatening as those words may have come across. I am curious about those that are beyond the scope of humanity. I understand that some of these differences are discovered at great cost. There are a great many things that we don't understand or even know about those that are different. I want to know more. Not by studying these people or by examining their individual differences. But by talking them. Getting to know them. Offering them opportunities to show what they can do or even just offer them a more normal life... if that's what they want. I, and by extension LexCorp, seek to understand them and eventually befriend the various people that make up this vast melting pot that we call Earth."

"You see, Lois, it takes more than one man to save the world." Shots Fired at Superman? "It's going to take all of us. And I, for one, would like to be a part of something bigger. Something more."

Lois Lane has posed:
That threat of Lex's, veiled as it is, is heard by Lois. It's enough to earn an almost double-take from Lois. The surprise is there in her eyes, though not particularly her face; she's learned to keep her expression quite schooled even with the most shocking of things. So, while Lex can see the surprise in her expression, he might not see just /how/ surprised Lois Lane really is. For now, any remark about that threat is pushed aside. Later, perhaps, she'll bring it up. Perhaps when they do go to dinner, though she has yet to say yes to that.

Now it's back to her questions, this interview, this exclusive. Perhaps he meant Mars to be surprising, but the look in her eyes shows she already knew. "Yes, he told me about Mars. And while I can't say I'm an expert on space, I'd like to think I'm pretty intelligent." A sardonic look is given to Lex Luthor now, "And I understand, on the surface, how dangerous space is. It doesn't mean we shouldn't try, or reach for the stars. Cliched, I know, but it works here."

Now she listens to his impassioned (for Lex Luthor) speech about those other than human. She nods at several of his points, clearly agreeing, and for a second her notebook is ignored. The end of her pen will be tapped against her lips as she says, "I agree with that. We need to help them, they need to help us, we are all /people/ when it comes down to it." And while she'd like to say more about her surprise that Lex Luthor sees it as such, that dig at Superman is heard and Lois, being Lois, can't let that pass.

"Why such animosity towards Superman?" Because yes, she knows what he meant by that. Or she's heavily inferring, "He helps us. He's saved so many lives. Yes, he's only one, but you just said we need /everyone/ that should include him as well, right?"

Lex Luthor has posed:
It may go on record that this is the only time that Lex Luthor's body language shifts from something as calm and relaxed as it has been to something a bit different. It's not exactly tense or worried but it's more of just a shift ing his seating arrangement due to the fact that he must speak about someone that he, well, doesn't particularly care for... but doesn't want to admit that he doesn't. It's a complicated shift of movement but considering that Lois Lane knows her stuff, she probably reads it like a book.

"Let me be clear. I suppose it's not /Superman/ that I have a problem with. I wouldn't say that I'm, how did some bloggers put it, Anti-Superman. I suppose it's more that I don't agree with how we, as a people... as a city, are reacting to him?" Lex almost asks that as a question. "The thought that one man, albeit one very powerful man, can hold the lives of so many in his palm is just a bit concerning. And I understand. We, as a people, are taught from a young age to seek out something greater than ourselves. Something better. Something to believe in. And while that idea has merit, I think we could become a danger to ourselves when he start to put our belief into one man that can fly." Lex is keeping his voice as level-toned as possible throughout these words. It's only because he's wanting to be as clear as possible and not let personal emotions factor into this bit of speech.

"I believe that each and every person has the potential to be their own Superman. We shouldn't have to count on him to swoop in and save us whenever we're in trouble or whenever someone else decides they want to not follow the laws that have been built to keep us safe. We shouldn't have to worry whether or not Superman will be there to catch us when we fall. We should be able to catch ourselves. And if we don't? We should be able to get ourselves back up when we do fall." Lex then realizes how this may sound and throws a bit more into the mix. "This is for Superman's benefit as much as it for ours. It must be difficult, I'm sure, to be unable to be everywhere at once. It must take a toll on him. It has to. Not even Superman can do everything and I wonder how that affects him. Does it make him sad? Does it make him frustrated? Does it make him... angry?" Lex almost looks worried when he says that last one.

"I dare say, I'm afraid of what could happen to anyone that crosses paths with an sad, frustrated, burdened and angry Superman who, through no fault of his own, failed to save this world he calls home."

Lois Lane has posed:
Her experienced eye spies that slight shift from Lex Luthor, the tension that ripples within his form. It's enough to cause Lois Lane's head to cant slightly to the side.

Her blue eyes narrow ever so slightly, but his words are what pulls her attention off of the feelings that he's broadcasting. Does he get sad, angry, when he can't help in every situation, save everyone.'

That causes Lois Lane to take pause. Take stock of that question of Lex's.

"I've seen him happy, sad, and even worried, but angry? I'm .. not sure." She finally admits, a heaviness in her voice now. Not because she admitted not knowing something, which she dislikes doing with a passion, but because that particular question never occurred to her. And it should have. It really should have.

It's a smack in her face that shows her the blinders she has on when it comes to Superman. It's enough to cause a slight moment of quiet within this interview as Lois Lane realigns her mental gears. She sees herself as someone who always sees the truth, speaks the truth, and is completely honest with people and especially herself. Rarely does she fool herself. Or so she thinks and now she feels the need to question herself. Her motives. That silence doesn't last long, however. This is Lois Lane and even if she were bleeding out she'd still manage questions.

Confidently, the reporter says, "A question I will ask him." Her laser focus back upon the task at hand and Lex Luthor. The end of her pen will be pointed at Luthor now, as Lois circles back around to all of what he said; not just that one specific sentence. "I get that." She agrees, "It can be dangerous for someone to become so jaded, so bitter, that they no longer see themselves as a good person. Or should I say, they no longer see any point in being a good person." She amends slightly, "Whether powered or not, that's how some become criminals and it's a definite worry one likely has to have."

"But if you stay with that sort of logic, that we shouldn't rely upon one person to save us all, then shouldn't that be a concern for everyone? You say we all have to do our part, whether powered or not, so we all have the same potential to find each of ourselves at some sort of breaking point. Take yourself for example. You're quite powerful, not in the superhuman way, but with your wealth, your connections, your corporation. Can't the same be said for you? You hold so many lives in your own palm; your employees, your business partners, how your company affects the markets ... What if something came in and pushed you to a breaking point, couldn't you exact some form of revenge? A rival businessman for example, you could orchestrate a hostile takeover." Her eyebrows raise upward, her look pointed now, because she's pretty sure he's done that in his lifetime.

"Instead of seeing that he could potentially break - which I don't believe will ever happen, just for the record - why not work in conjunction with him and all heroes? It already sounds as if you're looking into ways for LexCorp to help alleviate some of that burden, wouldn't it be best to go to the sources that feel that burden the most right now?"

Lex Luthor has posed:
"Yes."

Lex Luthor's answer is simply that. Well, that's just the beginning of it. Which is why he's moving on to some elaboration. He feels the need to include himself in all these comments and proceedings just as well. Especially, since he just brought up such a questioning thought about Superman. Interestingly enough, he's moved back to his normal position of being as calm and at ease as he was before. Talking about himself is going to be a lot easier than talking about Superman.

"I want to do everything that I can to help. Everyone. But, as we've said before, no one man can do it all. I do as much as I can every 24 hours that I continue to breathe on this Earth. I try to ensure that the city of Metropolis and beyond are taken care of to the best of my ability. I work tirelessly, day and night, to create products and programs that will see all of us through to a better tomorrow... Superman included."

"How great would the day be that we don't /need/ a Superman to save us? How amazing would it be that while I don't believe we'll ever truly be able to enjoy a completely peaceful world that we'll be able to police ourselves. That maybe, just maybe, in the future we'll be able to live together. Without the prejudices that plague us every single day. It's a dream that I often have and one that I'm working hard at making a reality."

"I would, very much, love to sit down with Superman and talk about working with him. My only bias is that I don't know enough about him to be able to, with a clear conscience, state that our ideals are the same. I'm sure we both have the same goal in mind for the world but would our paths towards such things align? Who knows. I'm certainly open to speaking with him or any of the other 'Heroes' that may want to work together and towards a better future for all us all."

Lex pauses for just a moment before he actually looks away from Lois and off towards the farthest wall. "My father? He was the kind of businessman that would do exactly what you've said. He would let his emotions rule him. He would take unnecessary risks and even attempt to do... untoward things that would not be prudent. Especially in today's society. But I'm hoping to change all that. I am not my father. I refuse to be my father. I work harder than anyone to ensure that I don't fall into the same traps that he did. And if I ever do? If I ever falter I hope that people think enough of me to stop me dead in my tracks." Lex then grins and looks back over to Lois. "Or, at the very least, write a scathing expose that puts me right back in my place."

Lois Lane has posed:
"That would be a great day." Lois Lane says, her voice once more in agreement with Lex Luthor. "To be able to suss out all the darkness within the world, shine a light upon it and then have it destroyed. That people can live knowing that their life, their motivations, their self would be appreciated for who and what they are." Perhaps the slightest note of wistfulness might be heard within Lois' voice, before that moment of softness is pushed aside. "Somehow, though, I don't see that happening." Her mouth twists into something a crooked smile that borders upon a smirk. "Not yet, at least. Perhaps later, but right now that's definitely not happening and for this day we need those that /can/ and will help."

When Lex mentions wanting to sit down with Superman as well as not knowing his motivations well enough, Lois turns a shrewd look upon him. "You know I could make that happen." The reporter states with a touch of humor to her voice, "All you have to do is ask and I could see what I could do for you."

And while more could be said by Lois, her words trail off slightly when Lex speaks of his father. She listens intently to what he says, as well as watches his body language as he speaks. There's a hint of understanding within her eyes; in some ways she gets what he's saying about fathers. Her own father is definitely difficult at times. "Then that's all you can do. Try not to make the same mistakes and keep true to your values. It's all any of us can do." She says, and then his grin and those last words of his causes the dark-haired reporter to laugh. "You have my word that I'll do that, Lex. That's a promise."

Her notebook and pen are put aside now, onto the desktop, as she says, "You're different than I expected." She admits, her hands linking together as she considers the man across from her. "I was anticipating someone like your father, I think. Bluff and bluster and threats, not thoughtful and measured." Which is high praise from Lois Lane. It's not every day that she admits a millionaire is something more than there to out-fleece everyone of their money.

Lex Luthor has posed:
Lex offers a shrug that shows he's as innocent as he appears to be. He's just a man that's trying to do the right thing. Or anything. Something. It's all about trying to figure out just how he's going to be able to do anything that actually manages to make a difference. There's a lot going on up in that head with no hair on it.

"I just want to do my part. That's all." Lex says. "I know my father left a bad taste in everyone's mouth and I'm trying hard to fix everything that he did. People, though, see what they want to see. They believe what they want to believe. And that's not something I can control. I just hope, that with time, people will see that I am not the bad guy that people want me to be. I hope that one day people will see the name Lex Luthor and smile instead of scowl. That's my goal. Which can come after Superman and I save the world. I'm okay with that." Another joke. Jokes tend to make things go a little bit smoother.

"Well. That wasn't as terrifying as I thought it'd be." Lex just assumes the interview is over. Since the pad and pen have been put down. "Reservations are for eight. What time shall I have the car arrive for you?" Oh, Lex Luthor. Just thinking he's got the entire world in his palm. What a jerk, right?

Lois Lane has posed:
"Don't we all." Agrees Lois Lane, at the mention of doing their part. "I think it's all anyone can ask of themselves and of others." And yes, if Lois Lane has put her notebook down the interview is over. Or in this case winding down, at least.

A vague snort can easily be heard at that joke of his. Luthor and Superman saving the world. "Let me talk with Superman about potential meetings. I can see what I can arrange." States the dark-haired reporter, "Then you can owe me one." Her own joke at this point, though there's also a vague serious note in those words of hers.

His next words bring another chuckle from the woman as she stands from her chair. "Damn, then I didn't do my job properly. /Everyone/ should leave The Planet wobbly kneed after an interview with Lois Lane." And this time there's hardly a serious note in her voice, it's all jest. An almost self-deprecating humor with her words, since she knows what's often said about her. Not that she typically minds. The worse the names are the easier it is for Lois to tell she's hitting home.

"Pushy aren't you." She says good-naturedly, finally addressing the prospect of dinner with him. "How about this - I'll take a raincheck for dinner and then after you and Superman speak you can decide if you still want to have dinner with me. Wouldn't want you to regret anything or think I'm at your beck and call."

A crooked smile hitches one corner of her mouth upward with those words of hers.

Lex Luthor has posed:
"If my meeting with Superman doesn't go well, there's only one person to blame." Lex says that and stands up as if to indicate himself. "After all, he's /Superman/." There's no way that Lex could ever mean that Superman would be the one to blame! Right?!

Lex unbuttons that suit jacket now that everything is back to normal and he moves towards the door. "I look forward to hearing from you, Lois." Lex leaves it at that. With a smile and a slight bow of his head, he turns to disappear out of the door and leaves it open. He brings his phone up to his ear as he goes, though so that the bullpen and Lois can hear his words as he leaves.

"Mercy? Cancel the Reservations. Ms. Lane had a previous engagement." Lex speaks as he leaves. "And send a clean up crew. There's a man here named Lombard who's desk is filthy..."