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*****
"We heard about what happened here, so… we didn't expect to run into you."
When Coulson asked about their purpose, Clark explained a bit sheepishly.
"Good thing you ran into me," Coulson said with a smile. "You're trespassing on a military base. If you'd been caught, you could've ended up locked up for a few days—or even shot on the spot."
Clark sighed and glanced at Lois.
Lois gave a soft cough, her face awkward. "Sorry for dragging you into this mess with me."
Clark smiled, wrapped an arm around Coulson's shoulder, and pulled him aside to whisper, "Can we take a look? I promise—we won't take any photos. Just a quick look."
Coulson hesitated for a moment, then said, "If it's just looking, it shouldn't be a problem."
Plenty of people had already seen the hammer. Clark and Lois wouldn't make much of a difference.
"But you absolutely cannot report anything about the hammer."
Clark nodded. "I promise."
Coulson chuckled. "Then follow me. Oh, by the way—have you had dinner yet?"
"Not yet," Clark replied helplessly. "We came straight here from the airport and nearly got ourselves arrested."
"No rush then. Let's get you something to eat first."
Coulson's tone was as friendly as a neighbor inviting someone for breakfast during a morning jog.
"Alright."
Clark nodded and followed Coulson, trailing a few steps behind to walk beside Lois. He winked at her and said, "Let's go. We're in."
"What about the photos—?"
"This is just to satisfy our curiosity. At least it won't be a wasted trip. But no reporting, no photos."
Though Lois was a little disappointed, she knew this was already the best outcome she could hope for.
"Alright, I get it."
She responded with a touch of frustration, then glanced at Clark with curiosity. In a hushed voice, she asked, "What's your relationship with him?"
"Uh… we've known each other for a long time. My dad knows him."
Clark answered vaguely.
That only made Lois more curious.
Clark's father knew this high-ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent?
What did his father do?
She wanted to ask but felt it would be impolite. Still, her curiosity burned.
With a conflicted expression, Lois noticed they were already approaching a makeshift corridor built from plastic panels and decided to focus her attention elsewhere.
Coulson led them into a temporary room, where there was only a table and a few chairs.
After they sat down, Coulson said, "I'll get you something to eat."
Clark nodded.
Once Coulson had left, Lois circled around Clark, curiosity practically radiating from her.
"Clark, I'm starting to think you're not as ordinary as you look."
She tilted her head, speaking in a low voice.
Clark tensed slightly.
Could she have discovered his other identity?
"You helped solve the issue during our interview with Tony Stark, right? And now you've fixed this situation too. You really are something."
"Did I?" Clark scratched his head sheepishly. "I didn't realize I was anything special."
Lois gave a light snort, patting his shoulder. "I'm looking forward to seeing what you do next."
Clark straightened his face, speaking with mock seriousness. "Alright. Then I'll eat an extra burger tonight. Watch me."
Lois rolled her eyes and took a seat across from him.
A few moments later, Coulson returned carrying food—some hamburgers, fries, and even a serving of vegetable soup.
"Resources are limited," Coulson said with a smile. After the agent who helped carry the food left, Coulson sat down in front of them with his own tray.
"This is more than enough," Lois said. She took a sip of the hot soup and let out a contented sigh.
"Is she your girlfriend?" Coulson asked curiously.
Clark answered without hesitation, "No, just a colleague."
Hearing that, Coulson immediately understood what was okay to say and what wasn't.
"How's your dad doing lately?"
"He's good. Opened a restaurant… for fun."
"For fun?" Coulson shook his head in disbelief, a look of envy on his face. "Sounds like a relaxed lifestyle."
"He just got bored," Clark said, biting into his burger. With his mouth full, he mumbled, "Honestly, he's spent more time closing the place than keeping it open."
Coulson laughed. "That's why it's just for fun—he clearly doesn't care about the money."
Doesn't care about money?
"A tycoon?"
Lois, sitting beside him, strained to catch anything useful from their conversation, but it was all mundane small talk.
After a moment, the three finished dinner.
Looking at Coulson seated comfortably in his chair, Clark asked, "Uncle Coulson, aren't you busy? You don't have to stay with us the whole time."
"Busy?" Coulson offered a slight smile. "I'm here as the commander."
"You know—just someone who talks a lot but doesn't actually do anything. How busy could I be?"
Lois couldn't help but chuckle.
Boom!
Suddenly, thunder rumbled and lightning split the night sky.
Clark whispered, "Let's hurry and check that thing out, then we'll head back."
Judging by the weather, it was about to pour.
"No problem."
Coulson nodded. "Leave your belongings here. We can grab them on our way back."
They did as he said and followed Coulson toward the center of the facility.
Meanwhile, outside the base enclosed by corridors, a quick-moving figure slipped past the perimeter and dashed inside, heading for the central area.
Unfortunately for him, he hadn't gone far before someone spotted him.
Stealth just wasn't his forte.
The man grinned, then sprinted straight down one of the corridors.
Since he'd been discovered, his only option was to force his way through. Once he grabbed the hammer, his mission would be complete.
At the same time, Coulson had just brought Clark and Lois to the hammer's display when an alarm sounded in his earpiece, warning of an intrusion.
Hearing the commotion outside, Coulson's expression turned serious. "Stay right here. Don't wander off. I'll handle this."
Clark nodded.
As Coulson left, Clark and Lois approached the hammer, curiously examining the surprisingly small weapon.
Boom! Boom!
With each blast of thunder, raindrops began to fall.
Lois lifted one hand to shield her face from the rain, and with the other, she grasped the hammer's handle.
She tugged once—
No response at all.
She wrapped both hands around it—
Still nothing.
Lois shook her head with a smile. "It really is strange. It doesn't look heavy, but it's as if it's rooted to the ground."
Then she turned to Clark and said, "Clark, your turn."
Clark offered a faint grin and reached out casually to grab it.
(End of Chapter)