The Scam	The Scam

 by mobiusklein

 

 

  

 The Scam 

 Lucas looked up at his visitor. "I'm sorry I'm not dressed for the
occasion," he said, referring to his orange prison uniform and handcuffs
he was wearing in the visiting area. 

 The reporter from the Daily Planet sat down opposite him. "I'm willing to
forgive that." He turned on his recorder. "What I'm not willing to forgive
is the death of two dozen people in the middle of the Arizona desert." 

 Lucas smiled and said, "You know that I'm not responsible for their
deaths. I'm a thief, not a killer." 

 "You may not have been the one to poison them but you were the one who
left them utterly defenseless. They deserve more than that." 

 Lucas gave him a look of weariness and irritation. "You know what? I just
don't get why people waste sympathy on the stupid." 

 Clark restrained the impulse to grab him by the collar and yell. "Why do
you say that?" 

 Lucas sighed. It wasn't like he really wanted to be here but between
sitting in his cell with nothing to do or talk to this drone, well . . .
at least there was a chance for some small amusement here. "I tell them a
fantastic little story about how someone from outer space is going to come
and save them and make all their little dreams come true. How they're
finally going to be safe, pure and be one of the chosen. All they had to
do was fast, pray, give me some money for expenses and just drink the
`astral' water." Lucas shook his head, smiling. "Man, you wouldn't believe
how much they want to believe all that." 

 Noticing the angry look on Clark's face, Lucas said, "Look, I'm not
laughing about them being dead. As I told you and as the records prove, I
didn't kill them. All I wanted was the money while they took a little
drug-induced nap, wake up and feel so utterly humiliated that they don't
call the cops. In fact, in a way, I'm doing them a favor by giving them a
bit of an education. Don't believe pretty people with pretty words simply
because you want to. The lesson may be a wee bit harsh but it's a very
good lesson and worth every penny." 

 "If one of them hadn't woken up early, thought that you had been the only
one beamed up, then tried to help the rest get to the mother ship by
putting a pillow over the faces of the rest." 

 Lucas finally looked a little chagrined. "Well, I didn't anticipate that.
Believe me, I wouldn't have chosen him if I had known he would do
something like that." 

 "Why aliens?" 

 "Why not? I was thinking about talking about angels and Revelation but .
. . actually I'd have to give credit to Superman." 

 "Superman had nothing to do with this!" 

 Lucas chuckled a little. "I'm not saying he planned it and I'm not saying
he's my partner. No. But driving through my brother's city, I can tell how
much they worship the guy. They think he's a god and believe in him. And I
thought to myself, I'd like a slice of that. Hell, one of them even asked
if he'd be like Superman when he woke up. I told him no, you're going to
be better." 

 "You . . . bastard." 

 Lucas gave him a pained smile. "Why are you telling me something I
already know?" 

 The End   
 If you enjoyed this story, please send feedback to mobiusklein

 Also, why not join  Level Three, the Smallville all-fic list?
 
 Back

 Level Three Records Room