Original Air Date on February 9, 2005

Outside sh*t of the University of Metropolis. Night. Inside a fraternity house on campus, there is a roaring party going on. The whole house is filled with young men and women talking and laughing, and loud music is playing as a guy sloppily pours a row of tequila sh*ts on the bar. On the upper level of the house, people are dancing while on the lower level, three fraternity brothers are sitting side by side at a table having a tequila sh**ting contest. A large group of people stands around them cheering them on.

Group: Chug! Chug! Chug!

The three guys take a sh*t. There are several more sh*ts of tequila sitting on the table in front of them, and they have obviously already been drinking for a long time. The guy seated in the middle finally passes out and tips backwards in his chair.

Then we see that seated across the table from the guys is Lois Lane, taking her own sh*t of tequila. She too has obviously been drinking for a while, but she is still going strong. She puts down her empty sh*t glass and smiles at the guys triumphantly. Two other young men come and help the fallen brother to his feet and walk him away.

Lois: [Mockingly.] You guys okay? You want a cr*cker to help keep it down?

One of the young men looks at Lois somewhat nervously. The other one, Dave Cooper who is sweating and drunk, remains competitive.

Dave: Come on. Let's go, let's go. Drink! Now.

All three of them pick up their next sh*t and swallow it down. Lois puts down her sh*t glass and looks steadily at the nervous young man who looks like he is starting to feel queasy. His breathing picks up speed, and he brings his hand to his mouth as if he is about to throw up. Then he stands up and runs from the table to the bathroom. Everyone watching hollers excitedly. Now only Lois and Dave remain.

Lois: Now do you believe me? This isn't Suzy Sorority you're playing with. I've drunk vodka with Russian generals, black and tans with British battalion troops ...

Dave: Stop talking, start drinking!

More sh*ts are placed on the table in front of them. They both lift up their glasses.

Another young man, Geoff Johns walks up to Dave and touches him on the shoulder.

Geoff: What are you doing, man?

Dave: [Defiantly.] Drinking.

Geoff: We've got physicals coming up.

Dave: Ask me if I give a rat's ass.

Lois: Stop stalling and let's go. Drink up or pay up.

Geoff takes Dave's sh*t glass out of his hand and puts it down on the table.

Geoff: All right. Let's get everybody out of here, all right? I got to wake up brutally early tomorrow. The recruit's coming.

Ignoring him, Dave picks up his sh*t glass and signals to Lois to drink.

Geoff: [Seriously.] Dude, you've had enough.

Dave: I'm not even tipsy, asswipe.

Dave's hand becomes shaky and he starts to sway in his seat, near passing out. Finally, he drops the glass, spilling the tequila all over the table, and falls off his chair. Everyone in the room cheers as Lois rolls her eyes and takes her last sh*t. Geoff helps Dave to his feet.

Geoff: Come on, let's get you into bed.

Dave: [Weakly.] Leave me alone, Johns.

Lois smiles and stands up.

Cut to Lois walking away from the fraternity house. She is wearing pajamas and bunny slippers and walking very slowly.

Lois: Deep breaths, fresh air. The world is not spinning.

Dave staggers up behind her.

Dave: Hey, wait up.

Lois turns around.

Lois: Shouldn't you be in pink elephant land right about now?

Dave: I got another game for you. Only this time, we both win. [He smiles and takes a step closer.] Come on, baby, give me some.

Lois: [Pushing him away.] I've got a game for you, Football. It's called hide and go seek. You go hide, and I'll count to a billion. Ready, set, go.

Lois turns around and walks away.

Dave: Oh, come on! Don't be like that!

Lois: You got a girlfriend, bonehead, go bug her.

He comes up to her and grabs her by the shoulder, turning her around roughly.

Dave: Come on!

Lois kicks him in the stomach, sending him to the ground. He groans as he holds his stomach.

Lois: Now, don't you think hide and seek would've been a little more fun?

Dave: Hey, that hurt!

Lois: Nighty-night, party boy.

Lois walks away.

Cut to Lois's dorm room the next morning. The sun shines brightly into the room as she sleeps upside down on her bed with her feet resting on her pillows. There is a loud insistent knocking at the door. Lois turns over.

Lois: Go away! [More quietly.] Please, God...

The knocking continues, even louder. Lois stands up and walks to the door.

Lois: Whoever is pounding on a dorm room at 7 in the morning should be committed to ...

She opens the door. There are two police officers.

Officer: Lois Lane?

Lois: [Touching her head.] Do you mind not talking so loud?

Officer: There's been a report that you had an altercation last night with Dave Cooper.

Lois: If altercation is defined as, "jock att*cks and I knock the wind out of him," yeah, I confess.

Officer: The boy is paralyzed. You're under arrest.

Lois looks at the officer seriously as the other officer walks into the room and cuffs Lois's hands behind her back.

[Opening credits]

Outside sh*t of the Kent farm. Day. Jonathan helps Clark pack his bag in the loft. Clark is wearing his letterman's jacket.

Jonathan: I realize I already gave you my blessing on this, Clark, but I don't want to lie to you. This whole thing makes me feel uneasy.

Clark: Dad, we've been watching Met U football games since I can remember. Now they're knocking on my door.

Jonathan zips the bag shut and carries it toward the stairs. He and Clark go down to the bottom floor.

Jonathan: I know that, and I'm-I'm proud of you for it.

Clark: Then why can't I have a sh*t at what every other high school kid dreams of?

Jonathan: Because you're not like every other high school kid, Clark.

Clark: On that field, I am. I'm not even using my abilities, and I can be the new starting quarterback for the Metropolis Bulldogs.

Jonathan: There's gonna be millions of eyes on you. You're gonna be under a magnifying glass.

Clark: I have pulled it off before.

Jonathan: Clark, Met U is not like Smallville High. It's a much bigger stage. There's gonna be much bigger problems.

Clark: You always told me not to walk away from something just because it's a challenge.

Jonathan nods, admitting that Clark is right.

Clark: Dad, I can do this.

Jonathan: I know that you can handle it. I also know you'll behave yourself this weekend. Stay clear of the beer kegs.

Clark: Don't worry. Alcohol can't affect me, remember?

Jonathan: That's not the point. You're still underage. Look, son, I just don't want you to get booted out before you get in. All right?

Clark: [Nodding.] Okay.

Jonathan: Now, there's one more thing. It's very important. This is a once in a lifetime experience. Have a great time.

Clark smiles. Geoff Johns enters the barn wearing a letterman's jacket from Metropolis University.

Geoff: Clark Kent? Future Met U Hall of Famer?

Clark looks at Geoff with awe.

Jonathan: Hey! What's the Teflon Tailback doing back in town?

Geoff: Hey, Mr. Kent. [They shake hands.] Coach Callaway wanted to surprise Clark, send a local boy to pick him up.

Clark: Well, it definitely worked. I would've never expected to see the Bulldogs' all time leading rusher in my barn.

Geoff: [Patting Clark on the shoulder.] Hey, I'm no different than you, Clark. I'm just a farm boy who happens to be a decent football player.

Jonathan: Decent football player? You're on your way to the NFL, and you're quite the legend at Smallville High.

Geoff: Yeah, well, your boy broke my record for single season T.D.s.

Jonathan: [Proudly.] Yeah.

Geoff: You got what it takes, Clark.

Clark: You really think so?

Geoff: I know so. You got a heck of a ride ahead of you. But the thing that's gonna keep you level-headed is remembering where you come from. Like Smallville High. You want to go say hey to Coach Quigley?

Clark: Sure.

Jonathan hands Clark his bag and Clark smiles excitedly.

Lois and Chloe walk through the hall at Smallville High School. Day. Lois is wearing dark sunglasses.

Lois: He was no Prince Charming, but nobody deserves to have that happen to them. He can't even speak. I feel terrible.

Chloe: Lois, it doesn't take an M.D. to know that a kick to the gut is not gonna cause head-to-toe paralysis.

Lois: [Taking off her glasses.] I hope the judge agrees. Otherwise, I'm gonna be the star of my very own woman in prison movie.

Chloe: How did you post bail?

Lois: Four very good friends of mine. Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Chloe, I didn't know where else to go.

Chloe: No, lucky for you, I'm on my way to Met U for my financial aid pitch. Why don't we just, um, round trip together and we'll figure this thing out.

Clark walks up.

Clark: Lois, I heard what happened.

Lois: I see news travels fast.

Clark: The guy that you put in the hospital, it's Geoff's roommate.

Clark gestures to Geoff who is standing down the hallway talking to a group of high school kids.

Lois: Clark, I swear to God, all I did was knock the wind out of him. I couldn't have paralyzed him.

Clark: You were drinking, right?

Lois: Those days are over. No more alcohol. And that includes cough syrup and rum cakes.

The bell rings, and Lois touches her head in pain.

Lois: Aspirin, anyone?

Chloe: [Smiling.] Torch, desk drawer on the left-hand side.

Lois walks to the Torch office.

Clark: Listen, Chloe, I know that we were supposed to drive to Met U today, but since Geoff is here, I was just gonna ...

Chloe: [Jokingly.] Yeah. No, I understand. Star quarterback, you don't want to ride with the common folk.

Clark: You know it's not like that.

Chloe: It's fine, Clark.

Clark turns to walk back to Geoff, but Chloe stops him.

Chloe: Hey, uh, Clark, I'm actually kind of surprised that you took the football route.

Clark: Why?

Chloe: Well... I don't know, it just seems like you have kind of an unfair advantage.

Clark looks at Chloe strangely for a long moment, then takes a step closer.

Clark: What do you mean?

Chloe: Well, it's just you have all of these truly amazing talents... um, you know, on the field...

She looks at him hopefully.

Clark: Well, you know, that's the way it is in sports. Some people are better than others.

Chloe: [Disappointed.] Right. I guess I just don't understand as much as I thought I did.

Clark looks at her questioningly.

Chloe: About football.

Clark: Chloe ...

Geoff walks up and interrupts, putting his arm around Clark.

Geoff: Let's go, C.K. The festivities are about to begin.

Clark smiles and walks off with Geoff. As he goes, he looks back at Chloe briefly.

Jason enters Lex's study. Day. Lex is seated at the desk.

Lex: I take it you contemplated my job offer.

Jason: It wasn't a hard decision to make.

Lex: I forgot to mention, a company car is included as well as a generous expense account.

Jason: I'm not gonna work for somebody whose mission it is to break me and my girlfriend up.

Lex stands up and walks toward Jason.

Lex: Jason, my only concern is Lana's welfare. But you're not the thr*at I'm worried about. It's your mother. Did you ever find it strange that every summer as a child, she took you on treks to the far reaches of the globe? Destinations where there wasn't even running water.

Jason: My mother likes to travel. She always has.

Lex: Those weren't vacations, Jason. They were research trips, investigating a woman who was b*rned at the stake 400 years ago.

Jason: Marguerite Isobel Theroux?

Lex: The countess whose spirit possessed your girlfriend. And the fact that it happened soon after you and your mother came into Lana's life? Well, that bothers me. That bothers me a lot.

Jason: I had nothing to do with that. I would never put Lana in jeopardy.

Lex: And I believe you, or I wouldn't offer you this job.

Jason: What exactly is it you want me to do?

Lex: I have deep pockets, Jason, vast resources. But the one thing I don't have is access. Two women in your life are somehow intimately connected to Marguerite Isobel Theroux. I want you to find out everything they know.

Jason: So what, you want me to spy on them?

Lex: How you get the information is up to you. Now, I need an answer.

Jason looks contemplatively at Lex.

Outside sh*t of a hospital in Metropolis. Day. Inside, Lois and Chloe are in Dave's hospital room where he is lying on the bed motionless with his eyes open. He is connected to a heart monitor and has an oxygen tube under his nose.

Lois: Coop? Can you hear me? It's Lois, your, um, drinking buddy. I'm so sorry this happened to you, but I swear to God I didn't do it.

No response.

Lois: [To Chloe.] Last night, I would've given anything to shut him up. And now...

Chloe: Come on, Lois. We gotta get out of here before someone sees you.

Lois notices something on the table.

Lois: Maybe someone close to Coop knows something we don't.

We see that the table is covered with flowers and get-well cards. Chloe and Lois go to the table and start reading the cards.

Chloe: Lois, I... [Looking at a card.] I don't think that Grandma Betty from Topeka is gonna have the answer.

Lois: [Looking at another card.] But his girlfriend Monique might.

Chloe: How do you know it's his girlfriend?

Lois: When the card ends with "I'll love you forever and ever," it's a bit of a giveaway.

The printing on the inside of the card says, "The girls of Alpha Alpha Alpha hope you get well soon!"

Clark and Geoff drive down a street in Metropolis in Geoff's large black SUV. Day.

Clark: This truck looks like it can do everything but take off and fly.

Geoff: Hey, check it out.

Geoff points to an electronic navigation system embedded in the dashboard.

Geoff: You h*t this button, the operator's there to help you out with whatever you need. ATM locations, movie times, you name it.

Clark: [Impressed.] That's pretty cool.

Geoff: Yeah, I hear next year's model is even sweeter. Unless you want something sportier.

Clark: What, you're saying I get a truck like this if I come here and play?

Geoff: Let's just say certain alumni are nice enough to loan their athletes rides.

Clark looks at Geoff in disbelief.

Geoff: Clark, college football is a big business. I mean, you get a lot, but they expect a lot in return. You have to be better than good. [Smiling.] You have to be a hero out there.

Clark is slightly unnerved by this statement, but he quickly becomes excited and smiles. He looks out the window.

Geoff: Yeah, I thought you might want to see where you're gonna be spending your Saturdays.

They drive up outside the Met U stadium and Geoff pulls into the parking garage.

Cut to Clark and Geoff entering the indoor football stadium. The entire marching band is standing in the middle of the field playing and the Metropolis Bulldog cheerleaders stand in a group chanting.

Cheerleaders: Clark Kent, quarterback! He's a Bulldog, that's a fact! Clark Kent, quarterback! He's a Bulldog, that's a fact!

Even the Bulldog mascot is there, a man dressed in a large bulldog suit clapping his hands. Clark and Geoff walk past the cheerleaders and the marching band to where the football team is waiting, all wearing their jerseys. A man's voice is heard making an announcement over the PA system.

Man: Ladies and gentlemen, playing quarterback for your Metropolis Bulldogs, from Smallville, Kansas! Number 8, Clark Kent!

Clark looks around, surprised. Behind him, high above the field on the jumbo screen are the words "Welcome No. 8 Clark Kent."

Geoff: It's pretty cool, huh?

Clark: [Almost speechless.] That's an understatement.

Geoff: Get used to it, buddy. [He pats Clark on the back.] It's just the beginning.

Beyond the football team are the men of the coaching faculty. The coach shakes Clark's hand.

Coach: The golden arm of Kansas has arrived. It's a pleasure to meet you, son.

Clark: Coach, it's a pleasure to meet you.

Coach: Now, I know a lot of other schools are coming at you, Clark. But you go with Met U, and you're gonna win a national championship.

Clark: [Smiling.] Sounds good to me.

Coach: Try this on for size.

The coach unfolds a blue Bulldog jersey that says Kent and the number 8 on the back.

Clark: [Taking the jersey.] Coach, thanks!

Coach: I know you're gonna make the right decision, son.

Another man walks up, dressed in a suit. He is Gary Bergen.

Gary: [Shaking Clark's hand.] Clark. Gary Bergen, Metro Motors. On behalf of the Bulldog Booster Club, welcome to Met U. If there is anything that you need, you know who to call.

He hands Clark his card. Everyone applauds.

Geoff: Everybody wants a winning team, Clark. It's guys like me and you that make that happen.

Clark: Wow. This is amazing.

Geoff: Dude, you ain't seen nothing yet.

Clark and Geoff arrive at the Alpha Alpha Alpha sorority house. Day. The house is decorated for Clark's arrival with banners. All the girls run to the door excitedly as Clark and Geoff enter.

Girls: Hi, Clark!

Clark smiles.

Geoff: The tri-Alphas are big footballs fans.

Clark: Yeah?

A very attractive young woman speaks to Clark flirtatiously.

Girl: So, we did a little detective work and found out that your favorite flavor was chocolate. So we made you a cake.

She takes Clark by the hand and leads him to a table were there is a large chocolate cake that looks like a football field complete with green frosting for the turf, white frosting for the yard lines, and two plastic goal posts on either end. There is also a life-size white football sitting on top of the cake with the word "Bulldogs!" on it. Along the side of the cake, icing letters say "We Want You Clark!"

Clark: Oh, you didn't have to go through all that trouble.

Girl: Anything we can do to help you commit to Met U, Clark.

Her suggestive tone speaks of something other than chocolate cake, and Clark looks at her questioningly.

Girl: How about a tour of the house?

Clark: Uh... sure.

Before Clark has even finished answering, the girl has already taken him by the hand again and is leading him up the stairs. Another girl follows them.

Geoff: Go ahead, C.K. Take your time.

Clark looks back at Geoff worriedly, realizing that Geoff is leaving him alone.

Geoff: [Smiling.] I'll see you back at the dorm.

The girls continue to pull Clark up the stairs. On the second floor, they enter a bedroom and close the door.

Clark: Are you two roommates?

Girl: Um... no. My roommate's on her way to visit Coop at the hospital. He's her boyfriend.

Clark: Oh.

The second girl is standing close at Clark's side, touching his arm. After the first girl closes the door, she comes to Clark's other side.

Girl #2: Clark. From what we hear, not only do you have an incredible arm... you have great hands.

Both girls start closing in, the first one about to kiss Clark's neck. He backs away from them uneasily.

Clark: Really? Somebody said that to you about me?

Girl: Clark...

She puts her hands around Clark's neck and tries to kiss them on the lips. He turns away quickly and notices the window.

Clark: Um, you've got a great view out this window.

Girl: Yeah, if you like brick walls.

She pushes Clark onto the bed.

Girl: Let me show you an even better view.

Both girls unbutton their shirts.

Clark: [Even more uncomfortable.] I meant the ivy.

Both girls giggle and lean in towards Clark. They stop when they hear a sound behind them coming from the closet.

Girl: What was that?

Clark uses his X-ray vision on the closet door and sees that there is someone hiding inside, holding an open book.

Clark: Let me go check it out.

Clark stands up and walks toward the closet door. He opens it with his back to the two girls, so that they can't see inside. Lois is hiding in the closet and she puts a finger to her mouth, indicating to Clark to be quiet. Clark closes the door and turns around.

Clark: Uh, some sweaters fell down... in there. [He clears his throat.] Um, could I-could I get something to drink?

Girl: Uh, yeah sure.

Slightly confused, the girl buttons her shirt and leaves the room. The second girl remains, gazing at Clark temptingly.

Clark: And maybe something to eat?

Girl #2 sighs and leaves the room. Clark turns around and opens the closet door.

Clark: Lois, what are you doing here?

Lois walks into the room.

Lois: I could ask you the same question, but it seems fairly obvious, hef.

Clark: What, you just break into people's places now?

Lois: Coop's girlfriend wasn't here so I thought I'd take a look around.

Lois holds up a book that looks like a girl's diary.

Lois: Real page-turner. [She opens the diary and reads.] "I gained two pounds. From now on, it's no carbs." She's no Hemingway, but still ...

Clark: I don't have time for this.

Lois: [Turning a few pages.] Here it is. [Reading.] "Coop is meeting with a newspaper reporter and being super secretive. It has something to do with the football team, but I don't know what it is."

They hear the two girls giggling in the hallway, on their way to the bedroom. Clark pushes Lois back towards the closet.

Clark: Go, go, go, go, go!

Lois: I'm going!

Lois runs back into the closet, and Clark closes the door.

The two girls enter the room with three more girls. They have a large piece of the chocolate cake, the part that says "Clark" on it, and a glass of lemonade.

Girl: [Suggestively.] Clark, would you like a piece of this?

Clark: I...

Dave's hospital room in Metropolis. Night. We see his hand resting on the bed next to him, his finger connected to the heart monitor. His fingers twitch.

We move up to his face and see him blinking. Geoff enters.

Geoff: Hey, buddy. Feeling better?

Dave looks directly at Geoff, but he is unable to speak.

Geoff: I see it's starting to wear off.

Dave makes an unintelligible noise with his voice. Geoff walks closer to the bed.

Geoff: Eventually you're gonna be able to talk. And when you do, you're gonna tell the world about me. Like you were gonna do before I stopped you.

Dave opens his mouth and tries to speak, but all that comes out are several short gasps and more nonsense sounds.

Geoff: Shh.

Geoff touches Dave's shoulder with the tips of his fingers. His fingers turn red as he sh**t some kind of energy into Dave's body, causing Dave's face and body to spasm for a moment, then fall limp. Once Dave is completely paralyzed again, Geoff picks up a pillow from the bed, looking down at Dave sadly.

Geoff: I'm sorry, Coop.

Geoff puts the pillow over Dave's face. We hear the heart monitor flat line.

Fade to black.

Outside sh*t of Metropolis University. Night. Clark and Lois walk down a deserted hallway inside the football dorm.

Clark: I thought I told you to wait outside.

Lois: I don't do well with waiting, especially when I'm awaiting trial. I want to hear what Geoff knows. Speaking of Geoff...

Geoff walks toward them. He looks tired, and his eyes are red as if he has been crying.

Clark: Hey. You've, uh, met my friend Lois.

Clark notices the state Geoff is in and looks at him, concerned.

Geoff: Coach just called. Coop's d*ad, Clark.

Lois: Oh, my God.

Clark: When?

Geoff: An hour ago. His vitals were getting better, and then the doctor said he just stopped breathing.

Lois: Look, Geoff, we know Coop was going to the newspaper about something involving the football team.

Geoff looks at Lois dangerously. Clark mistakes the expression for grief.

Clark: Lois, I don't think this is the best time.

Lois: And when would be the best time, Clark, when I'm on the chain g*ng?

Clark: [To Geoff.] I'm sorry. She's under a lot of stress lately.

Lois: No. Stress is when you're stuck in traffic or you have a midterm for a class you've never been to. I'm out on bail and looking to be locked up for manslaughter.

Geoff: Clark, can I talk to you for a second?

Lois: Look, I'm sorry about Coop. I really am. But if you have something to say about me, say it to my face, ‘cause I have this little pet peeve about people talking about me behind my back.

Clark: Lois, please. I'll catch up with you later.

Lois gives in, and walks away.

Geoff: I can't tell you how to pick your friends, Clark, but that chick seems like trouble.

Clark: I'm starting to figure that out.

Geoff: Yeah, it's probably best if you tell her not to come around here. She's done enough damage already.

Geoff walks away.

Lana and Jason are talking in Lana's apartment. Night. Lana carries her dinner to the table and sits down.

Lana: [Angry.] I can't believe that you would even consider working for him.

Jason: It's not that black and white.

Lana: I think it is. Investigating the Countess Theroux? It's all a ruse.

Jason: Lana, the more Lex uses me, the more I get to use him and find out what he really knows.

Lana stands up and walks towards Jason heatedly.

Lana: Okay, but that's just more secrets and more lies and at some point, it's all gonna blow up in our faces.

Jason: Well, unfortunately when dealing with people like Lex and my mother, honesty isn't necessarily the way to go.

Lana: It doesn't matter. I am done lying. I can't go along with this.

Jason: We've h*t a brick wall. Our research with the countess is going nowhere. This might be our way of breaking through.

Lana: Or their way of breaking us up.

Jason: I'm not gonna let that happen. Trust me.

Lana: How can I trust someone who's willing to lie for a living? As far as I'm concerned if you think that Lex knows something, then there's only one way to find out.

[/i]

Outside sh*t of Lex's mansion. Day. Inside, Lana walks down the hall toward Lex. Then they walk together.

Lana: Who the hell do you think you are?

Lex: Something bothering you, Lana?

Lana: You want to know something about me, Lex, ask. Don't go recruiting my boyfriend to conduct some covert investigation.

They arrive in the study and Lex puts down his briefcase.

Lex: Contrary to what you may think, I'm on your side.

Lana: And how would I know that? You know, with you, everything seems like it's a secret.

Lex: What you may perceive as secrecy, I see as precautions.

Lana: I'm a big girl, Lex. I don't need precautions. I need the truth.

Lex: Sometimes we think we want the truth until we actually get it. Lana, if you want me to be honest with you, I will. But you're not gonna like it.

Lana: If you're gonna feed me some story about Jason, I'm not interested.

Lex: Look, I understand he means a lot to you. But when you're ready to talk, let me know. You can let yourself out.

Lex walks away from her.

Outside sh*t of the Met U football stadium. Day. Inside, a group of people stand in the booth above the stadium, dressed up in black and drinking champagne. There is a picture of Dave Cooper. Geoff stands next to the picture as he speaks on behalf of Dave.

Geoff: Coop was more than just a great football player. He was a great guy. He cared a lot about what was right and what was wrong. Well, to Coop.

Everyone: Coop.

They all raise their glasses and drink. All of the football players are drinking from beer cans as a tribute to Coop. Clark is among the group.

Geoff: Well, he would've wanted a party so... let's give him a party.

The guests start to mingle and Geoff walks over to Clark.

Geoff: You're not drinking? What's the matter, you never had a beer before?

Clark: Sure I have.

Geoff: Yeah, right. I know where you're coming from, C.K. [He opens a beer and places it next to Clark.] But all that's gonna change.

Geoff chugs the rest of his own beer and opens another one.

Clark: Don't you think you should slow down a little bit?

Geoff looks at Clark for a long time, then takes a deep breath.

Geoff: Kent, you're from the same town as me, so... I'm gonna be straight with you. Being a Bulldog is a dream come true, but you're in the pressure cooker now. All they want is a winner. It takes a toll on you.

Geoff touches Clark softly on the shoulder and smiles. Then he looks past Clark and sees a man enter. The man's presence makes Geoff nervous.

Geoff: Um, sit tight. I'll be right back.

Geoff walks away from Clark and escorts the newcomer out of the room and onto the deck that overlooks the field.

Geoff: What the hell are you doing here?

Once the door closes, Clark uses his super hearing to listen to the conversation. He watches them through the window.

Geoff: I told you before, Marcus, you and me, we meet in private.

Marcus: I thought I'd bring the urine sample by.

Geoff: [Annoyed.] Oh, that's a great idea. Bring it to my buddy's wake.

Marcus: Well, you said you were gonna pay me today.

Geoff: I told you never come to me. I come to you. We'll meet tomorrow.

Marcus: [Getting angry.] You said you'd pay me today, man. I need my money.

Clark watches as Geoff touches Marcus on the shoulder and Marcus immediately falls to the ground. When he gets back up, Geoff pushes him back into the room.

Geoff: Just get out of here.

Marcus: What just happened to me?

Geoff: [Loud, so everyone can hear.] I don't know, man. You fell over or something. I don't know. Don't worry about it.

Marcus leaves. Geoff walks back to Clark.

Geoff: Drink up, Kent. To Coop.

Clark and Geoff clink their beer cans together and Clark drinks some of it, grimacing at the taste.

Chloe and Lois are in Lois's dorm room. Day. Chloe is sitting at the desk filling out an application for financial aid.

Lois: Chloe, if you're trying to milk any money out of this university, you may not want to be seen within 100 feet of me.

Chloe: Lois, if you're innocent, then this autopsy is more than likely gonna prove that.

Lois: [Looking at the application.] Your father's birth city? What, are you applying for financial aid or for the CIA?

Chloe: [Laughing.] I know.

There is a knock at the door and Clark enters.

Lois: Hey, Clark. Something wrong?

Clark: I think Geoff Johns paralyzed Coop.

Lois: What?

Clark: He's passing his physicals by using another student's urine samples.

Lois: Black market pee? What's he trying to cover up? Drugs?

Clark: I, uh, I don't think so. I think it's something else. I just saw him touch this kid and he put him straight to the ground like he h*t him with a stun g*n. And the linebackers, they always say when they get stiff-armed by Geoff Johns, they don't know what h*t them. They go down to the turf every time. I think he has a meteor power.

Lois: Using your powers on the field to cheat, it's pathetic but it's not paralyzing someone.

Clark: What if he can control the intensity when he stuns someone?

Lois: Well, if that's true, you're gonna have to find a way to prove it because nobody outside the Smallville city limits is gonna believe the Bulldog superstar has superhuman powers.

Chloe: The pee peddler might know the truth about Geoff.

Clark: Can you track him down?

Chloe: Yeah.

Clark: I'm gonna go to the football dorm. I'm gonna try to find Jeff before he can hurt someone else.

Marcus is chaining up his bike outside the university. Day. Lois and Chloe walk toward him.

Lois: Time to see what Mr. Peebody knows.

Chloe: [She nods.] I'm gonna go door to door in the dorm and see if I can get any insight into the real Geoff Johns.

Chloe jogs away from Lois and towards the dorms. Lois keeps walking until she gets to Marcus.

Lois: Excuse me. Do you know where a person can get some clean number one around here?

Marcus: [Slightly nervous.] I don't know what you're talking about.

Lois: Don't play dumb with me, Pee-Wee. Either you tell me everything you know about Geoff Johns, or I'm gonna have to ...

Geoff suddenly speaks from behind Lois. She turns around.

Geoff: You want to know about me? Ask away. Get lost, Marcus.

Marcus walks away.

Lois: [Suddenly nervous.] Um, I'm just curious. Do you think you're gonna be drafted to the Sharks? ‘Cause I'm a huge fan.

Geoff: So why are you talking to Marcus? What do you really want to know?

Lois: [Hurried.] Nothing, I swear. Just what I asked you. I guess I'm gonna have to wait and see like everyone else. Bye.

Lois turns away from him and starts to walk away very quickly. Geoff walks after her and grabs her shoulder. His fingertips turn red as he pumps energy into Lois's body, causing the veins in her neck and face to turn red for an instant and her face twitches as she becomes paralyzed. She falls back toward Geoff and he holds her up.

Geoff: Look, I never wanted to use my powers. In high school, I played ball fair and square. But now, there's just... too much pressure to win.

Geoff looks around for a moment, then holding Lois under the arms, drags her into his car, not noticing that Lois has dropped her sunglasses on the ground nearby. He gets in the car after her and drives away. Chloe comes out of the dorm, calling for Lois.

Chloe: Lois! I need your pass to get in the dorm! Lois?

Chloe sees Geoff's car speeding away. She sees the world "Teflon" on his license plate and immediately knows who he is.

Chloe: [Looking around.] Lois!

Chloe finds Lois's broken sunglasses on the ground and picks them up.

Chloe: [Fearful.] Lois.

Fade to black.

Clark comes out of the university and Chloe runs up to him. Day.

Chloe: Clark. Clark, I think Geoff has Lois.

Clark: Where?

Chloe: I don't know. But we were in the parking lot and the next I thing I knew, Geoff Johns' car is flying by and Lois is gone. I tried to talk to the campus police but they weren't any help. I mean, to them, Geoff is like a hero. They worship the ground he walks on. Lois could be anywhere by now, Clark.

Clark: No, if they're in his car there might be a way to track them down.

They start to walk toward the street.

Chloe: I hate to break it to you, but this is a little bit bigger city than Smallville.

Clark: He got his car from Booster Metropolis Motors. It's got a Trip Star system in it. If we can get the PIN number, we can use you cell phone and computer and maybe hack in and find out where they are.

They stop walking

Chloe: Okay, that's doable, but then how are we gonna get the PIN? I mean they keep those things under lock and key at the dealership. What are you gonna do, break in and rip open the safe?

Clark: Of course not.

Chloe regards Clark doubtfully.

Outside sh*t of a Metropolis street. Day. Geoff carries Lois down a long underground hallway of the sewer. There are pipes along the walls. The hallway ends in a small, damp room and Geoff puts Lois down on the ground. She is still completely limp, but her eyes are open.

Geoff walks to a large pipe that sticks out of the ground and rises toward the ceiling. It has a release wheel on it. He looks down at Lois.

Geoff: Don't worry. It'll be quick.

Lois looks at Geoff. Nothing moves but her eyes.

Geoff: I'm so sorry. I never meant to hurt anyone. But I don't have a choice.

Lois's eyes are large and afraid as Geoff turns the wheel, causing a heavy flow of water to splash down from another pipe coming out of the ceiling. The water hits the floor and begins rushing toward Lois.

Geoff leaves the room and closes the barred door behind him.

Chloe is typing on her laptop in Lois's dorm room. Day. Clark sits next to her on the bed with a cell phone.

Clark: Are we in yet?

Chloe: Yeah. All we got to do is dial up, use the code, and do our best impression of Geoff Johns.

Chloe has the Trip Star web site on her laptop screen. Clark dials Trip Star on the cell phone and waits for them to pick up.

Chloe: You know, that was a pretty quick errand, Clark. I mean, Metro Motors is all the way on the other side of the city.

Clark: [Without looking at Chloe.] I hurried.

Chloe doesn't believe him, but she keeps quiet. A female voice picks up on the line.

Woman: Hello, Mr. Johns. How may I help you?

Clark: [In a deeper voice.] Hello. Hi, um, I'm driving in Metropolis and I seem to have made a wrong turn. There's no street signs and my map screen is broken. Could you tell me where I am?

Woman: No problem, sir. One moment.

A map appears on the laptop screen.

Woman: You're at 3rd and Grant. Have a nice day.

Clark: Thank you.

Clark hangs up the phone and gives it to Chloe.

Chloe: Great. All right. Let's go. I'll drive.

Chloe closes her laptop an starts to get her things together. While her head is turned, there is a whoosh, and when she turns back, Clark is gone.

Chloe: Clark?

She smiles exasperatedly, not at all surprised.

Lois is still lying on the ground in the sewer. Day. The falling water is starting to flood the room and it is now up past her ears.

Cut to Geoff above ground, closing the grated sewer entrance in the ground and walking toward his car. He gets in the car and starts to put on his seatbelt as Clark super speeds up behind him. Clark grabs him by the jacket and pulls him out of the car through the open window, pushing him up against the car roughly.

Geoff grabs Clark's arm and tries to paralyze him. Clark pushes Geoff's hand away.

Geoff: Why isn't it working?

Clark: [Slamming him against the car again.] Tell me where she is!

Geoff: [Upset.] It was never supposed to be like this, Clark.

Clark: Where is she?!

Geoff: I never even used my powers in high school, but when I came to college I had to win so bad. I started. I couldn't stop!

Clark: Geoff, listen to me. You have to tell me where she is. You don't want to m*rder another person.

Geoff: Coop was gonna tell the world the Teflon Tailback was some kind of freak cheating his way into the record books. I couldn't let him do that.

Clark: Tell me where she is. Please.

Geoff thinks about it for a moment, then finally gives in.

Geoff: [Pointing to the sewer grate.] She's down there.

Cut to Lois in the flooded room. The water is now covering her face. Her eyes are still open and bubbles come from her nose and mouth as she exhales.

Clark jumps into the sewer from the hole in the ground and runs down the hallway.

Clark: Lois!

He gets to the end of the hall and sees the flooded room through the barred door. Then he sees Lois under the water. He sh**t his heat vision at the iron door and it falls down. He runs into the room and grabs Lois, pulling her head out of the water.

Clark: Lois! Lois! Lois. [Holding her close to him.] Lois, can you hear me?

No response.

Clark: Lois?

Lois: [Faintly.] Clark.

Clark: It's okay. You're gonna be okay.

Fade to black.

Clark talks to Jonathan and Martha in the Kent kitchen. Day.

Martha: Is Lois gonna be okay?

Clark: Luckily the paralysis wears off. She's already been released from the hospital.

Jonathan: Who would've thought that... Geoff Johns seemed like such a nice kid.

Clark: I know. If I take this football scholarship, I'm gonna be in the same situation as Geoff. I'm gonna have to lie on every physical, rig every test. I'm gonna have to do anything I can to protect my secret. I want to believe that I can go out there and play football like any normal college kid, but the fact is, I have powers that no other athlete has. Coop was right. It's not fair that Geoff was out there on that field, just like it's not fair when I'm out there competing. [Pause.] So I've decided to give up football.

Martha: [Shocked.] Clark... I know how difficult it is to give up something you love.

Jonathan: But this decision you've made son, it shows integrity well beyond your years.

Clark: [Sadly.] Then why don't I feel good about it?

Jonathan looks down at his bills on the counter, then back at Clark.

Jonathan: Look at me, Clark. If you have your heart set on going to Met U or any other school, somehow, someway, your mother and I will make sure you get to go. Is that understood?

Clark nods and smiles.

Clark: Yeah.

Jonathan: Good.

Outside sh*t of the Talon. Day. In Lana's apartment, Lex opens his briefcase and takes out a photograph. He hands it to Lana.

Lex: This photograph of Jason and his mother was taken in Paris a day before he met you.

Lana looks at the picture.

Lana: No, that can't be. His mom was in the Hamptons.

Lex: Look, Lana, I'm not gonna be so presumptuous as to judge Jason's integrity, but I'll lay out a few facts. Genevieve Teague has been researching the countess since before Jason was born. He grew up in a house full of ancient artifacts and reams of research material about Marguerite Isobel Theroux.

Lana: He never told me that.

Lex: Contrary to what you may think, Jason has been aware of the countess since he was a child.

Lana shakes her head, hurt.

Lana: No. No, I don't believe that.

Lex: You have to ask yourself, Lana. How well do you really know Jason Teague?

Lana looks at the photograph again.

Outside sh*t of Clark's loft. Day. Clark sits in the loft looking out the window. Lois comes in behind him.

Lois: Knock, knock. [Clark turns around.] You should think about putting up a door or something. I don't know, maybe it's a city thing, but where I come from, we like to have a little privacy.

Clark: [Smiling.] Lois, who would've thought I'd be relieved to hear your voice?

Lois: Look, Clark, I don't know how you did it, but if it weren't for you, I'd be at the bottom of the Mississippi right about now. Thanks.

Clark: I'm just glad you're okay and going back to school.

Lois: That's not exactly true. I kind of got punted out of the university.

Clark: I thought you were cleared of all charges.

Lois: Oh, I was but... See, the thing is, I am still busted for the booze, and well... that wasn't the first time I've been invited to the disciplinary board's kangaroo court.

Clark: Why am I not surprised? You heading to the barracks?

Lois: Not an option. My dad's trying out the tough love approach with an emphasis on "tough."

Clark: So what're you gonna do? Are you gonna go stay with Chloe?

Lois: They've got a tiny one-bedroom apartment. I can't do that to them. It's fine, really, I'm just gonna check into a motel and when the money runs out, I can always sleep in my car. The backseat's not too bad if you bend your knees and avoid the drive train and ...

Clark: Lois ...

Lois: And then, you know, if I have to sell my car for food, that's okay too. I've always dreamed of being a hobo, riding the rails, cooking beans over roadside fires...

Clark: [Pause.] If you want, I guess you can stay with us.

Lois: You're a lifesaver! God, am I in need of a hot shower!

Lois starts to leave then turns back.

Lois: Don't worry, Smallville. I'll try to keep it under a half hour.

She leaves.

Clark: What just happened?

Outside sh*t of Smallville High School. Day. Inside, Chloe comes down the stairs and catches up with Clark who is walking down the hall.

Chloe: [Happily.] Hey! Looks like you've got a carpool buddy for weekenders back to Smallville.

Clark: You got into Met U?

Chloe: The financial aid guy said that it's pretty much a lock. Can you believe it? Now I don't actually have to rob banks.

Clark: Oh, Chloe, congratulations. You deserve it.

Chloe: Thank you. You just have to promise me one thing, that once you're everybody's all-American, you will still remember your old high school buddy. I mean, you'll still say hi to me on campus and stuff.

Chloe smiles at him teasingly.

Clark: Yeah, um, well, I'm not going to Met U.

They stop walking.

Chloe: What? What happened? Did another school sweep down and give you the keys to the kingdom?

Clark: I'm not playing football anymore. I turned down my scholarship.

Chloe: Let me get this straight. You were offered a full ride with chrome wheels to play the game that you love, and you said "Thanks, but no thanks?"

Clark: I don't know. I'm just not sure that football's my calling.

Chloe looks at Clark for a moment, realizing what is really going on.

Chloe: I'm proud of you, Clark.

Clark: You're proud of me? Why?

Chloe: I just have a feeling that you're destined to do a lot more in this world than just score touchdowns.

Clark: Chloe, you've been saying a lot of weird things to me lately. What makes you think I'm destined to do anything?

Chloe: [Smiling.] Just a hunch.

Clark stands alone in the middle of Metropolis University football stadium. Day. He looks around at the huge stadium sadly, almost as if saying goodbye.

Then he lowers his head and walks toward the exit.

End
{"type": "series", "show": "Smallville", "episode": "04x13 - Recruit"}