Originally, that was about it. However, drinking water in this environment wasn't so easy. The bottled water was inconvenient to drink, so Clark went back to get some straws. Afraid of getting bored, he also grabbed a few books. It was quite cold on the Moon, and although Clark wasn't afraid of the cold, a little warmth was always nice, so he brought a blanket along.
Now fully prepared, Clark lay back on the recliner, covered himself with the blanket, and started searching for the sounds he wanted to hear from Earth.
Once he really started doing this job, he realized just how boring it was. When monitoring, 90% of the information was completely useless. The content of the conversations between these employees was no different from any other office around the world.
In the morning, they first grab some coffee when they arrive at work, then play on their phones in the restroom, come back to work for a while, and then start discussing what to have for lunch. After lunch and their break, they begin counting the time until the end of the day.
After listening for a while, Clark fell asleep twice. He felt that there was really nothing worth hearing at this base and thought about eavesdropping on that woman named Amanda Waller, "She's definitely up to something sinister."
However, after waking up from a nap, Clark felt like he needed to use the bathroom. The environment on the Moon wasn't very convenient for relieving oneself, and the drink bottles he brought weren't large enough. Clark had to fly back to Earth to use the restroom.
Although flying such a short distance wasn't strenuous for Clark, it was quite a hassle. He couldn't keep flying back to Earth every time he needed the bathroom, could he?
The Moon was fine in most respects, but just a bit too desolate, lacking any facilities. Having grown up in a thriving civilized society, Clark couldn't adapt to this wilderness survival environment. But since monitoring was a long-term task, and it might not yield important information in just a day or two, what should he do?
Of course, Clark could hear from Wayne Manor's bedroom too, but he just didn't want Batman to think he was some homebody with nothing to do every day. So, even if it meant going out of his way, he had to go out every day.
But leaving Wayne Manor also made it easy for A.R.G.U.S. to monitor him, so he had to choose a place far enough away, preferably not on Earth, where it would be safer.
Where could he find a place that wasn't on Earth, yet close to it and equipped with convenient facilities?
Clark suddenly had a eureka moment, remembering the Kryptonian spaceship in low Earth orbit.
Zod, for some reason, went down to Earth, got caught and turned into neither man nor ghost, and was driven away by me. Clark figured that this General wouldn't dare return to the spaceship, so now there should only be a few small fry left on the ship. Sneaking back should go unnoticed.
Clark thought his idea was brilliant. He immediately packed up his things and began searching for the ship in low Earth orbit. He quickly found it and sneakily slipped through the escort ship's hatch.
The situation exceeded his expectations; the spaceship wasn't just a few small fry, but completely empty. Clark not only scanned with his senses but also personally checked several times on the ship. It turned out there really was no one there; the ship was deserted.
Clark felt like he was hit by a pie falling from the sky, thinking, "How is this even possible? It's a bit too generous." Traveling all this way, he not only didn't accomplish anything but also got a spaceship. Thanks a lot!
The Kryptonian ship was indeed remarkable; never mind the privacy and security. The hemisphere-shaped floor-to-ceiling window offered a panoramic view of Earth. The spacious and bright hall, the cozy and warm bedroom, and the fully equipped gravity system meant no more bathroom troubles. Once he sat in the commander's seat, Clark felt like a nouveau riche; it was simply delightful.
Seated on the ship, Clark could still hear the goings-on on Earth. He was too lazy to monitor the base and directly started tracking Amanda Waller. And his timing was perfect; he happened to overhear a conversation between Amanda Waller and another voice.
"You know you have no choice. You're no longer that teenage genius who took control of a vast commercial empire and brought glory to the group with your inventions. The Luther Group no longer belongs to you, Mr. Luthor."
Amanda's footsteps echoed in the dim room as she paced, hands behind her back, her tone becoming increasingly somber: "Your verdict is out. If nothing unexpected happens, you'll be in prison for three years... Do you think the court showed you mercy?"
"No, no, no, I mean, three years later, that's your execution date. The three years they give you is just to squeeze out more information. Whether it's the military or the Federal Government, they all need your wisdom. Especially since they can't control Superman. I think you should understand what you'll face in these three years."
"They're planning to send you to Bellevue Prison. In case you don't know what kind of place it is, I can introduce it to you; it's specifically for supernatural offenders, including superpower users, and exceptionally intelligent high-IQ criminals like you. And as luck would have it, I am the warden of that prison. So, do you understand what I'm saying?"
"You want me to work for you?" came another hoarse voice. A hand reached out to grasp the railing lightly, and then he stood up. Emerging from the shadows was the face of Lex Luthor.
His hair was gone, making him look like he'd aged ten years, appearing very worn and exhausted.
"Yes, it's good for both of us." Amanda turned to look at him and said, "I can guarantee that during our cooperation, you can retain limited freedom. I will provide you with a very favorable environment and may even help you solve some troubles. Perhaps in the future, you'll have a chance to regain the Luther Group?"
"Hahaha... Hahahahaha!" Lex suddenly burst into crazy laughter, then abruptly grasped the railing and stared at Amanda, saying, "Limited freedom? Favorable environment? Regain the Luther Group? Do you think I'm a three-year-old child?"
"Once I agree, you're just moving me to another place to imprison me, still keeping a tight watch on me. Whatever you say, I have to do; whatever you want, I have to invent. No... that will never happen!"
Amanda's expression darkened, but her tone remained steady as she said, "You don't have a choice, Mr. Luthor. Just as you said, you are bound to be imprisoned. At least I can arrange a nicer place for you, rather than directly throwing you into a public cell full of supernatural criminals."
"Forget it, it doesn't matter if you don't agree now, after all, a pampered young master can't imagine the kind of days the lowest-level prisoners face in prison. Once you've experienced it firsthand, you'll beg me."
Amanda turned to leave. Lex slumped back into his seat, suddenly seeming to think of something, as he began trembling all over, his heartbeat accelerating, his breathing becoming rapid, and his blood pressure continuously rising.
Clark, listening to all this, gasped, almost wanting to call an ambulance for Luther. Fortunately, the police discovered it in time and took some rescue measures.
However, Clark didn't expect Amanda to actually go to Luther. Yet, this is reasonable. Although Luther doesn't possess power-type superpowers, he is a genius scientist who can invent all kinds of things, making him an invaluable asset to any force.
Even though he is now reduced to a prisoner, that is merely due to his inadequate fighting prowess, repeatedly making blunders in conflicts, and eventually being scapegoated without any effective countermeasures. But this doesn't mean he isn't a good scientist. After all, not everyone is like Newton, adept in both magic and martial arts, skilled in party politics and science, excelling in both. Most scientists struggle with such matters, but it doesn't hinder them from leaving a lasting legacy.
Even if only for his inventive ability, many would be willing to bail him out. It's just that Amanda is close at hand to seize the opportunity, and it seems Luther has little room to refuse.
Just as Amanda said, spending two days in prison cures all kinds of ailments. Clark has never been to prison, but he can imagine the kind of days spent there, not to mention a supernatural prison.
No, Clark thought, he can't let Amanda succeed. This damned spy chief won't spare him. If she truly manages to procure some good equipment from Luther, things will become troublesome for him. Even if just for this reason, he has to thwart her plan.
Moreover, Clark has a peculiar feeling; although Luther is considered his enemy, he also admits that Luther is a very capable scientist. If not for his malicious scheming, based solely on his inventive ability, he could significantly contribute to human society. But he chose the most erroneous path, leaving Clark feeling somewhat regretful. If he could truly focus on being a scientist and advancing human scientific progress, perhaps one day, there would no longer be places like tent cities?
What kind of upbringing did this young master have to develop such a twisted character? Clark sighed inwardly. He's not the only alien or superpower user in this world, so why specifically target him?
Clark's feelings are actually quite complex. Rationally, he should help Luther; but emotionally, he hesitates to rescue his enemy, especially since this guy nearly kidnapped his mother.
While Clark was pondering in the spaceship, he suddenly heard Luther's voice again. He appeared in the medical room at the police station, seemingly trapped in a nightmare, repeatedly saying, "No, no..."
This tone sounded odd, not like an adult, but more like a child, completely different from Luther's usual quick and urgent tone, even sounding somewhat pitiful.
Clark stopped in his tracks, realizing that Luther might not have been born insane; he might have some unknown dark past. Clark had to admit he was somewhat glad at that moment.
This wasn't schadenfreude, but rather, he felt he had finally found a reason to save Luther. If Luther became this way due to some bad experiences, his various crimes might not entirely be his fault, containing an element of compulsion.
That way, Clark could go and help him. He believed Martha would surely support him in this.
However, he couldn't directly ask Luther; Luther definitely wouldn't tell him. Clark thought for a moment and felt he might be able to find some clues at Luthor Manor.
So he flew back to Earth, arriving above Luthor Manor, only to find a large group of people moving things. Probably, as Amanda said, the Luther Group no longer has anything to do with Luther, and this magnificent manor is going to be vacated.
Fortunately, as there were many people and eyes around, Clark sneaked in without being noticed. While others were moving valuable items, he went to the study, hoping to find some clues.
Clark searched for a while and first found a group photo. However, the photo only had one man and a little boy. The little boy seemed to be Lex Luther, and the man was probably his father.
