Kevin Smith ext. fortress The Skull Ship rests on the snowy plains. Brainiac and L-Ron emerge, led by General Derris and two soldiers. Derris The President's known about Superman's Fortress for years, but we've always respected the Man of Steel's privacy. It wasn't until your address that I suggested we investigate the premises for a breach. Brainiac Very wise of you, General Derris. L-Ron Good monkey. Then, as the trio approach the entranceway, the two polar bears rise from their statue-like positions and attack the escort soldiers, tearing them apart. The bears turn on Brainiac, who ferociously wrestles the first bear to the ground, savagely breaking its neck. Seeing this, the second bear turns and flees. L-Ron brushes snow from his master, as Derris stands there, open-mouthed. Brainiac to Derris Shall we? int. fortress Brainiac stops where the resuscitation bath was. A remnant of green goo from the bath lies on the snow. His hand morphs into a mini vacuum of sorts and sucks it up. Brainiac It's him. The Eradicator was here! to Derris Prepare your men for his return, but do not shoot to kill. Leave his capture to... Then, Brainiac falters. He looks at his arm, which begins withering – the reversal of how it was affected when he drained the Alien Craft. L-Ron ushers Derris away. L-Ron Alright, show's over – nothing to see here. Go outside with your drones and march around or something. Derris is ruffled, but exits. Brainiac leans on L-Ron. L-Ron We have to get you back to the ship, my liege. Brainiac No... I will gain my... energy by absorbing... the Eradicator... upon his return... Brainiac withers further. L-Ron grabs hold of him, pulling him out of the room. L-Ron If we don't return to Metropolis and hook you back into the core to maintain your form, you'll be off-line in minutes. We'll come back for the Eradicator – he's not going anywhere. int. Lex's office – night On the screen, we see Jimmy gain access to Lex's files. He scrolls through them, while Lois looks over the desk, keeping an eye on Luthor's condition. Jimmy I think I've got something. Jimmy accesses a file marked ‘AI’. He opens it, and we get the gist of his back-stabbing plans for Brainiac. LOIS Well, well, well – seems the old weasel’s not such a ‘maniac for Brainiac’ after all. That could be helpful down the road. Jimmy pops a disc into the computer, downloading the file. Then, there's a groggy grunt. Lex begins to stir. Lois rushes to his side. She motions to Jimmy, who jumps away from the computer, grabbing the disc. Lois helps Lex to his feet. Lex Wh... what happened? Lois You passed out, Lex. Must be all the stress. Lex crossing to desk Must be. Although I wouldn't discount the effect you've been known to have on men, Ms. Lane. Lois My girlish charm? Lex Your devilish... Then, Lex freezes. He notices his computer is on. Lex ... inquisitiveness. Lex looks sharply at Lois. closeup on Lex's eyes as they accuse. closeup on Lois' eyes as they “shrug”. back to scene Then, Lois grabs Jimmy and sprints to the balcony. Lex punches his intercom. Lex Security! Seal all exits! Now!