Superman: The Man of Steel

Scene 13 - Showdown in Metropolis!

INT. GOVERNMENT BUILDING, MORNING.

Clark is sitting in a chair in front of General Lane's desk. The general seems to be in the middle of some sort of lecture, as black-and-white grainy images of various superpowered beings are shown being projected behind him - a team of soldiers in strange costumes, security camera footage of what looks like a living streak of lightning, etc. General Lane turns towards Clark as the presentation continues.

CLARK KENT

Interesting presentation, general, but what does this have to do with me?

GENERAL LANE

Potentially? Everything.

(walks in front of the desk)

You see, there have been numerous cases of humans gaining fantastic abilities, even dating back to World War II. But...we've come into some information that suggests you're not exactly human.

(looks Clark straight in the eye)

Why did you come here?

CLARK KENT

(earnest)

To help, however I can-

GENERAL LANE

-You can save the sentimentality; I've read the quotes from Lois' interview. What is it that you want from us?

CLARK KENT

I didn't just arrive here, General; I grew up here. I just want to use my...abilities to be a productive member of society.

(gestures towards General Lane)

Like you and your men, you know?

GENERAL LANE

(sighs)

OK, look, I'm just gonna be straight with you - we Earthlings haven't been too trusting of strange visitors as of late.

CLARK KENT

That seems a little suspicious, don't you think?

GENERAL LANE

(stern)

-I survived the Thanagarian invasion, kid; it's my job to be suspicious.

CLARK KENT

(trying to lighten the tension)

I mean, I've always considered myself from Earth-

GENERAL LANE

-Yeah, but you're not, are you? You're a bulletproof being who can fly, lift cars, and shoot lasers from your eyes.

(sits back down)

What else can you do?

CLARK KENT

(a little nervous)

Actually, sir, I can't fly, but-

GENERAL LANE

-You know, you were a lot more cooperative when my daughter was interviewing you.

CLARK KENT