A place to stay

The first order of business helping Sue settle in to her new world was finding her a temporary residence. Sue didn't know how long she'd be staying in Metropolis; she knew that at some point, she had to "return" to New York. Still, her plans were uncertain, so Lois was able to set her up in an apartment not too far from the Daily Planet. Lois had explained that the building was owned by a friend of hers, and he was willing to lease her a vacant unit free of charge.

"Wow. How'd you manage that?" Sue asked Lois.

"I met this guy while investigating a corrupt real estate developer," Lois said. "This developer hired a bunch of goons to try and intimidate property owners in the area into selling their places to him. Long story short -- when I ran the story, the developer ended up going to prison, and a lot of people were spared from being kicked out of their homes."

"I see... I take it your friend was one of those people," Sue guessed.

"Yeah. After that story, he's always been willing to do a favor for me when I ask," Lois said. "He's a good guy, the type of person who should be a landlord."

"Well, I guess I owe you a favor of my own now," Sue commented.

"Don't worry about it," Lois said, waving the thought away. "I don't keep track of that kind of stuff."

Sue gave Lois a smile. "Even so, if I can ever return the favor, I'd like to."

"If the opportunity ever comes up, I'll let you know," Lois said, returning Sue's smile with one of her own.

"So... what now?" Sue asked. "I guess since I have a place to stay now, I should find myself a job. Any ideas?"

"That depends on you. What are you qualified to do?" Lois asked.

"Well, back in my world, I was an adventurer," Sue said. "But I was also a scientist, and an actress, a model, a substitute teacher..."

"Wow. That's one hell of a resume," Lois commented. "I have a few connections in the fashion industry... I know a modeling agency that would hire someone with your abilities in a heartbeat, no questions asked... thing is, they're based in New York, and from what you told me you're not exactly ready to go back just yet."

Sue shook her head. "No, I'm not... but it might be worth keeping that contact in my back pocket."

Lois nodded. "Alright. I'm sure I can find you a few other places that could work with your skill set." She thought for a moment. "What about S.T.A.R. Labs? Just how much of a scientist are you?"

"I've got four doctorates in biochemical sciences," Sue said. "I--"

"--Holy shit!" Lois interrupted. "Four?! Is there anything you're actually bad at?"

"Hmm... well, I've never been a great writer," Sue said, trying to sound modest. "And I'm not a good cook, either..."

Lois rolled her eyes. "...Yeah, yeah... no need to no need to list all your trivial shortcomings just to be humble. You're clearly brilliant... either that or you're lying. Either way, You'd make a killing working at LexCorp..."

"LexCorp?" Sue asked. "Who are they?"

"Huge corporation based here in Metropolis. You don't want to work for them, trust me," Lois explained, a hint of disgust in her voice. "But one of the S.T.A.R. Labs in town is focused on biology. Maybe I could get you some work there..."

"Sure. As long as it's nothing too permanent... and it doesn't interfere with my second job."

Lois nodded knowingly. "Of course. I'll talk to them and see what they can work out. No promises, though."

Sue smiled gratefully. "You don't need to promise anything. You've done plenty for me already. Now, about my second job..."

"I've got connections in the superhero community, but I think Kara's probably better suited for that kind of thing," Lois said. "In the meantime, I'll see about getting you that job at S.T.A.R. Labs." She stood up from the table, offering a handshake to Sue.

Sue looked at Lois appreciatively. This stranger had really gone out of her way to help her, and it meant a lot to her; this was the type of person Sue wanted as a friend in this unfamiliar world. Somehow, a handshake didn't seem like enough, so she pulled the surprised reporter into a hug.

"Thank you," Sue told her, her voice sincere. "Really."

Lois returned the hug, sensing that Sue needed a friend. "Anytime, Sue. Let me know if you need anything."