Lionel: Beautiful day, isn't it?

Lex: So far, but they're calling for storms later.

Lionel: Well, you know the heartland--some things can change in a minute! Is everyone assembled?

Lex: 24 hours isn't a lot of notice. Do you plan on giving me the heads up as to the nature of your remarks?

Lionel: Just one of my customary motivational speeches you've heard hundreds of times. How are you?

Gabe: How are you doing?

Lionel: Good to see you. Good morning. Good to see you. Good morning. Fire up the troops!

Lex: The plant made a profit this quarter for the first time in two years. My people are expecting a pat on the back and they deserve to get it.

Lionel: I'll try not to disappoint them. Thank you. Thank you. As most of you know, you've all worked extremely hard this past year and you should all be proud of yourselves. Just as a ship can only follow the course set by its captain, any business is only as good as its leadership. Due to management failures beyond your control, this plant will be closing, effective immediately. Good luck to all of you.

Lex: You just fired 2500 people and blamed it on me.

Lionel: One day you'll thank me, Lex. Smallville isn't in your future. It's just a brief chapter in your biography.

Lex: Don't do this!

Lionel: We live in a meritocracy, Lex. The weak get left behind. The plant wasn't producing. I had no other option.

Lex: Spare me the corporate barbarian spiel! Those people have husbands and wives, children, mortgages!

Lionel: We're in business to make profits, not friends! You can't let your emotions get in the way of making tough decisions.

Lex: Don't lecture me about letting emotions get in the way! This plant was showing a profit. You're only shutting it down because I wouldn't go work for you in Metropolis!

Lionel: Lex, you may have felt that you found a home here, but you were mistaken! This was just your training ground. Well, your training is over! You're coming home, son!

Pete: For what?

Clark: My tie-cummber band combo. I gotta get my tux order in today!

Pete: If I were you, I'd stick with the traditional black. This is no time to get adventurous.

Clark: You're right.

Lana: I don't know Clark. Red always looks good on you.

Clark: Then red it is.

Pete: Thanks. Now I got to go make a call and change my order. Don't want people mistaking us for twins.

Clark: Yeah, because that happens all the time.

Lana: You seem really excited about the dance.

Clark: I am. But between the tickets, renting the tux, and buying flowers, it gets expensive.

Lana: You should try finding the right dress. I guess the limo's out.

Clark: I'm actually thinking of asking Lex if I can borrow his. Chloe said she doesn't care, but deep down I know she wants one. I'm trying to surprise her thought, so keep it between us.

Lana: My lips are sealed.

Clark: Chloe?

Chloe: They're closing the LuthorCorp Plant.

Clark: So you heard.

Martha: The Ledger rushed a special edition. They haven't done that since the meteor shower.

Clark: I talked to Chloe. She's pretty upset.

Jonathan: I spoke to her father. He's in shock.

Martha: I don't blame him.

Clark: How's this gonna affect us?

Martha: Well, that plant was Smallville's biggest employer. Shutting it down is gonna have a domino effect on everyone.

Jonathan: I can't believe that Lex would run the thing into the ground in less than a year.

Clark: Why are you blaming Lex? His dad closed the plant. Lex just...

Jonathan: Son, whatever issues Lionel Luthor has with his son have now cost half the town their jobs.

Clark: You should be happy then. It means Lex is going back to Metropolis and out of our lives.

Jonathan: The plant closing is going to hurt a lot of people, Clark. Now as much as I would like Lex out of our lives, I wouldn't wish that one anybody.

Clark: I know, Dad. It's just... Lex cares about the town. He said he had big plans.

Jonathan: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Whitney: Okay. Turn. We're almost there.

Lana: All right. Okay.

Whitney: Stop. Open your eyes.

Lana: Wow. Why are you being so mysterious?

Whitney: Can't a guy plan a picnic for his girlfriend?

Lana: I'm not complaining. It's just kind of spontaneous.

Whitney: Are you saying I'm usually boring?

Lana: I'm saying this is very nice. I'm just wondering what the occasion is.

Whitney:] It's to thank you for everything. It's been a difficult year, and you stood by me. I pushed you away--you could have made other choices, and you didn't.

Lana: We've been together a long time. I would never abandon you when you needed me.

Whitney: There's something I wanna tell you.

Lana: Whitney... you know... ahem... maybe we should... What's this?

Whitney: Read it.

Lana: The United States Marine Corps?

Whitney: I enlisted. I think it's the right thing for me to do.

Whitney: When I found my dad's medals, I felt he was telling me which path I should take.

Lana: You can't do this for your father...

Whitney: I'm not. I'm doing it for us. Please. Don't be mad.

Lana: It's just so fast, you know? I need some time to process it.

Whitney: I don't have a lot of time. I ship out for basic training Saturday night.

Lana: What about graduation?

Whitney: The only thing I'm gonna miss in Smallville is you. Will you wait for me?

Lex: Clark, I got your messages... but I've been having a bad day.

Clark: Nice paperweight.

Lex: Yeah. Very unique. Sure you can afford being seen with the town pariah?

Clark: I'll take my chances.

Clark: What happened Lex?

Lex: The two theories seem to be... I either ran the plant into the ground through incompetence, or did it deliberately so I could go back to Metropolis.

Clark: Your dad already offered you a job in Metropolis. Just tell people the truth.

Lex: Then I get stuck with the incompetence rap. Being reviled is the lesser evil.

Clark: I guess you're going back to Metropolis then.

Lex: That's why my father orchestrated his coup, but this isn't over.

Clark: You have a plan?

Lex: Maybe.

Clark: You have a lot of work to do.

Lex: Clark, thanks for stopping by. It means a lot.

Clark: What are friends for?

Clark: I thought I'd find you here.

Chloe: My dad and I can't really do the whole depressed thing together, so...

Clark: You know, if you're not up for Saturday night, I understand.

Chloe: Are you kidding me? It's the only thing I have to look forward to right now.] Besides, I want to enjoy all the quaint Smallville High customs while I still can.

Clark: Why? Where are you going?

Chloe: My dad's talking about moving us back to Metropolis. Permanently.

Clark: What about the Torch and all your friends?

Chloe: I can't even think about that right now.

Clark: Hey!

Chloe: Clark, I'm not exactly psyched about having to fight my way though the high school hierarchy all over again.

Chloe: You're gonna miss me, right?

Clark: You even have to ask?

Chloe: Just promise me Saturday night is gonna be great.

Clark: It'll be a night you won't forget.

Lex: I appreciate you coming. My father doesn't know about this meeting, and I'd like to keep it that way. When I first came here, people assumed I was just another glaring example of nepotism---unskilled and promoted over the heads of the more competent and deserving. But I'd like to think the people in this room feel differently. If we can raise the capital for an employee lead buy-out, we can keep the plant running.

Manager: Buyout?

Lex: I can raise nearly 90% of the capital.

Manager: What about the rest? We're supposed to mortgage our houses?

Lex: It's a risk, I know, but in exchange, the investors will become minority owners.

Gabe: Doesn't your father control the board? What makes you think he's gonna go along with a buyout?

Lex: I know a couple of members I can convince, and I don't need a unanimous decision. I'm offering you the chance to take control of your own destiny. Stand with me, and we will win.

Lana: Clark? Out wandering the streets of Smallville?

Lana: What is it?

Clark: I just... uh.. .found out that Chloe might be leaving for good. I'm not sure I really believe it's true.

Lana: I know what you mean.

Clark: You do?

Lana: Whitney's going off to join the Marines.

Clark: That's intense.

Lana: He told me he was doing it for us... and asked if I'd wait for him.

Clark: Really. What did you say?

Lana: Nothing. I kind of just stood there in stunned silence. One day he's worried about his English paper, and the next he's putting on a uniform and saving the world.

Clark: So you didn't commit?

Lana: I told him I wasn't sure.

Clark: When's he head out?

Lana: Saturday night.

Clark: I guess you don't have to worry about your dress.

Lana: I can't believe both Whitney and Chloe are gonna be out of our lives.

Clark: Me neither.

Lana: I guess we get left behind Clark.

Clark: What do you think caused the explosion?

Jonathan: Son, my guess is it was a leaky fuel line. The fumes must have ignited the fertilizer in the back of the truck. I'm sorry. I should have checked it better.

Clark: I'm just glad I was in the cab and not one of you guys.

Martha: Oh, sweetheart!

Clark: The truth is, I barely felt the heat this time. And the debris didn't leave any bruises.

Martha: As you get older, your body must be getting stronger.

Lionel: What? You're not in a hurry to pack?

Lex: That's because I'm not leaving.

Lionel: Accept your fate, Lex. It's time to move on.

Lex: I'm forcing a vote of the board of directors to accept an employee lead buy-out of the plant.

Lionel: What are you going to do? Convince the employees to take out a second mortgage? Cash in their IRA's.

Lex: Something like that.

Lionel: Even if you sell all your stock and drain your trust fund, you still come up short, Lex. What are you going to do about the rest of the money, hmm?

Lex: Take the buyout now and you can keep your dignity. It's more than you left me.

Lionel: That's very gracious of you, son. You might want to look at this first.

Lex: You've bought the Smallville Savings and Loan.

Lionel: Go ahead. Lead your buy-out. But remember, I own your employees mortgages. As soon as they begin missing payments, I won't hesitate to foreclose on each and every one of them. They'll be homeless, and it'll be your fault. You ready to accept that kind of responsibility?

Lionel: If you're going to take me on, son, you're going to have to bring your game up to a whole different level.

Clark: Chloe! Where have you been all day?

Chloe: I just went to pick up my dress.

Clark: We have a problem.

Chloe: You can't go.

Clark: I just can't pick you up. My transportation kind of went up in flames. I was gonna ask Lex if I could borrow his limo, but with all the plant craziness...

Chloe: Clark, I'll drive.

Clark: That ruins the whole Prince Charming vibe.

Chloe: Cinderella was never really my role model.

Whitney: I dunno, man. It's just something I gotta do.

Chloe: So... Whitney's off to fight evil for Uncle Sam.

Clark: I heard.

Chloe: That technically makes Lana a free agent.

Clark: He asked her to wait for him.

Chloe: Long distance relationships never work. People change, have different experiences. It's kind of like us, you know? I'm sure after a couple of weeks, you'll forget all about me.

Clark: Chloe!

Chloe: OK, I just--I have this horrible nightmare that you are going to rush to the bus station after Whitney leaves and profess your undying love for Lana, and I'm going to be waiting at the gym all alone, and if you do that to me Clark, I will never speak to you again, OK? I said it.

Clark: Chloe.

Clark: I'm going to the dance with you, not by default, but because I want to.

Chloe: All right, I feel better now.

Nixon: If I could just have one minute of your time, Clark...

Nixon: Roger Nixon. I'm a journalist with the Inquisitor... and I would very much like to write a story about you.

Clark: Thanks. But I'm really not interested.

Nixon: Why weren't you hurt in that explosion? You were in the truck on the farm.

Clark: Wh.. I was nowhere near that truck.

Lex: Am I missing something interesting?

Nixon: Lex?

Lex: You know my name, but I don't know yours.

Nixon: Roger Nixon. I work for the Inquisitor.

Lex: When is someone going to put that bad excuse for a tabloid out of it's misery?

Nixon: It was nice meeting you, Lex. I'm sure we'll talk again soon, Clark.

Lex: What was that all about?

Clark: He wants to do a story on me. Make me out to be some kind of hero.

Lex: The Inquisitor's a rag Clark. If I were you, I wouldn't get mixed up with him.

Clark: I don't intend to.

Lex: If he gives you any more trouble, let me know.

Jonathan: Hi son. Something wrong?

Clark: A journalist from the Inquisitor wants to do a story on me. He knows I was in the truck. I don't think it was an accident... I think he set it up. To test me.

Martha: How did he know you'd survive?

Clark: He must have seen me do something before.

Clark: Look, I swear, ever since Phelan I've been so careful!

Jonathan: Clark, it's not your fault.

Clark: What do I do?

Jonathan: Carry on like everything's fine. Go to school, take Chloe to the dance, and if this reporter's really got something, I'm sure he'll come talk to us.

Martha: What else?

Clark: I think Lex has a piece of the spaceship.

Jonathan: Are you sure?!

Clark: I saw it on his desk. It's the missing piece.

Clark: He must have found it out in the field. I don't know if he suspects anything, but who knows what he's going to do?

Clark: We all know how persistent Lex can be, and...

Martha: He can't trace it to us.

Jonathan: You're mother's right, son. We'll just keep our heads low. So when you do your...

Jonathan:...chores, don't use your abilities. And whatever you do, stay away from that storm cellar.

Lex: I warned you to stay away from the Kents.

Roger: Well, let me guess. This is where you remind me of all the terrible things you can have done to me.

Lex: Roger, as I'm sure you're well aware, I'm a little pre-occupied at the moment. I don't have time to deal with your petty annoyances.

Roger: Well, what I have discovered is beyond you and your problems. And your threats.

Lex: This new found self-assurance doesn't suit you, Roger.

Nixon: Be nice Lex. Or I may not let you bid on my discovery. And I know you want to... especially when you consider all your interest in the, uh, crash site, and the Kents.

Lex: What was found out there has nothing to do with the Kents or with you.

Nixon: Are you certain?

Lex: Roger, for all your bravado, you have yet to show me anything.

Roger: I'll show you all the evidence you need. Tonight. And you'll see for yourself, there's a whole lot more to your friend Clark Kent than meets the eye.

Lex: I swear, if you harass Clark or his parents--

Roger: Who said anything about harassment? Maybe I'll just tell them the truth--that you turned me on to them. And if you're not interested in what I have... I know of another Luthor who will be.

Lex: You are playing a very dangerous game. You'd better pray you're not wrong.

Clark: Mom, can you gimme a hand with this?

Clark: Who's there?

Lex: It's me, Clark. You all right?

Clark: Yeah, I'm fine.

Lex: Really. You seem a little tense.

Clark: It's just the dance and everything.

Lex: Come here. I'm sure I've tied more of these than your mother.

Clark: I thought you were holed up in the mansion?

Lex: I needed to clear my head. Took a drive, ended up here. I didn't mean to bother you on your big day.

Clark: I've got a little time. Chloe's picking me up.

Lex: That's very progressive. What happened to the truck?

Clark: Farming accident. You know how it is. So how goes the bailout?

Lex: Not sure, Clark. I think it's going to get ugly before it gets better. My father is dead set against me succeeding.

Clark: Why would your father be against the plant?

Lex: We have a complicated relationship, Clark. My father wants me to believe it's built on trust, but it's not. It's built on lies and deceit. Any relationship with that foundation is destined to fail. Lucky we don't have that problem.

Clark: Lucky us.

Lex: I want you to know whatever happens in the next few days, I'm still your friend and that's never gonna change. I hope you feel the same way.

Clark: I do. What do you think is going to happen?

Lex: I don't know. Just got a bad feeling. Kind of like when you can smell the air change before a storm.

Clark: Storms are a way of life around here, Lex. The trick is not to get caught out in the open.

Lex: Look after yourself.

Whitney: It's hard to believe. I thought my whole life was in that trophy case. Now it all seems so trivial.

Lana: I should get you to the bus station.

Whitney: Hey. My bus doesn't leave for an hour. How about we go check out the gym.

Lana: Okay. It's beautiful.

Whitney: Where is everyone?

Lana: An hour before the dance, the set up committee goes home to get ready.

Whitney: You're missing the spring formal because of me. We still have time for one last dance. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I enlisted.

Lana: I think you're very brave.

Whitney: I know this is kind of sudden... that you're not sure how you feel about us...

Lana: Whitney... let's just dance.

Chloe: Hi! Whaddya think? Too pink?

Clark: No, you look... you look beautiful.

Chloe: Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself. What happened to the red tie?

Clark: Oh. Instinct told me it was the wrong way to go.

Chloe: Is that for me?

Clark: Oh, yeah.

Chloe: Oh, wow! It's beautiful! Oh! I have yours! Okay... Oh! Did I get you?

Clark: Nuh-uh.

Chloe: We should go.

Clark: Yeah. Well... here we go.

Clark: I'll get the door.

Chloe: Okay.

Chloe: Thanks. Looks like a storm is coming.

Clark: Yeah. In?

Chloe: In.

Clark: This is crazy!

Chloe: I know!

Clark: You okay?

Chloe: Let's go!

Clark: Let's get inside.

Lana: Wow! You guys look great.

Chloe: Why thank you, Miss Rivers. It's faux-Wang. Hi! Hi Erica!

Erica: Hi!

Pete: Hey, Chloe... could you, uh...

Erica: He wants you to take our picture.

Chloe: Oh, yeah, sure! I'll just be a second. I think he wants proof that this night actually happened.

Whitney: Well... I guess this is it.

Clark: Good luck, Whitney.

Whitney: Lana, could I have a minute alone with Clark?

Lana: Sure. I'll, uh, bring the truck around.

Whitney: Okay.

Lana: Thanks.

Whitney: You and I have had a weird year. I started out thinking you just wanted to steal Lana. I'm not trying to make excuses, but... I did some things I'm not proud of. I'm sorry, Clark.

Clark: I appreciate that.

Whitney: Listen, Clark... there's something I want to ask you. A favor.

Clark: Okay.

Whitney: Lana's not sure how she feels about our relationship right now. But I am. I need you to look after her until I get back.

Clark: I really don't know what to say....

Whitney: Say yes.

Clark: Okay.

Whitney: Clark?

Clark: I promise.

Whitney: Thanks.

Clark: Good luck.

Chloe: What was that all about?

Clark: Oh, just guy stuff. Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?

Chloe: Yeah, but frequent reminders are always appreciated.

Lana: Do you have everything?

Whitney: You're only allowed one bag.

Lana: I'd never make it as a Marine. I want you to have this for luck.

Whitney: I won't lose it this time. Goodbye, Lana. I loved you the first moment that I saw you. I'll still love you when I see you again.

Nixon: Oh Roger! Baby! You are going to be *filthy* rich!

Clark: Hey!

Pete: Hey, Chloe's having a great time!

Clark: I promised her a night she'd never forget.

Pete: I'm glad you finally stepped up, Clark.

Clark: Me too. Hey, I like these guys.

Pete: Yeah. Remy Zero!

Chloe: Oh! I love this song!

Pete: Hey, you know this is one of Chloe's favorite songs.

Clark: Why do you think I requested it?

Pete: Ha ha ha ha! Now that's what I'm talking about!

Clark: May I have this dance?

Chloe: Of course.

Jonathan: There's nothing more we can do here! We gotta get to the storm cellar!

Martha: What about Clark?!

Jonathan: School's on the other side of town! He'll be fine!

Nixon: Mr. Kent!

Jonathan: Who the hell are you?!

Nixon: Roger Nixon, Metropolis Inquisitor!

Jonathan: You're that reporter, aren't you! You're the one who threatened Clark!

Martha: Don't do anything!

Jonathan: Why shouldn't I? He tried to kill our son! Did you blow up that truck?

Nixon: I knew it wouldn't hurt him...

Martha: No! Jonathan please... stop!

Jonathan: Who sent you? Was it Lex Luthor? Was it Lex Luthor!!

Nixon: I don't need Lex Luthor! I'm gonna tell the entire world about your son!

Martha: No!! Jonathan!

Jonathan: Come on! Get up!

Martha: Jonathan! Jonathan! The tornado!

Jonathan: Martha, he knows everything! I will not let him destroy this family!

Martha: No! Please!

Jonathan: No!

Martha: Jonathan!

Chloe: Clark Kent. Man of mystery. Just when I think I have you figured out, you surprise me.

Clark: How's that?

Chloe: The song... the tux... tonight.

Clark: And I'm still here.

Chloe: Yeah, you are.

Teacher: Stop. Stop the music, please. Excuse me for a second. Can I have everyone's attention please? Um, thank you. The National Weather Service has just issued a tornado warning. Apparently three funnels have been spotted heading toward Smallville.

Teacher: Now, uh, please, everyone stay calm. The twisters are going to set down south of here, but for your own safety, no one will be allowed to leave the gym.

Clark: The bus station's south of town. Lana's there.

Chloe: Clark, don't worry about it. I'm sure she's home by now. You know, what... I'll go call her on my cell. You wait here.

Chloe: Clark? Clark?

Lex: Damn it, Nixon!

Lionel: So... you're using your mother's stock to fund the buyout. That's your secret source.

Lionel: I must admit, it's a bold move, Lex. But it won't work!

Lex: Did you brave the weather to tell me that?

Lionel: It's suicide, Lex! You may get the plant, but you're putting your employee's homes on the line. Forfeiting your own future!

Lex: Or forging a new destiny free from you!

Lionel: You're not my enemy. You're my son.

Lex: I never saw the distinction.

Lionel: When Alexander the Great was dying, his generals asked who he would leave his empire to. If he would appoint a successor, it would keep the legacy intact... prevent generations of bloodshed! His answer was simple--I leave it to the strongest.

Lex: I believe the term is 'Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war!'

Lionel: I'll bury you and everyone in Smallville who takes your side! Lex! Help me, Lex! Lex! I can't... move!

Lionel: Help me! Lex! Son...

Lana: Please... please. Damn it!

Lana: Clark!

Clark: Lana!

Lana: Claaarrrkkkk! AHHHHH!

Clark: NOO!

---

Main picture from Devoted to Smallville

Screen Caps from Smallville Dedication

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