Chapter 4
Five adults stood in stunned silence. The Kryptonian symbols were clear to both Clark and Jerry. "Long Live Zod!". Clark couldn't believe it. "It doesn't make sense, Does it?"
Jerry shook his head. "Zod couldn't be here. He was destroyed!"
"Wait, what if it wasn't Zod?" Clark suggested.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well the message said "Long Live Zod". Isn't that what subjects say when their showing honour to kings?"
"Wait," Lois said, trying to shake the confusion out of her head. "Are you saying that some lunatic out there is causing trouble as a tribute to this Zod guy?"
"LOis, if I'm right then this isn't just any lunatic. It's a lunatic with a fairly good grasp of the kryptonian language."
"Okayyyy, that could make things interesting." she conceded.
"Look, why don't we all call it a night." Jerry suggested. "There's really nothing we can do until tomorrow morning anyway. Jimmy, first thing tomorrow I need you to research any other explosions and see if any unusual writings were found at the scene, that the police may have written off as grafitti."
"I'll get on it first thing. Which means I should probably head home. Goodnight!"
"Goodnight Jimmy." Jerry's gave him a hug. "Thanks again for coming over on such short notice."
"Anything I can do to help!" As Jimmy left Jerry went out and pulled out the sofa bed.
"So, sleeping arrangements. I figured one of you could have the guest bedroom and one of you on the couch, unless of course you two..."
"No!" Lois and Clark said in unison.
"Lois can have the bed and I'll take the couch. It'll be just like home!"
"That's the spirit Smallville!"
"Well, I guess that settles it." Jerry chuckled. "The guest room is set up when you're ready Lois. I'll have my wife lay out some PJ's for you. Tomorrow you and Lois can go shopping. clark, if I remember correctly, you'll be fine for now, but maybe the Ladies can pick you up some clothes tomorrow. Does Lois know your size?"
"Well..." Clark hesitated, not sure if in fact Lois did know his size.
"Of course! I've had to clear enough of his clothes of his bed." Responding to questioning looks on the faces of Jerry and his wife, Lois explained. "I visit the Kent farm occasionally and steal Clark's room!"
Jerry Chuckled. "Fair enough. Well, as for my Lois and I, I think, we are heading to bed. You never know when Superman will be needed, which reminds me, Clark, we need to talk about what we're going to say about you."
"Actually," Jerry's wife spoke up. "I was thinking, could we just say he's a new Kryptonian here to help? I mean I know Metropolis isn't the biggest fan of the new kryptonians, but maybe we could paint him as one of Superman's distant relatives that is here because he too opposes some of the views of New Krypton and wants to learn from you."
Jerry seemed to contemplate it for a moment. "That sounds like it could work. What do you think Clark?"
"Yeah, I can work with that. Besides, if this Zod thing is as serious as we think, I want to be able to help."
Jerry smiled. "You've grown up since I was in your Smallville. I'm impressed. All right, that settles it. Honey, call Perry tomorrow and tell him that Superman wants to schedule a press conference tomorrow afternoon regarding tonight's explosion."
Jerry's wife began to get excited. "This is going to be great!" Composing herself she calmly stated. "I guess I better get to bed. Big day tomorrow. Goodnight Lois, Clark."
"Goodnight." They replied in unison, shocked at the second time it had happened.
Jerry chuckled. "Goodnight guys!" he said, following his wife upstairs.
As Jerry and his wife disappeared upstairs, Lois, having waited for their bedroom door to close, turned to Clark. "Listen, Small...Clark. I've been thinking..." Seeing Clark about to make a remark Lois stopped him. "Save it! I know, what's the occasion! I don't know what I have to do with you trully fulfilling your destiny, or if I was just at the wrong place at the wrong time, but thanks for being so understanding. I've freaked out and somehow you've remained calm through all of this."
Clark grinned, almost amazed that Lois was actually giving him something that resembled a compliment. "Well, growing up in Smallville, this stuff is almost normal!"
"Well, still, thank you!" Lois hesitated then wrapped her arms around Clark's neck and gave him a bigger hug than Clark expected.
clark returned the gesture with equal enthusiasm. "You're welcome. And thank you!"
"For what?"
"For not rejecting me because of what I am!"
Lois tapped him on the back of the head. "Smarten up Smallville! There's nothing wrong with you. Sure you use to mope around and carry the world on your shoulders, but even I can admit you've grown up a little. Never let anyone make you feel bad for being you!" They stayed in each other's arms for another moment before Lois broke the hug, said goodnight and went upstairs. Neither one of them was prepared to admit it, but in this strange world, they were the closest thing to home either of them had.
Meanwhile in the master bedroom Jerry had his glasses lowered looking through the floor, his wife pestering him to find out what was going on. "So, what's happening. We all don't have Superhearing and X-ray vision you know!"
Jerry just chuckled. "Let's just say they remind me of a coulple of young, blind reporters I use to know who are beginning to see things a little differently!" With that Jerry shut off the light, cuddled up to his wife, kissing her on the cheek, and fell asleep.
The next morning Lois woke up to a familiar smell. If she didn't know better, she'd swear she was on the Kent farm. Lois hesitated before opening her eyes, knowing that the past day had not been a dream, but still hoping it had been. Opening her eyes, she realized that yes, she was still in a different dimension, albeit a gorgeous guest bedroom and the smell of what was obviously breakfast calling her to the kitchen.
Lois checked the clock on the bedside table. 10am! She stumbled out of the guest room and headed downstairs, expecting to see Jerry in the kitchen, knowing there wasn't a female Lane that could cook in any dimension. She closed her eyes and just followed her nose into the kitchen. "Jerry you certainly take after your mother in the cooking department!"
All Lois heard was a familiar laugh followed by "Thanks Lois! I did my best to learn as much as I could from her!"
Lois openened her eyes. "Smallville!"
"I see you were expecting the man of the house to be making breakfast?"
"Well, yeah, when did you learn how to cook?"
"I've known for years, I guess things kept getting in the way of me actually cooking for you. Have a seat!"
Lois sat on a stool at an Island style breakfast table. "So what's on the menu?"
"Scrambled eggs, bacon and, of course, Chocolate chip pancakes!" Clark set a plate full of food in front of Lois.
Giving Clark a hesitant look, Lois took a bite. "Wow! You've been holding out on me Smallville! From now on I'm expecting breakfast at work! Nice to know I don't have to go to the Kent farm for a decent meal anymore!"
Clark grinned. "Well, I don't always do it justice, but I'll see what I can do about getting you some Kent family take out at work."
"So, changing the topic, where are our lovely hosts. I take it they've left already."
"Yeah, Jerry said he had to get CJ to school before he and Lois headed off to work. Lois said she'd come by at lunch to pick you up and Jerry would be by shortly after to prepare me for the press conference."
"Which is when?" Lois said with a mouth full of food.
"This afternoon at three. Lois is going to take you shopping then head over. Apparently Superman has made sure she and a "guest" have reserved seats! They also dropped this off"
Clark put a copy of the "Daily Planet" in front of Lois which had a clear picture of him carrying Jerry on his back.
"I guess our hosts have some pull and you are very photogenic!" Lois said examining the picture more closely.
Clark blushed a little and quickly focused on the earlier part of her sentence. "From what Jerry tells me, Superman has made a real difference in Metropolis. Crime rate is down. He often credits the investigative work of the Daily Planet, Lois Lane and Clark Kent specifically, for helping him put the bad guys in jail. I guess that gives them some real credibility and, as you put it, pull!"
"I guess it would. Clark, I've been meaning to ask you, how did you know?"
"Know what?"
"About the whole Zod thing. The possibility of it being a "Zod worshiper" behind the explosion.
Clark exhaled as he prepared to share with Lois what she may need to know, hoping his suspicions were wrong. Sitting down with his own plate of food, he began to explain. "Do you remember the second meteor shower?"
"Yeah, it was kinda hard to miss!"
"Well, a black ship came down with it. An artificial creation of Zod disguised himself as a teacher named Professor Fein. He eventually lead me to believe he was Kryptonian and tried to get me to release Zod who was permanently imprisoned by Jor-el in some other realm. Apparently I was one of the only ways to free him. Fein's soul purpose was to release Zod. I managed to destroy Fein, but when I did, apparently the ship disappeared."
"So you think something similar could be happening here? Or that the two are connected?"
"I don't know. Things are different here. There was no second meteor shower. Whether they're connected, I have my suspicions."
"Do you think that's why Jor-el brought you here?"
"I don't know. I guess I'll have to see what Jerry and his wife find out at the Planet. The other thing is Jerry said Zod was destroyed."
"So maybe there's nothing to worry about?"
"If anything, it worries me more. If the Zod here was destroyed, there'd be no means to bring him back."
"Well, I'm sure it'll all happen on it's own. Don't spend to much time worrying about it. You do have a press conference to prepare for! And remember, you're not alone Smallville. Especially not here. Jerry seems to believe in you and to be honest, so do I! You may be Smallville but you're also Superman. Never forget that!" Lois smiled and Clark and got the same in return.
Lois finished her breakfast, depositing her dishes in the sink and headed for the stairs. "Thanks for breakfast Smallville! I'm going to go get ready before Lois gets here. Did you want the shower first?"
Clark was shocked. "Is The Lois Lane offering me the use of hot water?"
"Ugh! Don't let it get to your head. I figured since you made my breakfast, the least I could do was leave you some hot water!"
Clark laughed. "Go ahead Lois. Now that I'm living in a house where the only person who doesn't know about my abilities is a kid who isn't here right now, I can get ready a little bit faster than I normally do and won't require as much hot water!"
"Right, the superspeed thing! Okay Smallville, have it your way!" Lois stomped up the stairs mumbling something that, even with his super hearing, Clark could barely make out. However the words "ungrateful", "sarcastic" and "Serves me right" were very clear. Clark simply laughed it off, finished his breakfast and made sure the kitchen was a clean as he found it.
A couple of hours later Jerry and his wife came in the door. Jerry told Clark that they would be arriving at the press conference Superman style but that he wanted to make sure they got a few finer points down first. Jerry's wife on the other hand, was almost giddy at the idea of taking Lois shopping.
After the girls left, Clark and Jerry sat down at the coffee table in the living room and Jerry opened a folder and spread out a variety of documents which, after a little speed reading, Clark saw detailed three other incidents in the past couple of weeks that involved the same message in Kryptonian symbols that the police had written off as "Miscellaneous Calligraphy?" Clark thought out loud.
"Yeah, I asked them if Superman had been consulted, they said that they felt it wasn't worth his valuable time!"
"If they only knew. Do they have any suspects?"
"None, they never found any prints and no one was seen entering or leaving the area by surveillance cameras."
Clark dropped his head into his hands. "I don't like the sound of this."
"I know, but honestly, it can wait. We need to go over your cover story for the press conference. People need to know that you're not a threat and when word gets out that those symbols are Kryptonian, that you're not the one responsible for the attacks."
"Okay, you mentioned last night about the New Kryptonians. They're like, Kryptonian refugees or something right. And I'm supposed to be like a rebel?"
"Yeah, they tried to take over earth a few years ago and, understandably, left a bad impression. That's why we need to make sure it's clear that you're not one of them and trying to learn the best way to use your powers."
"I know this is stupid, but what name will I go by? I mean both in and out of the suit."
"My wife and I were talking about that. I think it's best that we use your real names when you're in the suit."
"Really?"
"The way I figure it, we can tell people you were named Kal-el after me and that taking on the Superman name is more for the protection of the people so that if they need help, we'll both be aware when they call for us. However, I think we'll ask them to call you Kal, either way."
"I guess that makes sense. But Kal? Do you not remember the "Kal" from my world?"
"Yeah, but this isn't your world, and think about it, it'll be easier if we don't have to change things around too much."
"I guess I can live with that. What about when I go out? I'm guessing having two Clark Kents and two Supermen may arouse some suspicion. And I can't exactly stay cooped up all day when I'm not performing Superman duties."
"Thought of that too. How about Jonathan?"
Clark was taken aback at the mention of him taking on his father's name. It was then he realized that Jerry didn't know. In all the confusion he'd forgotten to tell him. "Um, I'm not sure. LIsten Jerry, you remember my dad right?"
"Yeah, he was great!"
"He died. He was the victim of a plot by Lex Luthor that almost killed both him and my mom. His existing heart condition was a major factor."
"Clark, I'm...I'm sorry. He was a good man. I don't know what I would have done if I'd lost my dad at such a young age."
"It was actually his death that resulted in my heading to the Daily Planet. I wanted to do the investigation and eventually linked it to Lex."
"Luthors! They never change! Well, we can think of another name for you."
"Actually, I'd be honoured to take his name while I'm here."
"Then it's settled, Jonathan. We also need to work on you calling me Clark."
"Then considerate effective now, Clark." Jonathan laughed at the silliness, but necessity of establishing name changes.
"Now, with the major details out of the way, I'd like to be filled in on what happened after I left the caves." Clark sat back on his couch and waited for Jonathan to fill him in.
Jonathan went into detail about everything that happened with Lex, Lana and his parents and even the Daily Planet and Lois. Clark seemed impressed by the way he introduced himself to Metropolis and was impressed with how the boy he met and grown into such a mature, if not young, adult.
"Wow! That's quite the story!"
"Yeah, well...hey, speaking of questions. I've been meaning to ask. Remember how the kryptonite in my world had such a drastic effect on you because of the difference between our worlds?"
"Yeah, remind me never to go near any green rocks in your dimension!" Clark chuckled.
"Well, why didn't that gas have the same effect?"
"That's simple. It was a diluted gas. The only reason I was affected was because the initial exposure knocked out my powers and I got trapped under the concrete and couldnt' get away from it. If you'd been in there much longer, you would have succome to it just like I did. The Kryptonite you used on me, on the other hand, was in it's purest form!"
"I guess it makes sense. I'm just glad we got out of there when we did."
"What you did was a big risk, but I'm glad you did it." Clark tried to think of another topic and realised there was some fishing Lois had asked him to do. He'd reluctantly agreed, but wasn't looking forward to it. He figured there was not time like the present and decided to dive right in. "So, you and Lois, you guys are friends?"
"Yeah, why?"
"No reason, just..."
"Look, in answer to your question, we are just friends with no romantic ideas. And the next time you want to know what we're doing down here, just wait until the next day and ask me. You don't need to use your X-ray vision and super hearing!" Jonathan gave Clark a knowing smile.
Clark was both surprised and embarrassed. "How did you know?"
"Let's just say your wife didn't exactly lower her voice when she talked about not having super hearing or x-ray vision and the living room is right below your bedroom!"
Clark started to laugh. "Touchee Jonathan! Touchee!"
Clark and Jonathan spent the rest of the time writing up and memorizing prepared statements for the press conference, including a call to Lois' cell phone informing her of their plans and name changes, only to find out about Lois' name change.
Confident that they had covered all their bases, and noting that the press conference was due to start in a few minutes, the two men got up, loosened their ties, removed their glasses and in a blur were out the upstairs window and headed for the press conference.
The stage was set outside the Daily Planet. Clark's wife had had a similar discussion with Lois about the change of names. Lois had decided to adopt her cousin's name, Chloe, seeing as Chloe had used her name once for a couple of Daily Planet articles. Lois had taken Chloe into downtown Metropolis for a shopping spree and then had gone to the Daily Planet to drop their bags and so Chloe could change. Lois had gotten a call from Clark about the name change, and informed him as well. Chloe couldn't help but feel a little sad at the mention of Jonathan Kent's name, but had to admit that her Clark was the only one who could do it justice.
Chloe had also managed to pick up some clothes for Cl...Jonathan. Mostly shirts and ties, but some black shirts, just to mix things up. Lois was quick to interrupt her thoughts and bring her back to reality. "Chloe!"
"Huh?"
"What planet were you on...on second thought, forget I said that. The press conference is starting soon, we should get down there."
"Right, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, en route, what is it?" Lois headed for the elevator, Chloe following close behind.
"When you first found out about Clark's," Lois whispered "other job, did it seem weird to have two people all of a sudden become one?"
Lois knew exactly how Chloe was feeling. "Well, before I found out, I'd actually fallen in love with Clark. That's when he knew he could tell me. In all honesty, I was angry. He'd been hiding it from me for two years. He tried to say he was "protecting" me. I couldn't see how much he cared. It wasn't until I got his powers that..."
"Wait, you got his powers?"
"Long story! But I spent some time in his shoes and it made me understand how much of a burden he carries every day. He can't be everywhere at once. There are always people calling for help and he can't always get there in time. I realized finally why he wanted to focus on being Clark and doing good as Superman. He needed me to remind him that Clark was good enough, that even if he lost his abilities, he'd still have value. He'd still be loved!"
"I guess it must have been hard being by himself. But didn't it feel weird to find out a super hero you had thrown yourself at was actually the farm boy you'd..."
"Walked over, rejected, pushed asside, made fun of, criticized..."
"Yeah."
"You quickly realized that the hero was right there all along, you just chose not to see it. You realize you were so blinded by the man in the blue suit that you never saw the man in the business suit." The elevator signalled that they were at the ground floor, "Look, the question you really have to ask yourself is, what feelings do you have for Clark, the man. You'll know whether or not you love him. The only other question is, are you prepared to risk it all and open yourself up to being loved." Before Chloe could respond, Lois was pulling her by the arm and leading her to their seats.
Perry White stepped up to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, fellow press. It is my honour as the editor of the Daily Planet to welcome you to today's press conference. As you all know, last night, what was believed to be a second Superman was spotted rescuing our Superman from an explosion. This press conference is being held at his request..." Just then Superman made his appearance, floating to ground and landing next to Perry, Kal following along beside him. Both in full Superman garb. The crowd gasping at the sight of two flying Supermen.
"Mr. White. If it's all right with you I'd like to adress the media." Superman said with a smile.
"Of course Superman!" Perry said moving asside and directing Superman to mic. "They're all yours!"
Superman cleared his throat. "Ladies and gentlemen of the Press. I must apologe for not giving you proper warning. First of all, I want to assure you that there is no new invasion by the New Kryptonians. It is the opposite in fact. I was recently contacted by a refugee of New Krypton who was not part of the invasion that took place years ago, the man to my right. His wish is to repay Earth for the damage done and to learn how to use his powers for good. He has asked me to teach him all I know and to offer his assistance to this planet. As many of you know, even with my abilities I can't be everywhere at once. He will be assisting in that area.
"To anyone who doubts his credibility, good heart or values, know that I would put my own reputation on the line to vouch for him. Before I open up for questions, I would like to both introduce him and allow him to address you, after which there will be a brief time for questions."
"Ladies and gentleman, I give you Kal-el." A silence filled the room at the mention of Superman's real name being used to identify this new Superman.
Jonathan stepped up to the microphone, maintaining his confident appearance. "Ladies and gentlemen of the press! I want to state first and foremost that I'm here to help. I will only be here a short time, so please know that I have no intention of replacing your own great hero! My calling is elsewhere, I wish only to learn what I can from him and trully fulfill the destiny I've been called to!" That much, at least, was the truth. "I know many of you wonder why my name is the same as your own Superman. The truth is that I was named after a family of legend among Kryptonians. Going by this name will also help to differentiate me when speaking with me in person. However, I do intend to respond to call for help in the same way as my mentor. Thank you!"
Kal-el stepped away from the microphone and made way for Superman to begin answering some questions. Just as he opened his mouth, a familiar voice echoed from the crowd. "Superman! Well, well, you have an apprentice!"
Superman's jaw locked instantly. "Tempus!"
Kal-el leaned over to Superman. "You know him?"
"Of course he knows me!" Tempus said floating up from the crowd and on to the stage. Much to the suprise of both Superman and a couple dozen onlookers. "Sup and I, we go way back!"
Superman stepped up to Tempus until he was mere inches from him. Looking him straight in the eye, with every ounce of bold authority as he had, he picked him up by his shirt. "What are you doing here and what could you possibly want?"
"I believe I can answer that!" Jonathan turned around to see an all too familiar face staring back at him.
"Fein!"
"Hello Kal-el! We meet again!"