Chapter 9 – Return to Roswell
Back at the Kent farm, everyone was finishing up their pizzas, still sitting around the fireplace in the living room.
"Thanks Mrs. Kent for the pizzas, it really hit the spot. I didn't realize how hungry I really was." Isabel said.
"Oh, you're very welcome. It's so nice having company here at the farm. Normally, it's just Clark and me."
Getting himself another Snapple, Michael picked up the bottle of Tabasco sauce and added a little spice to his drink.
Brenda was looking at him with a disgusted look on her face. "Why are you putting Tabasco sauce in your drink, that can't taste good?"
"Everyone has something 'quirky' about themselves; I guess this is one of mine. It brings a little flavor to my drink. Do you what to try?" Michael said, offering her the bottle of Tabasco sauce.
"Oh, no thank you. Your right, everyone has something 'quirky' about themselves; but that is just odd. How did you ever come up with that combination?"
Isabel interjected. "Maybe it's just a southwestern thing, like adding Tabasco sauce to eggs."
"True, I've heard of that." Brenda remarked. "So, how long do you think they'll be gone?"
"It shouldn't take them long, if Zan is up at the 'Fortress'" Martha said.
"What is this 'Fortress' you've been speaking about and why did my husband and your friends need jackets, it's not very cold outside?" Brenda asked.
"I wish I could tell you more, but this is something Clark will have to explain, when he gets back." Martha responded. "But, if we're right, they will be returning with Zan."
"Why do you call my son Zan, and not Brett?"
"Earlier, when we brought your son here to the farm, after the accident, Clark, Max, your son and I had a discussion, similar to the discussion we will be having later on tonight, with you and your husband." Martha began, "Certain things were revealed to your son and at his request; he asked that we call him Zan. We don't mean to be disrespectful to you and your husband, but we are following his request."
Taking in the conversations going on around her, Brenda thought to herself, "So much has happened to us today. We started out at our home in Metropolis, had our son taken away from us, and were victims to the building coming down on us. We sustain some injuries, causing us to be transported to Metropolis General, just to have us wisped away to this farm to have our injuries healed, before our eyes, and now our son is missing, again. There's only so much a person can handle. Speaking aloud again, she asked, "What is really going on?"
"I'm sorry we can't tell you what's going on, but it's not our story to tell, so we just need to be patient, and wait for them to get back." Maria said, snuggling up to Michael on the loveseat. "I hope they get back soon, because it has been a long day and I'm getting tired."
At that moment, the kitchen door swung open and in walked Clark, Max, Liz, Bob and Zan. Zan ran over to his mother and gave her a big hug. "I really missed you mom."
"I missed you too, honey. Are you okay? We were really worried about you." Brenda said, embracing her son, and kissing him on his forehead.
"I'm fine, but there's a lot we need to talk about." Zan stated. "I smell pizza, is there any more left?"
"I saved a couple pizzas in the oven Clark, if you want to heat them up." Martha suggested.
Pulling the pizzas out of the oven, and laying them on the stove, Clark stood with his back to his guests using his heat vision he warmed up the pizzas. Max witnessed this little display of his powers and asked "doesn't that change the flavor of your food?"
"What do you mean?" Clark asked.
"We can do something similar to what you just did, but it seems to change the taste of the food." Max stated.
Handing a piece to Max, Clark responds "I've never noticed, what do you think?"
"Tastes like it came straight from the oven," Max stated grabbing a couple more pieces for him and Liz, and retreating to the living room.
Clark grabbed a couple slices, along with Bob and Zan, and they moved into the living room too.
After everyone was seated, Bob spoke up, "I agreed, and kept my end of the bargain, about keeping quiet, now it's time to explain everything, especially what I witnessed tonight."
Brenda looked over at her husband and asked, "What exactly did you witness tonight?"
"Well, first of all, we go down into these caves, and Clark opens this cave wall door by holding his hand up to the wall and directing a light beam from his hand to the center of the wall. Then, we went into a room, and stood around this octagon table, until Clark put his key in some slot, which transported us to an "Ice Palace" located somewhere near the North Pole."
"Is this true?" Brenda asked, looking towards Clark.
"Yes, I'm not from this world. I was born on the planet Krypton, but my parents sent me away, before my world was destroyed, and the Kents found me in the first meteor shower and raised me as their own. The "Ice Palace" he mentioned is a replica of my home world, which I call my 'Fortress of Solitude'. The voice you heard was my biological father Jor-El, whom I go to for advice, when I need it." Clark explained.
Brenda was the only one in the room that was in shock. Looking around the room, she noticed that everyone else was okay with being in the room with a visitor from another planet.
"Okay, that somewhat explains that," continued Bob. "The voice, your father, mentioned something about a royal bloodline, what is that all about and how does Brett fit into the scheme of things?"
"You really were listening." Max stated. "Well, that's where I come in, and my extended family. I'm also not from this world. Our world, Antar, was also having some problems. There was a plot to kill off the royal family, so some scientists got together, and engineered an alien-hybrid, which combined the essence of the royal family along with human DNA. I am one of these alien-hybrids. On the planet Antar, I would be recognized as their King, my sister Isabel, and Michael are also alien-hybrids. There was a forth among us, named Tess, who is Zan's biological mother. She died last year."
"If I understand correctly, my son was born on Antar, so does that make him an alien too?" Bob questioned.
"Yes, he was born on Antar, but Tess brought him back to Earth, because she said Antar refused to accept him on the throne, because of his human status. We were under the impression that he was all human, that is the reason I placed him up for adoption. I wanted him to live a normal "human" life. As you know, he isn't exactly human after all. When you took him to Summerholt, to have him tested, most of the tests came back normal, except for his blood work, which turned up a little green. He didn't know what he was doing, but when his emotions started to get the better of him, he was able to blast his way out of Summerholt. Thank goodness Clark was there and able to scoop him up, and bring him here."
"How did you know where our son was? We were under the impression it was a closed adoption." Brenda asked.
"My wife, Liz, had a premonition that Zan was in danger, and since we share such a strong connection, we were able to find our way to the Summerholt Institute, but it was too late. Again, thank goodness Martha was there to help us out. We were able to convince her to let us follow her up here to Smallville."
"So, is Liz an alien too?" Brenda asked.
"Not exactly, Liz is a special case. A few years back, Liz was shot in the stomach, while working as a waitress at the Crashdown Café in Roswell, New Mexico. Close to death, I saved her life by healing her. I'm not sure why, but recently, she started changing, and developing some of the same "gifts" we possess, including the unique gift of premonitions. She was born here, but now she's just as alien as I am."
"Since you healed us, will we turn into aliens too?" Bob asked.
"Liz is the only one this has ever happened too. I think it's because we are, in some strange way, 'soul mates'. We just need each other, I can't explain it any better then that."
"Are there anymore aliens among us?" Brenda asked, looking around the room.
"Nope" Zan said, and with a smiled he announced "just Clark, Max, Liz, Michael, Isabel and me. The rest are humans. Welcome to the 'I know an Alien Club' mom and dad."
Smiling Brenda gave her son a hug. Bob looked towards Max and Clark and asked, "So do you want to explain what's going on with the Granolith, and how we ended up in Roswell, New Mexico?"
"You were in Roswell?" Maria jumped up and asked, "But How?"
"And how do they know about the Granolith, Maxwell?" Michael asked. "Tess destroyed it, on her little trip back to Antar."
"It seems our two worlds are linked," Clark said. "I don't know quite how, but Jor-El said something about protecting Zan, at all costs, because there is some prophecy out there that he's a major player in. We're supposed to teach him about his abilities, which will help him fulfill his destiny. After we got Jor-El's cryptic message, he told us how to enter the Granolith, so we transported back to Smallville, and continued on to the Granolith."
Max continued. "We materialized in an operational Granolith, a different one. We found Zan sleeping on the floor and woke him up. I found and opened a door in the side of the cave. Once through, we were standing in the cave on the Mesaliko Indian Reservation, where we saved your life Michael."
"What is the Granolith?" Martha asked.
"Well, in the past, we only knew it to be a spaceship, our only way to get back home, and when Tess went back to Antar to have Zan, we thought she took our only means of transportation back. It looks like there is more to the Granolith than we originally thought; it acts as a portal too." Max stated. "Oh, there's another thing, I had Zan open the Granolith door, and he was able too. According to Jor-El, only a member of the Antarian Royal blood line or Clark can open the door, verifying that Zan is truly my son."
"Why do you all call Brett 'Zan'?" questioned Bob.
"Zan is my Antarian name, and when Tess returned to Earth, we learned that she named the baby after me. That is the name we are familiar with, but when we first addressed 'our' son, I called him and introduced him by his given name 'Brett'. After he learned about his situation, and who he was, he said we could refer to him as 'Zan'. If you would like us to refer to him by his given name, we can. We mean no disrespect to you two." Max said.
Turning to his parents, Zan said, "Isn't it funny how things happen, you named me 'Brett Alexander Chambers', and my middle name sounds so much like 'Zan', do you think it would be too far fetched to refer to me as 'Zan' as a nickname? You can still call me 'Brett', if you like, it is my name, but so is 'Zan'."
Nodding, the Chambers embraced their son. "We love you Zan" they each said.
"So, where do we go from here" asked Brenda.
"What do you mean?" Max asked.
"Well, we understand that you're his biological father, but we're his adoptive parents and legal guardians." Bob said.
"I think we need to work together. You're right; he is legally your son and I'm not going to try to take him away from you, because I saw into each of your souls, when I healed you, and I know how much you both really care for 'our' son. You both have to realize that life in your home is going to change, as Zan changes. He's going to start developing different abilities, and we can teach him how to control and use his abilities appropriately." Max said.
"You were able to see into our souls? How does that work?" asked Brenda.
"Well, this is somewhat confusing, but when I laid my hand on each of you, to heal you, I formed a connection with your bodies, and while your bodies were healing themselves, I saw these 'flashes' or pictures of your life. The flashes I saw looked to be from the time Zan entered your lives," responded Max.
"What kind of 'abilities' are we talking about?" Bob asked curiously.
"So far, I've noticed that he is able to send out an energy blast with his hands. He was also able to enter the Caves and the Granolith, and we were able to form a connection, which produced the Antarian royal seal on the ceiling. Since each of us is unique in our own way, it's hard to determine what other 'abilities' he may acquire, but if we work together, we can help him control and use these abilities." Max answered his question.
"Max, what do you mean you where able to produce the royal seal?" asked Isabel.
"Zan, do you want to help me demonstrate to the group the royal seal?" asked Max.
Getting up from his spot on the floor, Zan walked over to Max and extended his hand. Max took his hand, and started the connection. Each of them witnessed different aspects of their life. As a blue light shown from their hands, the royal Antarian seal was portrayed on the ceiling.
"Wow, I've never seen that before," Michael stated.
After their demonstration, Liz asked in a whisper, "Max, you mentioned a trip back to the Granolith tomorrow; do you still want to go?" His little group had heard her question, and they were looking at him, with anticipation in their eyes.
Max knew they were homesick. Liz missed her parents and even the Crashdown Café, the alien theme restaurant which her parents owned and operated. Maria, who was always very close to her mother, had left Roswell, with no explanation, except for Liz's journal, which was sent after the fact. Kyle also had a close relationship with his father. He used to be the Roswell Sheriff, but was made to resign, mainly because of his relationship with the 'Pod Squad'. Before they left Roswell, Jim Valenti got his job back at the sheriff's department, but only as a deputy. Michael even missed Roswell. He wouldn't come out and say it, but it was 'home'. Being on the road and running from the special unit really took its toll on each of them. Before they had to leave, his adoptive parents, the Evans, just found out about their children's alien status. Thankfully, they still loved and accepted them for who they were. All his parents got, before they left, was a quick goodbye from Isabel, during graduation. Of course, they heard the impromptu 'goodbye' speech their son gave, but it wasn't the same thing. Max even missed the UFO center, his place of employment, and his former employer Brody Davis. That's it! Thought Max.
"Yes, and I have an idea. Clark, do you have a computer with Internet?" Max asked.
"Sure, why do you want to know?" Clark said.
"I use to work at the UFO Center," Max started. Laughing, Clark cut in, "You're kidding, right?"
"No, I really did. What better place to hide an 'alien' than right out in the open. Anyways, every year, about this time, they have the 'Crash Festival', where everyone dresses up as aliens. If we could look up on the Internet to see if it's this weekend, I think we could go back to Roswell and visit our families without raising too much suspicion."
"I can go check it out," Isabel volunteered.
"I'll show you where the computer is" offered Martha
"I'll join you," offered Kyle, lifting himself off his chair and following Isabel and Martha out of the room.
"How do you suggest we get from the caves to Roswell?" asked Michael.
"Too bad we can't call Jim, and see if he could leave us a van near Frazier Woods where we camped out a couple of years ago." Maria mentioned.
"Why can't you call him?" asked Bob.
"Because I'm sure our families are still being monitored by the FBI." Max said.
"Is there something we could do?" offered Bob. "I work for a car dealership, maybe I could call down to Roswell, and ask them for a loaner, in my name, and have this 'Jim' person pick it up. We don't have any connections to any of you, and if the town is full with tourists for this Crash Festival, even better."
Isabel and Kyle walked in. "Good news, the Crash Festival is being held in conjunction with the UFO Convention, so there will be a lot of extra people around." Kyle said.
"Why are they holding the UFO Convention now, I thought it was suppose to be held on June 12th?. That was the day we thought we were going to die, according to Liz's prediction, because the guest of honor, Bryce McCain, was supposed to speak at the Convention. Little did we know that he would also be speaking at our graduation" Max said.
"From what I was able to gather, the UFO Convention was cancelled, do to some needed repairs from damages sustained back in May. The town decided to bring the two attractions together." Isabel informed the group.
"I bet they had some damages. I bet the special unit tore through that 'Center' looking for us, just like they tore through my house and the Evan's house looking for Tess." Kyle said agitatedly.
Understanding his frustration, the 'Pod Squad' nodded in agreement.
"So Bob, would you be willing to call Jim, and set things up?" Max asked.
"Why are you calling my dad?" Kyle asked.
"To see if he can pick up a van from the dealership, which Bob will get for us and leave it near Frazier Woods, we want to go back to Roswell for a visit. Plus I need to talk to Larek." Max said.
"Why do you need to speak to Larek" asked Isabel.
Before Max could respond, Clark asked "Who's Larek?"
"Larek is one of the rulers in my Galaxy. He uses my former boss, Brody, at the UFO Center as a vessel to communicate with me. When we were at the 'Fortress', Jor-El mentioned this prophesy involving Zan and I want to know if Larek knows anything about it." Max said.
"Sounds like a plan is in motion, so who's going to the 'Crash'?" Michael asked.
"Aliens, dressing up as aliens, isn't that just hilarious." Clark said. "I'm in, sounds like fun. I'm sure Chloe wouldn't mind going either. I'm sure she's never been to Roswell either."
Maria raised her hand, "Well, you know I'm there, but what will I wear?"
Isabel raised her hand, along with Kyle.
Liz, still in a somber mood, after the trip to the Granolith, didn't need to raise her hand, Max knew how she felt.
Zan was sitting on the floor, looking at the hands going up, and finally spoke, "I would like to come too, but I don't know if I should."
Looking towards Bob and Brenda, Max asked, "Do you two want to come with us?"
"I think this is for the 'younger' crowd, and we really need to get back to Metropolis, but if Zan wants to go with you, you are his father too, and I see no reason why he can't join you. I think we'll need to set up some kind of arrangement for Zan to be at home with us, and also to be with his extended family, to train for whatever is needed of him, but we can take a look at that later," suggested Bob.
Zan ran over to his father, and gave him a hug, "Thanks dad, you're the greatest."
"So, what do I say to Jim?" asked Bob.
The 'Pod Squad' sat and thought for a moment, what could they say to Jim, to make him realize that they were coming home, without dropping any "keywords" the listening ears would pick up.
"Do you think any of the 'Men in Black' know the name of your home planet or your Antarian name, and does Jim know this information?" Clark asked.
"I don't think the FBI or special unit has any of that information" Max said, "When I was captured, they tried their hardest to get that kind of information out of me, to no avail. Jim does know about Antar and that my name is Zan, but what do you suggest we tell him?"
"Why doesn't Bob set up the transportation, but have Chloe call, from Metropolis, and say that she's from the Metropolis Daily Planet, and they have "6" winners from "Antar" University for the 'Crash Festival', and she was told that he was their point of contact and he needed to pick up a van from the local dealership, under the name of Bob Chambers, to use to pick them up at 'Zan' air field, near Frazier Woods around 5pm." Clark suggested, "Do you think he would understand our message?"
"I think that might actually work" Max said. "Well, Bob do you want to set up the transportation in the morning?"
"Sure, what time do you want to pick it up?"
"How about 4 o'clock, and we'll return it right away on Monday" suggested Max.
"Done. Now I'm really tired, where do you have Brenda and I set up?"
"We've set you up in Clark's room, upstairs" Martha said. "I'm tired too, so I'm going to retreat to my room too, but if you'll follow me I can show you where you'll be staying."
Bob and Brenda got up and followed Martha up the stairs.
"I'm tired too, I going to go upstairs to bed too." Maria said, leaning over to Michael, she kissed him goodnight and said, "Love ya Spaceboy, hope you sleep well." Looking over to Isabel, she said "So, are you ready to go to bed roomy?"
Getting up out of her seat, Isabel said "Sure" and followed Maria up the stairs.
"So, where do you want us to sleep?" Max said, looking at the limited sleeper beds left to occupy.
"We're out in the barn" Zan said proudly. "Let me show you the way."
Liz just looked at Max, with a confused look on her face, and started towards the door.
"Don't worry Liz, it's not as bad as it sounds" Clark said. "I wish I could sleep out there, but it looks like I've got the spare couch."
Max followed behind Liz and Zan, and left the farmhouse for the barn.
Michael and Kyle folded out one of the sleeper couches, and proceeded to make their bad. Clark grabbed the nearby couch and follow suit.
It was two in the morning, and everyone was finally settled into their beds preparing to drift off to sleep, for later on today they would be returning to Roswell. For some of them, they'd finally be home.