Disclaimer: I do not own Smallville
Big thanks to my beta reader Hanabi's Biggest Fan
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Talon Cafe
"So this is the Talon, pretty much the only coffee shop in town," explained Lois briefly to Lucy as she walked behind the counter as if she belonged there.
"Lois, what are you doing?" asked Lucy.
"Getting coffee for us," answered Lois.
"Shouldn't the waitresses do that?"
Lois just shrugged as she started working the coffee machine.
"Hi Lois," said one of the waitresses.
"Hi Becky," replied Lois. "Have you seen Mrs. K?"
"She's in back signing for a delivery," answered Becky.
"Yeah, not going near that," said Lois, taking the two completed coffees and walking back out from behind the counter.
Becky laughed. "I'll make sure she knows you're here when she comes back. She's due for a break soon anyway."
"Thanks," said Lois with a smile. "Come on Luce, let's grab a table."
"Is it a small town thing or do they just know you that well?"
"A little of both. The Kents bought this place at the end of last year when the previous owner moved to France for art school," explained Lois as she sat down at an open table.
Lucy followed suit and sat down across from Lois. "Are the Kents rich? I mean, I've always heard that farmers have money and lots of it but-"
"They aren't rich," said Lois immediately. "They received a large settlement some time ago that they have used sparingly. Some to work on the farm and buying this place and few other little things but they are by no means rich."
"So what's the real deal with you and the farm boy?" asked Lucy.
"What do you mean 'real deal'?" asked Lois, her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"What do mean what do I mean? What do you think I mean? I've never known you to go for tall, dark, and plaid," said Lucy. "Hell, I barely remember you dating when we lived with dad. I mean, there was Wes but that barely lasted a week before he moved."
"Clark gets me," said Lois as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
"So that's it, he gets you and you're falling over yourself to be what he wants you to be?"
"First, I am not falling all over myself. Second, if you're talking about the cooking, that's entirely Mrs. K's doing, Clark couldn't care less," answered Lois hotly.
"You're totally falling all over yourself but I suppose I can accept Mrs. Kent forcing you into it but it didn't look like you were resisting too much," said Lucy, not accepting Lois' answer completely.
"Lucy, I'm not going to defend my relationship with Clark to you. He's it Luce, whether you believe that or not is entirely up to you."
Lucy looked shocked at how easily Lois said what she did but felt it would be better to drop the subject for now.
"So, why are you really here? How much trouble are you in?"
"I came here to see my sister," said Lucy. "Why would you think I'm in trouble?"
Lois stared at Lucy clearly not believing a word of it.
"And Marcus Becker?" asked Lois, getting the exact reaction she wanted from Lucy.
"I owe some money," said Lucy reluctantly.
"Wrong answer, try again," said Lois.
"I don't know what you're talking about," insisted Lucy.
"You're not going to con the Kents or Lex Luthor for money," said Lois coldly. "The Kents are my family Lucy, just like you and I won't allow you to abuse that trust. And Lex Luthor, that man will destroy you, Becker, and anyone else involved in this scam of yours and then he'll really go to work on you. And by you, I mean me and dad. Do you really want to be responsible for dad being kicked out of the military, or worse framed for something, putting him in Leavenworth for the rest of his life? That's the kind of person you're dealing with."
"How? How could you possibly know any of that?"
"I'm a damned good reporter," said Lois. "It took me and Clark less than an hour after you called to find all of that out. Dad will be here for you in less than an hour. The Feds and Interpol arrested Becker when he landed in Metropolis this morning. You are going to cooperate and they will let you off with probation and community service. If you don't, you'll be in an orange jumpsuit right next to Becker for the next ten to twenty years and orange really isn't your color. And don't even try to run, Sheriff Adams has all the exits covered."
Lucy felt the tears prickling in her eyes at the feeling of betrayal. "My own sister," she mumbled, her voice choked up.
"Your sister is saving your life," said Lois. "You can cut the water works right now because I just don't care."
Lucy wiped her eyes before settling for glaring at Lois.
"I'm guessing you told her?" asked Martha as she sat down at the table with them.
"She pissed me off," said Lois.
Martha sighed. "Lois, she's still your sister."
"I know, and I love her but she needs to do a lot of growing up," said Lois, trying to act tough as things set in with her.
"Grow up? Grow up?" questioned Lucy loudly. "What would you know about growing up? You, who is still dating the farm boy because you're afraid? Clinging to a woman, a replacement for mom, like a lost little girl? Who hasn't grown up here?"
The icy feeling of the room caught Lucy off-guard.
"Dad will be here for you soon," said Lois calmly, way too calmly. She stood and exited the cafe without another word.
Martha shook her head as she stood from the table and walked away to get back to work.
Lucy remained at the table stewing in her own anger for another thirty minutes before she saw her father and two MPs enter the cafe and walk straight to her.
"Lucy Lane, you're under arrest," stated the MP on her father's left. "You are charge with aiding and abetting a know international criminal with ties to Al Qaeda and several other terrorist organizations."
"Stand and turn around," said the other MP, pulling out handcuffs. "Hands behind your back."
"Really, daddy? You're having your own daughter arrested?"
"I'm the only reason you weren't shot on sight," said Sam coldly. "You'd better have thanked your sister for saving your life."
Lucy huffed and turned her back to her father.
The MP moved forward and cuffed her hands behind her back.
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
Clark held Lois tightly as she wept. It was a rare thing but Lucy had hurt her so badly with those words. She would never have shown such vulnerability to anyone but Clark and maybe Martha.
"It'll be okay," Clark soothed her as best he could.
"It was horrible, the look of betrayal on her face and then those things she said."
"I wish I could make it all better," said Clark softly into her ear.
"Just don't let go of me," said Lois, squeezing Clark tighter.
"Never," said Clark, returning the squeeze ever so carefully.
The pair remained there for hours, just sitting on the couch in the loft holding each other, something Lois needed more than anything.
"Hello?" called a gruff voice Lois recognized as her father's.
"We're up here, dad," she replied, unwilling to relinquish her hold on Clark.
"I hope I'm not interrupting," he started.
"It's okay, Clark was just comforting me. Lucy said some awful things," explained Lois.
"I'm sorry for that, Lois. I don't know what has gotten into your sister," said Sam as gently as he could muster.
"It's not your fault, dad. Well, not completely your fault," said Lois.
"I suppose I deserve that," said Sam.
"Will you be staying long?" asked Lois.
"Just tonight. I've got to get Lucy to DC, she has a lot to answer for. That man, Becker, had ties to a lot of terrorist organizations. He laundered money for them and helped supply arms. I don't think Lucy is going to be able to get out of this without some serious prison time," explained Sam sadly.
"Oh, daddy," cried Lois, letting go of Clark and rushing to hug her dad.
Sam was surprised at first but returned the hug with equal force.
Clark quietly excused himself so father and daughter could commiserate.
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
"Are all families so dysfunctional?" asked Kara as Clark stepped out of the barn.
"No, but enough of them are," said Clark. "You shouldn't have been eavesdropping."
"I didn't mean to," said Kara, actually looking a little ashamed for a change. "I was coming to get you both for dinner when I heard Lois and her father."
"It's tough," said Clark. "When family hurts us or betrays our trust, its especially painful."
"You're talking about my father now, aren't you?"
"Not specifically," said Clark. "I've felt betrayed by Jor-El many times. The life and death decisions he forced me to make. The sacrifices he's made in my name that I never asked for. Not saving himself and my mother before Krypton was destroyed. I know he was something of a rebel there, defying the council's will regularly but he wasn't willing to step up to save his family, to tell the council to go to hell."
"I never knew you felt that way. You've always seemed so..."
"Accepting?" asked Clark. Seeing her nod he continued, "I have to be. I made so many mistakes the first time around when I refused to cooperate with Jor-El that a lot of people died that didn't have to because I didn't understand and he refused to talk to me, to explain why he did something or why it was important for me to complete a task he set me. I've grown up a lot since then. But nothing he ever did will compare to the betrayal I felt when he made me choose between the life of my father and the life of Lana Lang."
"Lana Lang?"
"I had a horrible crush on her once upon a time. But it's nothing like what I feel for Lois. But that's not the point."
"How can I forgive my father for what he did?"
"You don't have to forgive him but you should still talk to him. He has committed a crime and will be punished for it, probably banished to the Phantom Zone. But you should face him to make peace with it yourself. Maybe then you'll be able to make Earth your home."
"I'll think about it," she said, turning and walking back to the house.
"Don't think too long," said Clark, giving her a one armed hug around her shoulders.
They walked back to the house together.
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
Sam Lane was not the most loving of fathers. He loved his daughters, that was undeniable but expressing that love was not so easily done. So it came as a surprise to him that it was so easy to share a hug with his daughter when they were both upset.
"Why did this happen? How could Lucy be so stupid when she's one of the smartest people I know?" asked Lois, through her sobs.
"I don't know, Lo. I just don't know," said Sam. "Smart people people often think that because they are smart they can and often do get away with anything."
"You don't blame me, do you?" she asked, worry obvious in her voice.
"Of course not, there is no way you could have caused her to do something so stupid. We raised her better than that. All of this is completely on her."
"Thank you, daddy," she mumbled, hugging her father just a little tighter.
"Now, what's the story with the Kent boy?"
"He's wonderful," said Lois. "I think even you will like him."
"We'll see about that," said Sam with a snort of laughter.
"Be nice to him," said Lois as fiercely as she could given her tear streaked face.
"No promises," said Sam.
"If you try to scare this one off, you'll lose," said Lois. She took a step back and wiped her eyes. "Now, let's go in for dinner."
"I should really get back to base."
"You're coming to dinner," said Lois, leaving no room for argument. "You will make polite small talk with the Kents and the Els. You will do this because I guarantee you that someday these people will be your in-laws. Am I clear?"
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am," said Sam, more than a little impressed. "Mind giving me a quick debrief?"
"Jonathan and Martha Kent adopted Clark when he was two years old. On the day of the meteor shower Lara Kent, Jonathan's cousin showed up and left Clark with them saying she couldn't handle it, she was barely seventeen years old. Eventually she ended up in Montana where she met and fell in love with a widower Zor El, weird name I know, I guess he was Armenian or something. He already had a daughter named Kara. When they married Kara didn't want to forget her mom so she calls Lara 'Aunt Lara' which is pretty much what everyone calls her. Anyway, a few years ago Zor disappeared on them, died or ran away we're not sure but he was just gone one day leaving them with nothing. Which is what led Aunt Lara to come here and the Kents were good enough to take them in."
"How does all that work with Clark?"
"He knows she's his mom and there was a little bitterness at first but now he calls her Aunt Lara too. She's become part of the family."
"The Kents sound like good people."
"They are. A couple years ago their youngest son, Ryan, was in a really bad situation. His mother died leaving him with his stepfather. A bad man that was using the kid to help them rob pawn shops and run various con jobs. Anyway, the stepfather got caught and the Kents fostered him, even ended up adopting him. He's a really good kid too."
"Sounds too good to be true," said Sam.
"They are really good people, dad. I love them all like family already and they feel the same about me," said Lois.
"Well then I suppose I had better go make nice."
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
As soon as Martha saw Lois enter the house she went straight to her and enveloped her in her most mothering hug.
Lois wasn't surprised in the slightest when Martha hugged her causing her to cry once more.
Martha was quick to usher her up the stairs.
"Martha will take care of her" said Jonathan, coming up to greet Sam. "I'm Jonathan Kent, welcome to our home."
"Sam Lane, thank you for opening your doors to my family."
"We're happy to have you both. Lois is already like family to us," replied Jonathan with a friendly smile.
"General Lane, sir. I'm Clark," he held out his hand for a firm shake.
Sam met the hand and gave it a firm shake and was impressed a bit with his strength. "Pleased to meet you, Clark. Lois has told me a lot about you."
"I swear, it was all her idea," he said with a smile but earning a laugh from Sam.
"I take it she keeps you on your toes?" asked Sam.
"More than I ever thought possible," said Clark. "And I really wouldn't have it any other way."
"Good to hear. Now, how about a hot cuppa coffee?"
"Sure," said Jonathan, looking to the doorway to the kitchen. "Ryan, would you get a cup of coffee for Sam?"
"Sure dad," said Ryan, bouncing off the door frame he was previously leaning against then turning and going into the kitchen.
"Why don't you sit down?" said Jonathan motioning to the living room.
"Thank you," said Sam, happy to have a seat.
Ryan returned a moment later and handed a cup and saucer to Sam.
"Now that's a good cup of coffee," said Sam, tasting it again. "None of that mamby-pamby-fru-fru crap you find all over the place these days."
Ryan laughed. "We actually own a coffee shop that serves those. But dad prefers the old fashion stuff."
"Kids just don't know any better," said Jonathan.
Sam chuckled. "You're darn right."
"I'll go check on dinner," said Clark, noticing Lois and Martha hadn't returned yet.
"He seems like a good young man," said Sam, once Clark had left the room.
"He is. He works hard on the farm, gets excellent grades in school, looks out for his friends where he can."
"He'll be at MetU with Lois in the fall," said Ryan.
"I actually knew that," said Sam. "Lois has kept me up to date on a lot of things."
"She's a good one," said Jonathan. "And those two together are great. They are a team through and through."
"That's a good thing," said Sam. "I can tell she's serious about him."
"Don't be surprised if as soon as Clark gets to MetU those two get engaged. As it is, they have already told me and Martha they are getting an apartment together instead of living in dorms. I guess Chloe is going in on it with them too."
"I'm not too happy with that but if they are indeed engaged I won't fight it. Much," said Sam.
"You're a lot more accepting than Martha has been."
"Would it really do any good to argue?" asked Sam.
"Probably not," said Jonathan with a small chuckle.
"Dinner's ready," said Clark from the door to the dining room.
"Let's eat, Lois and Martha will join us when they're ready."
2005 – Arctic Circle – Fortress of Solitude
"Jor-El, I think I'm ready to face him," Kara said nervously. She had been putting this off for almost four years.
"You have struggled with this decision for a long time," said Jor-El, his ghostly voice echoing through the room. "What finally changed your mind?"
"Kal-El, he shared some of his knowledge of the future and times where he'd felt horribly betrayed by you."
"I can see where my son would have felt betrayed even if it was never my intention to do so."
"And he still managed to accept everything that has happened to him, both good and bad," said Kara. "I should be able to do the same."
"Kara, when you are ready, you are welcome to train here just as Kal-El has. There is still much for you to learn, much that your father did not feel necessary in your education."
Kara was surprised. "You would do that?"
"As Kal-El has said many times, you are my family."
"Thank you, Uncle."
"Are you ready?" he asked one final time.
"Yes, it is time for me to confront my father."
"Very well." The fortress began to rumble a moment later as a large crystal spire rose from the ground.
"When the crystal shatters to not approach him," warned Jor-El as the crystal finished emerging. A moment later the crystal shattered and Zor-El fell to the ground breathing heavily. Before the man could move or stand large rings burst from the ground around him, rotating around him.
Kara recognized the restriction rings as they surrounded her father. Those rings if activated could transport him to the Phantom Zone in less than ten seconds.
"What is this? What is the meaning of this?" Zor-El finally asked in quick succession.
"Zor-El, you have crossed a line and violated a great many of our laws in doing so."
"Jor-El?" he questioned, still trying to figure out where he was. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Father," said Kara, finally catching his attention.
"Kara?" he blinked several times to look at her properly. She was older than he remembered. "Get me out of this now."
"No," said Kara firmly. "How could you do that to me and aunt Lara?"
"I did what was necessary to save our race," said Zor-El. "Now you will release me. Obey your father and do as you are told."
"You knew Krypton was going to be destroyed and didn't tell me before you sent me. You wanted to kidnap Kal-El. I want to know why? I deserve to know why?"
"Petulant child. You were sent here with one mission and you couldn't even do that. Release me now and I will not punish you too severely."
"Why did you really send me here?"
"Our planet was going to be destroyed. I sent you to collect Kal-El then bring back me and your aunt. We will conquer this planet and Krypton will live again under my rule. So, I will tell you one last time, release me or face the consequences."
"I cannot believe you father. How could you do this? The humans are a young people, but they deserve a chance. It is not for us to conquer them."
Zor-El's eyes narrowed dangerously at his daughter. "You would defy me?"
"Yes," said Kara. "The humans have accepted me, and Lara, and Kal-El as their own. I will not allow you to harm them."
"So be it," said Zor-El, clearly incensed. He then slid up his sleeve to reveal a Kryptonian bracelet bearing the mark of Zod. He slid his finger over the symbol causing it to glow in black light.
"What have you done, Zor-El? Where did you send that signal?" demanded a very angry sounding Jor-El.
"Zod's disciples will come. They will free Zod from the Phantom Zone and once he has conquered this planet I will destroy him once more," said Zor-El.
"Send him to the Phantom Zone, I have to warn Kal-El and Lara." Kara ran to the portal controls and vanished.
"For your crimes, you will be stripped of your body and banished to the Phantom Zone," said Jor-El, his voice angry and shaking the fortress.
"Always the high and mighty Jor-El. I will escape and when I do, I will take pleasure in destroying everything you ever cared for."
"That will not happen," stated Jor-El coldly. A moment later the inside of the rings was filled with a burning red light.
Zor-El screamed in pain as his spirit was stripped from flesh.
As the red light finally faded all that remained was a wraith, banging against the walls that kept him trapped. The rings collapsed in a flash of light, the only thing remaining was the diamond shaped crystal which only seconds later flew from the fortress into the sky and eventually into space.
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
"Kal-El," shouted Kara as she landed at the farm. "Kal-El!" she screamed again.
Clark appeared a moment later. "What is it? What's wrong, Kara?"
"I went to the fortress to talk to my father," started Kara.
"Are you okay?" asked Clark, stepping up to hug her but she took a step back.
"I'm fine but Zor-El, he did something terrible," said Kara, worry written all over her face.
"What happened?"
"He had a Kryptonian bracelet with the symbol of Zod on it. He touched it and it lit up for a second. Jor-El said it was some kind of signal. The my father said that Zod's disciples will come."
"No," whispered Clark in disbelief. "Not again."
"Again, this happened before?" asked Kara.
"The three stones that built the fortress. In the previous time line, one of them was corrupted and sent a massive Kryptonian signal into space. The disciples of Zod homed in on that signal. A lot of people died."
"It's all my fault," said Kara.
"No," said Clark firmly. "This is not your fault. This is entirely on Zor-El."
"What do we do?" asked Kara.
"We need to get the town evacuated. We've got a lot more time this time."
"But how?" asked Kara.
"Lois' father," said Clark. "You start calling everyone on the team. I'm going to get Lois and then we're going to fly to her father immediately to warn him. He can help... if he can get past the fact that I'm an alien."
"He will, he has to," said Kara, zipping into the house.
Clark shot into the air, flying faster than he ever had before.
2005 – Metropolis University – Girls dorm.
Lois was annoyed. The text book she was trying to read was written in ancient Greek or at least that's what it felt like. "Who the hell needs geography anyway?"
The tapping at her window gave her a much needed break. She opened the window to let him in. "You are just the distraction from finals study I needed."
"I'm going to distract you but not the way either of us wants. Do you know where your father is?"
"He's in DC, why?"
"Do you know exactly where in DC?"
"I can call to find out, why? What's going on?"
"Kara finally went to talk to Zor-El. He had some kind of communication device, the disciples are coming again, meteor shower and all."
"Oh dear god," said Lois. She quickly grabbed a warm jacket and a pair of ski goggles the jumped out the window.
Clark caught her and flew as fast as he safely could with Lois in his arms to DC.
Within minutes they were hovering over DC.
"Whew, that is still intense," said Lois, pulling out her phone.
"General Lane," said a gruff voice on the other end of the phone.
"Daddy, it's Lois."
"Lo, is everything alright?"
"No, I need your help," said Lois.
Clark was able to trace Sam's location and flew toward it landing on the balcony.
"What do you need?"
"Open your balcony door?" she asked a bit nervously. She didn't expect Clark to reveal himself to her father given the man's loyalty to the military and US government.
"Lois?" asked her father surprised.
"Daddy, hi," she said nervously.
"How did you get there? We're twenty stories up."
"I flew her here," answered Clark straight.
"Run that by me again," said Sam.
"It's hard to explain everything right now but I need your help. There is another meteor shower inbound for Earth. Most likely Smallville. I need you to get deep space telemetry looking at this astral coordinate," said Clark, scribbling a quick note.
"Please, trust him, dad, this is on the level," said Lois.
"Okay, I'll make a call then you can explain this to me while we wait for results," said Sam, walking into another room.
Lois and Clark could hear him talking on the phone and reading off the numbers.
"Are you sure you want to tell my dad everything?" asked Lois.
"I need his help. I know we planned to let him in a little bit at a time but we no longer have that choice, not when so many lives are at stake," explained Clark.
"God, I love you," said Lois, attacking his mouth with hers. "You are such a good man."
"Only because you love me," said Clark, kissing her this time.
A cough broke them apart, both slightly embarrassed.
"Okay, they are positioning satellites now, we'll have the results in twenty minutes. Now, I believe you owe me an explanation."
"I'm asking you to keep an open mind," said Clark. "It will not be the easiest thing to explain and I don't know how you'll react in the end but I have no choice but to level with you."
The General nodded once then walked to his mini bar and took out a few bottles of scotch, pouring them into a glass then sitting down in an arm chair. He took a swig then motion for the pair to sit on the love seat across from him.
Clark and Lois sat as requested.
Lois squeezed Clark's hand once encouraging him.
"So, sixteen years ago during the first meteor shower in Smallville there was more than just meteors that came to Earth that day. There were also two ships. One of which crashed into the river bed below Reeves Dam and the other crashed into a corn field after homing in on Jonathan and Martha Kent, the family that was chosen to raise the child that was in that ship."
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?" asked Sam, taking another drink of his scotch.
"Yes, I'm not human," said Clark nervously. "I know it's a lot to take in and I'm sure you have questions. I'll do my best to explain."
The General took a few deep breaths as he processed the information. "Are you an advance man?"
"No, I'm a survivor. Shortly after my parents sent me into space the sun of my solar system went supernova destroying my home planet of Krypton."
"And the other ship?"
"Carried my mother and my cousin, both of whom you've met. They were trapped in that river for fourteen years, I recovered them after Queen Consolidated found the ship during their clean up efforts. I was lucky that they didn't know what they had found and as a friend of Oliver's I recognized it for what it was and stole it before he could investigate it further. Most of humanity isn't ready to accept that they are not alone in the universe."
"So, you, Lara and Kara are all alien survivors of a destroyed planet. Do you have proof?"
"The meteor rocks are pieces of Krypton that were caught in the wake of the ships as they traveled towards Earth."
"Why Earth?"
"First, humans and Kryptonian's share an evolutionary commonality which is why I look human and why our anatomy is almost identical to humans. The difference is in our genetic make-up, Kryptonians gain energy from the Earth's yellow sun, it gives us super human abilities. Abilities that I have always used to try to help people, to try and save lives where I could, and to stop those infected by the kryptonite fragments that have caused unfortunate mutations in humans."
"And this meteor shower coming now?"
"I learned recently that there are two more survivors that have been in stasis in deep space. Someone triggered a message to the ship that acted like a homing beacon calling it to Earth."
"And do these others pose a threat?"
Clark frowned here. "They are a very real danger to Earth and its people. They are disciples of a man named Zod. The man responsible for the destabilization of Krypton's sun and a civil war that wiped out ninety percent of our population before he was eventually imprisoned in a dimension known as the Phantom Zone. If I don't stop them they will release him and many of the universe's worst criminals."
"And why can't you stop the meteor shower?"
"I have to manage the Kryptonians when they land, so does Kara and Lara or the death toll will be even worse. I need your help to evacuate the civilian population until the meteor shower ends and Zod's disciples are stopped."
"Who triggered the signal?"
"I don't know," he lied but it was convincing enough.
"And I'm supposed to trust you? Given all the lies you've woven around yourself and apparently gotten my daughter involved in?"
"Sir, I had no way of knowing this could happen. I've done everything I can to live as a normal person, to be a good and upstanding citizen."
"And don't you dare try to dictate to me. I'm capable of making my own decisions," said Lois. "I choose Clark, regardless of where he is from because I know who he is. He is a good and decent man. I love him and that is all that matters. I know it's hard for you to trust everything he's told you but you can trust me. Any lie I told you was to protect his family, my family, and even you."
Sam growled a little as he mulled over the information.
"I'm not happy about being lied to," said Sam. "I understand why you did it. I would have had to report this to my superiors if you had told me before and I still might but you have come to me and I believe you do want to help or you wouldn't have warned me until it was too late to help anyone."
"So you'll help?" asked Clark, hope clear in his voice.
"As soon as we've got the trajectory the military will mobilize to begin evacuations. I expect you and your family to cooperate fully in dealing with the situation."
"I have an entire team of people that are going to help," said Clark.
"Team?" asked Sam.
"There are a lot more people on Earth with abilities that can help, that want to help," said Lois. "We've become friends with a lot of them."
"They aren't all meteor infected either," added Clark. "Some people have just evolved."
"And can you tell me who these people are?"
"It's not our place," said Lois. "Clark is risking a lot by just telling you about himself and his mother and cousin. He doesn't have the right to expose anyone else and neither do I."
"I can respect that but don't expect me to trust any of them until I know who they are," said Sam.
"That's completely fair but that won't stop them from trying to help," said Clark, meeting Sam's eyes to make sure he knew how serious he was.
Sam would have said more but the phone rang. "That will be our answer."
Lois and Clark waited with baited breath as the listened to Sam on the phone.
"The meteors have been confirmed, they are headed straight for Smallville, Kansas."
"Okay," said Clark, standing. "I need to get back and start organizing my team."
"We need to get back," said Lois, latching onto Clark.
Sam frowned and wanted to protest but he could clearly see from the look on Lois' face it would do him no good. "Be safe, when the civilians evacuate, I expect you to go with them."
"She will, she'll be with my parents," said Clark, earning a glare from Lois but no verbal argument.
"Good luck," said Sam, offering his hand to Clark.
Clark shook his hand, more than a little surprised at the offer.
"Thank you, sir."
"Don't let me down," said Sam.
Clark nodded accepting the order for what it was.
2005 – Smallville, Kansas – Kent Farm
Clark and Lois landed at the farm with the warning sirens blaring throughout the town, despite the time of night.
Clark and Lois rushed inside the house and were greeted by the Kents, Kara, Lara, and Bart.
"Bart, you got here fast," said Clark.
"Hey, when the angry chica calls and tells you there is an emergency then you show up, no questions asked," said Bart.
Alicia and Kyla appeared a moment later. "I'll be back in a minute with Oliver and Diggle," Alicia said quickly, then vanishing again.
"Did you call Tim?" asked Clark.
"I did," said Kara. "He's just waiting for Alicia to pick him up."
"Good, the General confirmed trajectory, it's heading straight for Smallville," said Lois.
"How bad is it?" asked Martha.
"Bad," said Clark. "The General will evacuate the civilians to Metropolis, I saw the Army and the National Guard already en route from Fort Riley. They should be able to evacuate everyone in plenty of time."
Alicia returned then with Oliver and Diggle, one in green leather and the other in brown leather. Oliver had his bow while Diggle had two hand-held crossbows. Alicia disappeared again.
Clark, Kara and Lara all took a step back from them at feeling the kryptonite.
"Sorry, didn't have time to sheath them in lead," said Oliver, his voice distorted.
"You're going to have to be really careful shooting those," said Lara.
"We're round two. We'll attack only if you three fail," said Oliver.
"We won't," said Clark confidently. "But I'm glad to know that you prepared a back up plan."
Oliver handed Bart a kryptonite knife.
"Okay, if you're going to handle that stuff, keep it outside," said Kara.
"So what's the plan?" asked Oliver.
Alicia appeared again with Tim, aka Sandstorm.
"Good, everyone is here," said Clark. "Alicia, Kyla, Tim, and Bart, I want you three helping with evacuations. You're the last line of defense in the event the rest of us fail. Ollie and Diggle, you're going to take up observer positions. In the event me, Kara, and Lara fail it's up to both of you. Kara, Lara, we'll be in the air watching for the black ship with Nam-Ek and Aethyr. Dodge the meteors, give them as wide a berth as you can, they are all going to be laced with kryptonite."
"Hey, thought you guys might need these," said Oliver, tossing a bag into the center of the room.
There were several leather coats similar to Oliver's in various colors.
"I don't like the idea of hiding but for now it might be for the best," said Clark, grabbing a blue jacket with a red hood.
Kara grabbed a red jacket with a blue hood.
Lara grabbed a purple jacket.
Bart already had a custom one of his own.
Ted grabbed a yellow jacket with a goofy grin on his face. "Awesome."
Alicia took the pink.
"I don't need one. My ability isn't very useful here," Kyla said looking a bit despondent.
"Take one anyway, you never know," said Oliver, throwing her the last one, a turquoise blue jacket.
"I'm going to cook up some food, make sure you all keep up your energy," said Martha, trying to keep herself occupied.
"Is it always quiet like this, you know... before?" asked Alicia nervously.
"Yes," said Clark, starting to stretch a little even if wasn't necessary.
"Kal-El, you know Kara and I will not be as strong at fighting as you or those two. At best we can keep them busy," said Lara.
"I know, I need you to keep Aethyr busy while I take Nam-Ek down. Be careful with her though, she'll have a Phantom Zone device, don't get caught in it. I doubt they will know how to fly so use that to your advantage," Clark did his best to talk them through it.
"Phantom Zone device?" asked Oliver.
"It creates a portal that can suck a person into another dimension called the Phantom Zone, it's a prison for some of the universe's worst criminals," explained Clark briefly.
"Right, so not a good thing," said Oliver.
"Not at all, if any of you get caught in there, find Raya. She was my husbands assistant, she'll keep you alive," said Lara.
"Why would your husband's assistant be there?" asked Diggle.
"To give her a chance to live after the destruction of our planet," explained Lara briefly.
"For now, everyone, try to rest, there are still hours before anything happens," said Jonathan.
Clark jumped slightly to float in the air and rest.
Lois didn't hesitate to sit on Clark's lap and lay across his chest.
Everyone else disseminated, some into the kitchen to eat, others to call friends and family, and a few more to one of the open rooms to get a little sleep before everything went to hell.