Chapter 10 [Three Weeks Later]

More storms blew through the heartland showering ice and heaping snowdrifts. People hustled from school and work, through their errands and finally toward their warm homes. On the farms, they shivered through chores and such. In school, the students wrapped up projects and looked ahead toward the winter break ahead.

And for some, it represented both service and learning opportunities…..

[Torch Office—Last Study Block, Day Before Departure]

Clark sat in front of the Torch's computer. His fingers typed away on the keyboard doing blurring searches online for maple sap making techniques. His eyes scanned screens of web detailed procedures, background and even a bit of History. Might be easier in a factory setting. He shook his head at the lazy sentiment well imagining what Jonathan's words on that score might be. He'd tell me that the old ways are best. He sighed and pressed the 'Print' button again.

Jor-El had been demanding time from him as well.

I could fly back and forth every day. Lana could teleport herself back and forth. Wish we didn't have to keep the secrets, he lamented (for probably the millionth time). He tapped his finger on the desk wishing that they could just be more open about things and people would leave them alone. That way we could help and not be gone that long. The chores would get done without bothering Mr. Ross. Pete maybe could come with us. He frowned.

A knock came from the door.

"Mr. Kent, such a long face. I'd ask why?" Reynolds queried from the door expectantly. His dark eyes scanned the area before he strode into the room. "It seems you have quite the project there."

Clark almost jumped out of his seat to stand at attention. Once again it seemed that the official had ambushed him when he least expected it. "I was doing some research, Mr. Reynolds. Got to get ready for that trip with my folks and the article."

Reynolds nodded with a straight face. He considered the stack of print outs on the printer. "Preparation is a key ingredient to any endeavor, Mr. Kent. Quite commendable. Still you don't seem enthused by the prospect." He folded his arms across his chest and studied the younger man; his eyes seemingly boring through to the other's soul.

Clark shrugged. "I am! You know how I am about helping people. It's great to see another place and learn about something new. I just feel like I should be…well here…doing chores and school work too."

"I see." Reynolds rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He let Clark's words rumble around in his mind. Then he pursed his lips. "Mr. Kent, here's a question. What do you think perspective is?"

"Huh? Perspective? Isn't that something we learned in art class?" Clark offered a confused expression.

Reynolds coughed. "Perspective is something we learn about in art. Yes indeed. Still I ask you does everyone do things the same way everywhere?"

"I don't think so. My father says that people have their quirks. I guess that comes down to points of view? And then you get some folks who are really out there because of their experiences." Clark shuddered while recalling the previous trip again.

Reynolds made note of Clark's reaction. "Some of us see things that others may never even fathom, Mr. Kent. As you said, it's all about point of view. America is a country made up of regions. Each region has individuals with very different and divergent points of view as you put it. Now that is the perspective which I was talking about."

Clark nodded. He somehow kept his eyes from rolling. Frankly the burden of balancing Earth, Krypton, Cowache and Althanorian worlds threatened to overwhelm him on a daily basis. He should try it from my angle. "And we stop everything because of it?"

"No, Mr. Kent. We don't stop things as perhaps put things on hold for a couple of days. We don't see things as well from inside of a box as we sometimes do on the outside. Perhaps we spend time in another's box to experience something different. We don't learn to cooperate and help each other unless we feel a mutual tie to each other. Why do you think I support Miss Sullivan's feature projects for the Torch? I want to encourage cross-cultural exploration. Education doesn't just happen within this building or in a library. It's out there as well." Reynolds clarified.

"And the old time stuff?" Clark considered the step by step study of a typical maple syrup operation.

"Again it's perspective. Your parents grow crops. Why would you do that if you can just buy them? To some people, it's the same thing. It's made with their own hands. It's their own. Not everything is done at a computer or by automation. Sometimes you have to actually use your hands and wits to do something. You have to experience it for yourself to understand." Reynolds considered the previous day's Torch. "You might reread the coffee article. Princess Jasmine's piece would offer some additional insight on this front for your consideration. Do have a great trip. Eyes open and hands ready now." With that, he set the newspaper down on the desk. He straightened his blazer and strode back out of the room.

Clark leaned back. He scratched his head wondering about Reynolds' latest piece of advice. Points of view? There's doing and helping. Dealing with the balance is such a headache!

It is a necessary part of being in the universe, my Son, Jor-El reminded him.

Jor-El! Clark almost jumped. He remembered that he should talk to the father spirit before the group's departure. Sorry. I was preparing.

As the dark skinned human just noted, that is a commendable trait. It seems experience is teaching you something. Why do you think your grandfather sent me to Earth? Jor-El pointed out.

To humble you? That's what Ms. McCallum and you have both said, Clark recalled.

There was that…yes. It is also to understand less advanced ways of doing things. Even if we have technology, who runs the operation? If we have a machine to do it, it is more efficient. But do we understand the process? If we never learn how to do it, we relinquish control to someone else for whatever reason that might be. Consider that, my Son. In the meantime, we can speak on such things from anywhere. Just be mindful of what lurks in those woods, Jor-El went on.

What lurks…? It isn't Massachusetts. We should be safe there, right? Clark supposed.

The danger you faced last Fall knows no bounds, Kal-El. Lana's ancestors have appeared where you're going to be. They've been where you are now. Distance is relative. In physical and mundane terms, yes, it separates. In most ways, it matters little. If Dubois' demon wanted, it could be anywhere on your Earth in a heartbeat. That is why you need to be mindful. Your education does not come in that building, our chamber or on that farming collective. It is through your experiences. Just take care. I am sure that Heloise reminds Lana of the same thing. We shall speak again, Jor-El advised before going silent.

Terrific. Now I've got this to think about too. Clark powered down the computer. He collected the printouts and stuck them in his binder. Chores and then packing. He shut off the light and rushed away toward the farm and his waiting chores there.

A day's work wouldn't wait for man, alien or human for that matter…..