Chapter 97 [Next Day—Talon]

Dubois sat by himself in the corner. A black forest mocha and a much-reddened rough draft flanked his laptop. Preparations ran high around the mansion for the following weekend's festivities. He tested and retested the sample searches.

Bribed Treats hooked volunteers from the students lurking about the area. They executed sample searches in the databases in question. Feedback would be forthcoming.

All part of the learning process before the following Tuesday's presentation….

Despite Anticipation's edge, Realism reminded him of Problems' stalking them all from the peripheries. Sabotage forced constant adjustments to Lex's internship program. Dread ate at Peter despite everyone's reassurances. The Coven remained a threat. Osborn schemed behind the scenes.

Just another day in Smallville as far as Dubois was concerned….

Just get me through this! He had six verified samples for his handout. I can finish this at home. He put the paper in his binder. In turn that went in his backpack.

"Mr. Dubois?"

He glanced up at Clark. "Hey, Clark! You feeling better?"

"Yes, Sir! Professor Dubois really helped me last night. She showed me how to channel and transfer the energy." Clark gulped on his coffee. "Hopefully she's feeling better."

"She is actually. It's a lesson to us all. These creeps don't hold back even for family." Dubois sipped from his mocha. "That's why I'm trying to get as much done ahead of time. I know them too well."

"That's what Mom and Dad say." Clark cleared his throat. "I want to try something if that's okay?"

Dubois quirked an eyebrow. "Okay. What's up? I…."

Can you hear me? Clark bit his lip. He didn't know how Dubois would react.

I heard you were telepathic, Clark. Very nice. Just be warned, just because we're on this frequency doesn't mean we're necessarily having a private conversation. Dubois nodded. Anyone else want to chime in?

You know I can listen in, Clark, Lana chimed in.

I'm here too, Uncle Dave, Miranda announced from the counter.

AS AM I, KAL-EL, Jor-El added.

And so am I, Jennifer declared.

Thanks, Everyone. Dubois took another draught from his mug. I think that proved my point. The Coven can do this too. Potentially they're listening in on everything. So just be aware.

And the demon is too? Clark trembled in spite of himself.

Dubois spasmed. Course Ah am! Always lissenin'! A slight snarl escaped the older man's lips. Jus' be watchin' too! Good tha' yer practicin'!

You saw? Clark looked around.

Just drink your coffee and stop lookin' fer trouble. Ah'm watchin' fer ya'll an' La…na. The Child went silent.

Dubois rubbed his forehead. You get my point. There are a lot of people who have these abilities.

Clark nodded. I really have to learn to focus. How do you do it?

Dubois snorted. Hard experience. What we dealt with at the high school? That was typical for me at your age. Any day I could run into Lichtenfeld in the halls or in class. Her ancestor, the Countess Isobel, fried a teacher's mind just to prove a point. He pointed toward the counter. She was right about where the pound cake is behind the glass. Your folks and I were watching a movie. Lana's mother worked the concession stand. Then the Countess just shows up with another demon and a bunch of cultists. Anything can happen at any time.

Clark gulped hard. He had a hard time with that image. I can't see that.

He came flying through the front window back in 1981, Clark. Miranda set refills down in front of them both. I'm doing this because you need it. Also to prove a point that I can hear you. She smirked.

Thanks, Miri.

Don't mention it, Uncle Dave. Miranda nodded. Then she headed back toward the counter.

So what's the deal with…him? Clark cleared his throat.

Him? You mean the Child? He's just my other persona. He's extremely protective. That's because of the whole high school was hell thing. He won't lose anymore. Those under his watch get attacked, he gets nasty. That fight was a case in point. He protected you from Lionel Luthor and my father just after the meteor shower. I could tell you some stories but I won't. Lex can. Dubois finished his drink. He powered down his laptop. "Keep practicing, Clark. Glad you're becoming aware of what you can do. See you soon." He got up and walked toward Lex who waited at the door.

Some day I'll get to that point. Clark shook his head.

So much work to do….