David J. Duncan
Chapter 4
[Tucson]
While Lana deliberated what to do, Dave Dubois sat in his office grading papers and trying to get some research done. He had enjoyed showing the visitors from Smallville around the campus, letting them sit in on classes, and talk with the other students. However, his concern over the events of the visit still bothered him. It was going to be a great visit for these kids to enjoy the world. Figures that the GSA would come after Angie and me while they were here. The parents must think we're monsters down here.
Some good had come out of the whole mess in any event. First, he had found a mentor in Adam and friends in Mutant X to work through the issues related to his own abilities and the Child. Then, the situation over Alicia Fallone had given him the opportunity to have new mutant students at the university starting in the fall semester as part of an experiment. I hope that Clark will be able to be a part of it. The young man needs to have others around like himself.
Just then, a knock came from the door. "Dave?"
"Come in," he responded.
Lydia Coltrane, his former professor and current colleague, entered the office and sat down in a chair facing him. "Are you feeling any better, Dave?"
"Not really," he remarked, rubbing the back of his neck. The stupid thing still hurts like Hell. "Life goes on, though."
"Nice try, but I'm not buying it and neither are Francesca or Eve. You're still stewing over those attacks, aren't you? Not that I blame you, but you can't hide in your office either," she advised.
He looked at her, allowing the uncertainty to show in his eyes. "I can't endanger these students, Lydia. If the GSA attacks...."
"So they attack. We can only try to prevent it," she countered.
"Lydia," he interjected.
"No, Dave, you listen to me. That mess wasn't your fault and...wait..." She got up and walked over. "Hold still." She touched the sensitive area on his neck.
"Ow! Hey!"
"My word! No wonder you were carrying on like that. What did they do to you?" she demanded, the concern clearly evident in her voice.
"Carrying on like what?" he wanted to know. "All I know is that I blacked out. What happened next? I didn't..."
Another episode he doesn't remember. Terrific. "Oh, you did all right. I've never seen you so out of control. You were more animal than human...snarling and roaring like some beast. Now, I can see why. What did they do?"
"Close the door," he told her. When she had done so, he continued, "The device is called a sub-dermal governor. It's a round plastic disc with a needle in the end that goes into the nervous system. When somebody like me uses their...abilities without their say-so, it causes pain. They turned it up all the way on me and...well...I guess you saw the result."
"Along with half of the campus," she told him. "You did get the students out of the room first. Remember, it's not your fault. How were Clark and Lana handling things when you dropped them off?"
"They were okay, I guess. Considering that she was kidnapped, I think she's going to be okay. Still, I'm worried. Those two had a lot shoved on their plate. Sudden things like that can bust a relationship."
Despite everything, he still feels that breakup. Dave, you have to move on. "The way it split you and Karen, right? Look, Dave, that's sweet of you to worry about the kids like that, but there's nothing you can do. Let them work it out. Meantime, you need to work through some issues for yourself. We're all here behind you. Ok?"
"Yeah. Thanks. I have to call the Kents and make sure that they're okay with this," he replied.
"Good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine," she assured him, closing the door and leaving the area.
I hope so. With that, he began to dial the phone.
****
[Smallville]
The Kents sat around the dinner table, trying to enjoy some of Martha's pie and fresh milk. While this was usually enjoyable, the trio worried so much about the situation with Lana and the overall experience at the university that they couldn't enjoy the treat.
"I'll put everything away," she told the others.
"I'll help, Mom," Clark volunteered, getting up and taking some of the plates over to the sink.
Jonathan smiled. At least the experience hasn't changed him any. He's still Clark.
At that moment, the phone rang.
"Hello, Kent residence," he answered.
"Good evening, Mr. Kent. This is David Dubois speaking. How are you doing tonight?" Dave asked.
"I've been better. Clark and Lana are really depressed. What happened down there? Did you cause it?" the worried father wondered, his temper flaring just a bit.
"Dad, don't!" Clark warned, knowing full well what could happen.
No, I won't change...I won't...not now. "No, Mr. Kent, I didn't cause it. I am sorry about what happened, all right? Terrorists targeted the campus and we did what we could to keep everyone safe. I'm sitting here with a sore neck after being stuck with something. I woke up in an ICU only to find out that my wife, her colleague, and Lana were missing. Ask Clark. He'll tell you."
Is he really serious? "So...you didn't harm the kids?"
"Dad, stop it," Clark protested.
"No, Mr. Kent, I didn't. In fact, I helped to get Lana out of where she was being held along with my wife. I can't tell you how sorry I am about this situation. The administration feels the same way and approved their admission in here unanimously. Look, I'm going to be frank with you. Did you hear my speech the other day?"
"The one in the auditorium? That was you?" Jonathan asked, feeling the twinge of memory through his head. "Funny, you look like someone I remember from about twenty years ago."
The professor looked at the phone quizzically. What the? I've never been to...
[From within his head, he heard the Child snickering, "Ya don't remember. But we've been there."]
Dave shook his head. He's doing it to me again, he thought before continuing, "That's a time in my life I don't remember much about. I just have this really bad scar on my arm from where I took some stitches. They apparently took some glass out of there."
It's him. Jonathan exchanged looks with his wife before continuing, "Okay. I got to tell you that I was very impressed with that talk especially if you meant what you said about the Community of Tolerance."
"I meant it. That I can promise you, Mr. Kent," the historian assured him. "You can send Clark and Lana elsewhere if you want, but they won't have the camaraderie that'll be here come the fall semester. And the group responsible for the hit is being investigated right now."
He made the same promise to us before. We need to let him honor it. I know it's crazy, but somehow, I know it's right. "Well, I can't speak for Lana's aunt, but that's good enough for me. Both my wife and I appreciate how you made sure he called us. Thank you. If you promise to keep an eye on them while they're down there, we'll be fine."
"It would be my pleasure," Dave responded cordially yet warmly.
"Great. Then send the paperwork through," the farmer told him.
Yes! Clark thought. I hope Nell doesn't block Lana from going as well.
"It'll be in the mail tomorrow. Meantime, can I speak with Clark? I just wanted to be sure that everything's okay," the professor requested.
"Sure. Here he is. Thanks again, Professor Dubois, for everything," Jonathan concluded handing the phone over to his son. "Clark, he wants to talk to you."
"Hello, Professor Dubois?" he asked.
"Good evening, Clark. Did the flight go okay?" Dave responded.
"Hi, Professor. Yes, we did okay. We're getting ourselves settled again."
Dave detected something in his voice. Uh oh, I know that tone. Lydia, I know you said I shouldn't, but... "How's Lana handling everything?"
"Not well. She's that obvious? She was enjoying herself out there and then, I guess she started thinking on the plane," he sighed.
"I hate to tell you this, Clark, but she was already thinking before we left. Are you going to talk to her? You can't let it...you know...break you two up. I know it's none of my business and you can tell me to butt out if you want, but my...condition...cost me a relationship and almost one of my best friends," he noted.
I can see why somebody would be afraid of him. "Why was that?"
"Because I wasn't up front with her about it. I tried to keep him a secret and it drove us apart in the end," Dave answered, a bit of sadness in his voice.
"But you two are talking now?"
"Yes. In fact, she introduced me to her husband's ex-girlfriend from college."
"And?"
"I'm married to her." Dave chuckled, his mood now picking up a bit.
"Oh," Clark replied, not knowing what else to say. That's a nice story, but what's he getting at?
"We don't know what the road's going to offer us, Clark. I will tell you that Lana brings out the best in you. Granted, I was only around you for a week, but I was impressed by what I saw. You do the same for her as well. Just talk to her and let her know that you're still you. That Clark is Clark."
"That's too easy," Clark dismissed.
"Yeah, it sounds that way, doesn't it? Just talk to her, okay? Look, I have to get ready to teach that survey class again. Take care. We'll see you toward the middle of August," the professor told him.
"Okay. Give everyone my best and thank them for answering our questions. Thank you as well for the advice. I can see that Lana and I have made the right choice."
"I'll do that and the advice is on the house. Give Lana my best as well, okay? And remember what I said: talk to her. Have a good night," the professor concluded warmly, hanging up the phone.
Clark smiled as he hung up the phone. It sounds so easy, but she wouldn't listen to me earlier. I wonder if I should wait until school tomorrow, or...
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
Martha answered it. "Lana! Please come in."
The younger woman entered the house and looked around nervously. Seeing the two men, she greeted, "Clark, Mr. Kent, how are you?"
"Hanging in there," Jonathan replied, trying to contain his nervousness over the situation.
"Yeah. Hey, do you want to go up to the hay loft and talk?" Clark offered.
"Afterwards," Lana accepted. "We all need to talk first."
