As Jerry and Clark landed outside the "Fortress of Solitude". Jerry was taken aback at how massive this place was. Not to mention a little curious as to it came to be. "Wow Clark. This place is massive! How did it get here?"
Clark seemed at a loss for words. "Well...it's a bit of a long story. Apparently there were three stones that combined to form a crystal. These...stones were spread out all over the world. I won't go into the insane details of how I got them all. But the crystal must have been some kind of key. When I first held it, I was in a hidden chamber in the Kawatche caves, it transported me here. I threw the crystal, almost on instinct and it landed in this area. That's when this thing formed!"
Jerry was now even more amazed. He wondered why something similar didn't exist in his dimension. "So, wait, this was planned for you?"
"Apparently. I've always wondered if the people of Krypton, my father specifically, knew something was going to happen. Maybe some ancient prophecy or something, fortold of Krypton's destruction and the last son who would be sent. Although, with all that Jor-el has put me through, and all that's happened to my family and friends because of it...well, I'm not entirely sure about the nature of his intentions. So, how about a tour? If you think this thing is big on the outside, wait until you see the inside."
Jerry followed Clark into the massive structure. Jerry was amazed that the number of crystals on the inside, almost doubled the number on the outside! It was a geologists dream! "So, did Jor-el tell you anything more about this place? Have you completely explored it?"
"All Jor-el's told me is that it's a small piece of Krypton. I've kind of made it a habbit of avoiding this place unless I have to be here. Jor-el wants me to learn all I need to. Apparently, this place has certain powers and abilities that I, personally, am not anxious to learn about."
"Why not? You have a chance to learn about your people! Don't get me wrong, I would trade my life for anything. I have a beautiful wife. A great job. It's hard balancing being Superman sometimes, but it's all worth it. Clark, have you ever considered that maybe, your destiny lies outside of Smallville? I can understand wanting to hold on to what you have, but what if Jor-el is trying to lead you to something better?"
Clark looked hurt by this. But something else in his face said that he almost considered that point. "Look, I know you're trying to get home, and maybe that's why you're so keen on giving Jor-el what he wants. But you don't understand what he's done to Smallville! I'll do what I can to get you home Jerry. But giving into him is the last thing on my list!"
Jerry knew that he didn't understand exactly what Jor-el had done. But he also knew that moving to Metropolis had been the best thing for him. "Clark, as much as I want to get home to my wife, I don't want to force you to do something you aren't ready to do. Just think about it. You have special abilities that could benefit the world. If Jor-el has mistreated you, then stand up to him. Stand up for what is right and good. Take what your parents taught you and teach the world! I'm not saying you have to fly around in tights, saving the world. But you do have something to offer. If I'd gone to Metropolis sooner, maybe I would have found what I was looking for sooner." Jerry took a seat and a nostalgic look came over his face.
"I travelled the world Clark. I was looking for something I couldn't find. Little did I know, I didn't need to leave the country to find it, or her in this case!"
"Your wife?"
"Yeah. She played a big role in my not feeling alone anymore. She was the first person outside my parents that I told about my secret, or should I say, admitted to when she figured it out on her own after almost two years. And you've got it easier than I do. Your parents can drive to Metropolis. For some reason, in my dimension, Metropolis is a three hour flight!"
Clark stood silent for a moment. He seemed to be pondering what Jerry had said. Just then, a blinding white light surrounded Jerry.
"Kal-el!" It was Jor-el. Jerry wondered if this meant what he hoped. Was he going home? "You have done well. I am grateful. But your mission is not yet complete."
Jerry sighed in disappointment. "Then why contact me?"
"You have completed the first portion of what I've asked you to do. But my son has not fully accepted his destiny."
Jerry was getting frustrated. "So what more do you want me to do?"
"Show him!" With those last words, the light disappeared.
Jerry found himself right where he'd been stading before. He noticed the concerned look on Clark's face. "It's okay Clark. I'm all right. I just had another one on one with Jor-el."
"What did he say to you?" Clark was obviously worried.
"It was strange. He said that I had completed the first part of my mission, but that there was more to do."
"Did he say what?" Clark appeared suspicious. He seemed to be looking for something, possible a hidden agenda on Jor-el's part? Jerry was starting to understand that when Jor-el spoke, Clark's guard went up.
"His exact words were "Show him"."
"Show him?" Clark thought for a moment. "That could mean anything. But it obviously has to do with something you'll need to do to complete your mission. I wonder what it could be?"
"I don't know. But I promise Clark. I won't hurt you." Jerry looked at his watch, only to realise that the time on his watch probably didn't match up with the time in this universe. "Clark, what time is it now?"
Clark looked at his watch. "Almost 6:30. We should probably head back to the farm. I've got to call Lana and maybe my parents will have some insight."
"I was thinking the same thing. It seems that no matter what dimension you're in, Jonathan an Martha Kent turn out to be the greatest parents." Jerry grinned.
The two of them flew back to the farm and landed in the field. "So Clark, still afraid of heights?"
Clark laughed. "Yeah, sort of. It's different when you're the one doing the flying though!"
"Yeah, I can't stand airplanes!"
"Why? Too confining?"
"That, and when you've kept a couple of hundred from crashing all over the world and stopped terrorists from hijacking them, you become a little more confident in your own ability to fly!" Both men laughed as they walked into the house.
At dinner, Clark and Jerry briefed Clark's parents on what had happened at the fortress. Jonathan remained silent for a moment then spoke. "Clark, I have to admit, I'm not a fan of Jor-el's, but at least it's not some mindless drone he's using this time. Jerry here seems to have a good head on his shoulders." Jonathan paused and appeared to think for a moment. "I think it'd be best if the two of you went along as well, normal. Do as you would have done if Jor-el hadn't said anything. Jor-el's plans tend to play themselves out whether we interfere or not. Keep your guard up, just in case."
"We will." Jerry chimed in. "Mrs Kent, that meal was delicious! I'm glad the famous "Martha Kent" cooking ability is universal! But tomorrow night, if I'm still here, maybe you'll let me cook dinner. It's the least I could do to say thanks."
"Well thank you Jerry!" Martha appeared to be flattered. "But you don't have to cook! I don't mind!"
"Please, I insist. After all, my mother taught me everything I know about cooking. Maybe I'll make one of the more exotic italian dishes I learned those few months I spent in Italy."
"Okay," Martha relented. "But at least let me buy the ingredients. Jot down what you need and I'll get it for you."
"Fair enough. Now Clark, there are a few things I've been wondering about since we were at the Talon today."
Clark sighed. "Okay, I'll tell you what I can."
"First, do any of those people I met know about your secret?"
"Well, I told you about why I haven't told Lana. But Chloe knows. She figured it out on her own."
Jerry nodded. "That could be useful. I found after L...my wife learned my secret, we became a more efficient team. We tended to get more done and a lot more effectively. Maybe we should consider bringing her into the loop on this."
Jonathan spoke up. "Jerry, I love Chloe, but Clark's secret is big enough to bear on it's own, I don't think it would be fair to add this situation to her shoulders."
Clark had a curious look. "Dad, what are you talking about?"
Jonathan sighed. "Lex came by looking to speak with Jerry. He started asking all kinds of questions about where he was from. I told him it was none of his business and warned him to leave before I called the sheriff. He left, but Clark, he suspects something's going on. This situation is getting more serious by the hour. I'm guessing if he knows about Jerry that he ran into you earlier today."
Clark nodded. "He's been monitoring the caves for energy levels since September. He noticed a spike and he may be trying to link Jerry's appearance to it. That's why we've stayed away from the caves."
Jonathan nodded. "You've done the right thing. I would avoid Lex until this situation is resolved. But, I still don't like the idea of bringing anyone else into it."
Martha spoke up. "Jonathan. Chloe has learned from her past mistakes and has proven her loyalty to Clark. Maybe she could help."
Jonathan folded his hands and dropped his head in his trademark fashion. "All right Clark. I'll leave the decision to you. But, at least sleep on it first."
clark seemed to be thinking. "Okay, I'll decide tomorrow. But dad, I have to admit, having Chloe as an additional support has been helpful. I think I owe it to her to bring her in on it."
"Clark, son, the fact is you're a young man and I know your mother and I did a good job raising you. We know you'll make the right decision. Anyway, we've got an early morning, so we're going to head to bed. The two of you can decide who'll sleep where. Goodnight Clark, Jerry."
"Goodnight dad."
"Goodnight Mr. Kent." Jerry said with a grin.
As Jonathan and Martha left the room, Clark turned to Jerry. "You said there was something else you were wondering."
"Yeah," Jerry hesitated. "I know Lois Lane is supposed to be coming into town in a couple of days, but, I'm kind of anxious to see metropolis. I mean, it's my home in my dimension. I wouldn't mind seeing what it looks like here. Do you think you could arrange a meeting with Lois?"
Clark had a shocked look on his face. "Yeah, I'll call Chloe after I talk with Lana. Speaking of which. I really need to give her a call. I'll be back in a half hour or so. Feel free to wander around if you want."
"Thanks Clark. I was thinking I'd head out to your loft, if that's all right. I figure I should avoid flying through the skies for now."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea. Go ahead, I'll meet you up there later."
Jerry headed up to the loft to think. He looked up at the sky. He began to think about Lois. He missed her. She completed him and she wasn't even looking up at the same sky he was. That thought stopped him. Lois wouldn't have time to worry. He would return moments after he left. That, at least brought him some comfort. Jerry's mind eventually focused on the events that would transpire the next day. If Clark could make the arrangements, maybe the Lois here could help the two of them, somehow. And if the Chloe Sullivan were to learn about him, could she help in any way? And Metropolis. He'd flown over that city a million times. What would this one be like? Would it feel like home. Probably not for him but...then it hit him. "Show him!" the words finally made sense. Jerry knew what the next step was and exactly what to do.