Chapter 9 [Kent Farm]

[A/N: Jennifer makes reference to several things. The deal between Jonathan and Jor-El was in the Season 3 premiere. The standoff against the Manhunters and Jennifer/Jara Sa's backstory can be read in 'Foundling' (Dubois Chronicles 197) and Identity (Super Lana 49). Jonathan's recollection of the Child's teleportation ability happened in 'The Most Important Game' (Dubois 34).]

Clark turned the farm truck onto the dirt driveway. Relief eased his mind over Peter's reappearance in New York. He wanted the plans for both the next day and the Fourth of July to work out. Dad would put the farm jobs off to help out. He usually does anyway! That is if he doesn't get mad about the flying or Professor Dubois being involved! Lana wants to do it. It'd be great for both of us to have a day there. He parked the truck in front of the house. Just hope I'm not too late.

You're right on time, Mr. Kent, Lana sassed over their Link.

Clark rolled his eyes. That figures. He got out of the truck and walked into the house. "Hi, Everybody! Sorry I took longer than expected."

"Something come up at the mansion?" Jonathan raised an eyebrow.

"Peter got back to New York sooner than expected." Clark rubbed Lana's arm. "That smells great!"

"Thanks, Clark. I wanted to try it out. You remember Gwen's cornbread. Right? Well, they inspired tonight's dinner. Besides your Mom and you worked all day. I wanted to pitch in." Lana kissed his cheek.

"What do you mean got back to New York sooner, Clark?" Martha glanced up from where she stirred up the crock pot.

"He means that the Child appeared in Peter's room and brought him back to New York. He probably felt Peter and Gwen's vibes and wanted to help in his own way." Jennifer shrugged off everyone's concern. After all, she'd seen that happen on more than one occasion. "He's not one to ask for permission."

"She's right there." Jonathan shook his head. He still remembered Dubois lying on the floor in Clark's current bedroom. He saw the astral Apparition floating guard before it vanished again.

"He's also saved our lives that way." Martha spooned out bowls of macaroni and cheese. "Okay. Dinner's served. I can't wait to try this."

"We really appreciate this, Lana. Thank you." Jonathan offered a gracious smile. Once again, she'd shown how much she wanted to be part of the household and fit in.

"Just wanted to help out. I kind of had a craving for it. Is that apple cider?" Lana watched Jennifer pouring it into glasses.

"I asked her to bring some. As you said, Lana, I had my own craving." Martha took a mouthful of the brown tart and sweet liquid. "Mmm! This is good! I wish it wasn't two more months down here."

"That orchard does a good job of making cider year round. After Labor Day, I'll make a trip to Bauman's and help him press apples and make the cider myself. It's kind of a tradition." Jennifer drank from her own glass. "That is so good!"

"Bauman's?" Clark accepted the bowl and a piece of cornbread.

"It's an apple orchard in Cherry Plain, NY. Mr. Bauman probably has his berries in season right now. Angie loves that place." Jennifer sampled a spoonful. "Mmm! Lana, this is great!"

"Thanks! Glad you like it!" Intrigue grabbed onto Lana's attention. "Is that near her farm?"

"The orchard's in the village next to Wabash. Angie's parents used to take her there every year. He's a really nice man. Maybe you can meet him some time?" Jennifer bit into the cornbread. "Speaking of that. Do you two have anything planned for tomorrow?"

"Lana did everything I needed to have done around here. Why? What did you have in mind?" Martha exchanged looks with Jonathan. Then she turned back toward their guest.

"Peter and Gwen could use some help packing. Since Lana's off tomorrow but needs to be back the following day, I was going to fly her back and forth. Clark could use some practice too." Jennifer took another draught from her cider.

"Practice? You mean flying? Clark can run to wherever you're going." Jonathan stiffened.

"New York? I know he's done it before. Maybe if he started now, he'd get there in time. But he's not going to get any sleep either. If he flies, we can get there faster." Jennifer huffed. Impatience grated at her.

"What if he falls? What if he's seen?" Jonathan shook his head. "As much as I don't want him to fly with Lex, can't he just do that?"

"Dad, I have to practice a long flight at some point." Clark shook his head. He knew his father wouldn't approve.

"Clark." Jonathan raised an eyebrow. Excuse cloaked itself in Prerogative. "It is my job to make sure you're safe. We have Lana and you to think about. All right? You don't know how far you can fly yet. Remember it was a big deal to fly into Smallville?"

"Dad, I've been practicing in the woods and around the fields for a few hours every day. I've worked on my focus and concentration. When I do it, I wear a ski mask." Clark bit his lip. He tried to keep his tone even.

"I'll be with them. Besides, even if he, Lana or I fall and hit the ground, it won't hurt us. I've survived worse falls from higher up. Unless someone's packing Kryptonite, magic or a red sun, the kids are invulnerable. I'm not talking about Lana yet. She could start working on her flying whenever she wants to. In her case, I agree with you. I'd want her working on her stamina and focus first. Jor-El would agree with me. Neither he nor I want them exposed either for what that's worth." Jennifer rubbed her forehead.

"Jonathan, she's making sense. Maybe it might…." Martha hedged.

"Martha, we have to protect Clark." Jonathan set his spoon down. "Jor-El wants to force Clark to be more like him. The flying's just like the mind-speaking thing. These kids have to learn to act human!"

"Dad, that's not fair. Maybe you should remember…" Clark grimaced.

"Mr. Kent, we are trying to fit in." Lana drank from her cider. Disappointment soured in her stomach.

Sarcasm echoed in Jennifer's laugh. "Maybe you should remember something else, Jonathan. I have been fitting in and acting human since 1752! That's almost 270 years! I've had to stay off of everyone's radar here on Earth and Krypton as well." Indignation burned inside of her. "I don't take chances. If I didn't think Clark was ready, I wouldn't suggest it. I'd just fly them up there myself. Don't insult me again!"

"Krypton?" Lana raised an eyebrow.

"It's a long story, Lana. The short version is that my parents were political dissidents. They only had time to send me here from our home world. Then they destroyed the transporter. The Ministry of Science banished them to the Phantom Zone where they later died." Jennifer bowed her head. "Then they sent their manhunters after me."

"Manhunters?" Martha looked to Jonathan. Apprehension paled her face.

"Just another reason for us to be careful." Jonathan narrowed his eyes.

"Just another excuse for you to make you mean." Jennifer scoffed. "You certainly made use of Jor-El last summer to bring him back from Metropolis."

"What does she mean?" Martha gulped the mouthful down hard. "Jennifer?"

"Martha, she doesn't know what she's talking about." Jonathan grumbled. He stuffed a piece of cornbread into his mouth.

"Does this have anything to do with Jor-El giving you abilities to bring me home?" Clark sighed.

"Jor-El what? Jonathan! He wouldn't just give those to you." Martha set her spoon down. "What did you promise him in return?"

"Martha…" Jonathan shook it off.

Jennifer coughed. "Jor-El told me all about it. Clark flipped out on red kryptonite. You went to Jor-El and asked for help to bring him back here. Jor-El empowered you. In return, he wanted Clark back to be educated and indoctrinated as a full Kryptonian." She shook her head. "Obviously you didn't tell anyone. Did you?"

"Jonathan! How could you?" Martha gasped. "You didn't talk to me about that!"

"Kal was on a reign of terror. We needed to stop it and get Clark back here! Lana, you know that better than anyone!" Jonathan insisted. "And why didn't you fly in and stop him?"

"Fly in…what?" Jennifer rolled her eyes. "So now it's my fault? Don't pan off your brain fart on me! I was out of the country. We didn't have TV where I was. All right? Dave and Angie couldn't come out to deal with it. Chloe kept the secret to herself. Sister Clarise was respecting Nell Potter's wishes. Lana sounds like the only person who was actually on the ball. I don't know what Dr. Swann was doing. You're lucky that Lex had his internship program. You owe Lex a big thank you in that regard."

"I…what?" Jonathan swallowed hard.

"Jor-El's attitude changed when the others became involved. Lex brought Peter and Gwen into the picture. Norman Osborn told Peter and Lex about Dave and Angie. The old connections came to life once again. Sister Clarise returned. Lana's heritage came to the fore. The Child's protective vow resumed once more." Jennifer shook her head.

"Professor, Jor-El knew about my family and me. That's why he sent Clark and me to see Sister Clarise." Lana drank from her cider. "The rest is what Jor-El said to us in the cave. But the point remains. Jor-El's supportive of us being here. He wants Clark and me to have our Kryptonian heritage. What's the big deal?"

"Krypton's gone. You're on Earth. Why are we pushing our luck?" Jonathan rebutted.

"Dad, we have to use our gifts at some point!" Clark threw his hands up.

"Clark, I am still your father. Not Jor-El! ME!" Jonathan slapped his hand on the table. "Your mother and I know what's best for you!"

"Now we do? Jonathan, you should have talked with me before you made any kind of deal! All right? Jennifer's only looking to help teach the kids. Maybe you should respect her. Listen to her! She isn't Kryptonian! Krypton hurt her family. She still wants to work with us! That's what I see!" Frustration reddened Martha's face. "Jennifer isn't sneaking around like Jor-El. She's here talking with us. She has a plan. She's taking everything into consideration. She has experience that we don't have! Clark and Lana are of both worlds now!"

"But we are here, Martha!" Jonathan insisted. "Besides what happens if Morgan Edge finds out or someone else sees them? Then what?"

"That is why we mask up, Dad," Clark interjected.

Martha got up. "Jonathan, I've had enough. Clark, when you get there or if something happens, can you call us?"

"Sure, Mom."

"Lana?"

"Absolutely, Mrs. Kent," Lana agreed.

"It's settled then. I'll let Lex know." Martha got up. "Excuse me." She dialed the phone and waited for an answer.

Jonathan stewed but didn't say anything else.

Nothing came easy….