Chapter 8 - The Stranger Is Here

Facing a mirror you see merely your own countenance; facing your child you finally understand how everyone else has seen you.
Daniel Raeburn, The New Yorker, 05-01-2006 French writer (1900 - 1944)

Lois had slept fitfully after Clark left in the early morning hours. She ran her hand on the cold side of the bed where he had been just a few hours before. Now she understood just how hard it could be to say goodbye if you knew there might not be a hello to follow. The room was just beginning to get light as the dreadful morning was starting. Why were the birds singing outside the window? Didn't they know what was in store for the world, did anybody really know?

Getting up she slowly got dressed and went downstairs to find her dad, Martha and Ben talking quietly. They all looked to her as she entered and joined them in the living room sitting around the TV. The news coverage of Superman and governmental responses to the threat was non-stop on just about every channel save for a few devoting time to children's programs. Those channels perhaps felt they were providing a public service giving parents an alternative to pacify young viewers.

Superman had been traveling all over the globe trying to dispel the fears of a world now very much aware of what this day could hold. He uncharacteristically stopped to answer reporter's questions at almost every location. Knowing fear is often fueled by the unknown he wanted everyone to know and understand as much as possible. Many of the governments he was dealing with, including the United States, tried to quiet him but he persisted and the public listened and were thankful.

As they sat and watched no one seemed interested in eating. Martha did make some coffee and needing something to do she decided to make some pancakes even if the adults were not hungry the kids would need to eat. Perhaps the smell would help give the adults an appetite, at any rate she could not just sit and watch.

Just about the time the kids were called down for breakfast Richard and Chloe arrived. They, of course, had stayed at the old Hubbard farm nearby. Jason and Kala knew something was wrong by the way everyone was acting and watched the adults with interest trying to figure it out. Jason could hear the TV even turned down low like it was ever since he and Kala had come downstairs. Getting up from the table with his meal only half finished Jason went in and stood by his mom. Richard grabbed the TV remote upon seeing him and changed the channel to the cartoon network.

"Mommy, why is everybody so upset? Daddy told me what he had to do as Superman was dangerous. I saw him on TV just now, he is ok isn't he?"

Kala had followed Jason and heard his questions. Both kids looked around the room as no one answered.

"Your Daddy is fine, he was just on TV you saw him. I just thought you would rather watch cartoons than that news program." Richard covered.

"When is Daddy going to be back?" Kala asked really wanting to know now. She knew when adults were not telling the truth, she had had a lot of experience with that. Her new Dad always told her the truth. Why were these adults now starting to hide something from her and Jason, was it something about Daddy?

Lois took a breath and answered, "Daddy has to protect the world as Superman right now. He will be back as soon as he possibly can."

Satisfied with the answer the kids went back and finished their breakfast and started to go outside to play. Catching them Martha steered them back upstairs instead. "I just got you a new video game. Grandpa Ben can set it up for you in your bedroom. Would you like that?" Both kids seemed excited.

Ben followed them upstairs and moved a small TV into Clark's old bedroom which was now considered theirs and set up the game even giving them both headphones. He couldn't help but think that Martha had been so insightful as to plan for something just like this to keep the kids entertained. Perhaps it was her past experience with her hearing gifted son.

The morning seemed to drag on forever. They were amazed as they watched the coverage at how many places Superman was visiting and how often he was captured on live TV. It seemed like all other activity had stopped. They soon realized that every nation was tuning in to hear the latest news and updates just as they were as he traveled from one site to the next finally ending up hovering silently in Washington D.C. It was obvious from his demeanor and the way he was looking up at the sky that the ship was approaching. This was it. As nervous as they all were, at least the waiting was finally going to be over.

General Lane had been pacing the room as the ship appeared on the screen he gasped and sat down next to Lois watching intently. He put his arm around her protectively never taking his eyes off the screen.

They were shocked when they heard the unearthly voice call out Superman's Kryptonian name. How could the aliens have known his name? It was clear Superman was also shocked. They watched the interchange in silence, her dad squeezing Lois' hand several times in comfort and support.

When the soldiers approached Lois took in a deep breath covering her mouth in fear. She didn't release it till Superman had admonished the men and disarmed one with what was surely a blast of his heat vision.

Even as worried as she was, she couldn't help but feel pride at the way he was handling the whole situation. She was amazed that her husband, Superman seemed so unafraid and commanding even standing up to the alien war lord making him present himself and explain their actions so the people of Earth could understand. Looking around she could tell everyone in the room was thinking the same thing.

When the figures vanished back into the beam of light she felt the tears fall from her eyes. The kids were upstairs, should she go to them or should she stay here and watch. She was torn not knowing just what to do. Clark would have known, oh that he was here. She so wanted his arms around her now around all of them just one more time. Was that ever to be? She sat unable to move, her eyes once again clued to the TV as the Ship and Superman moved out of the view of the camera.

The stations continued their coverage at times with images of the ship and Superman flying nearby other times commentators making statements of what was happening. Then the ship appeared once again in Washington D.C. where it pulled apart into four distinct ships just as Clark had said it would. The ships then appeared to do a shell game as the ships darted this way and that interchanging positions before heading off in separate directions. Superman was forced to follow one ship. Did he know which one he had chosen? Did it really matter, but then why the shell game in the first place?

Sightings were made all over the world some again with TV coverage. Broadcasters started speculating on what was likely to happen next. On what was truly meant by the interchange between the alien and Superman. Was Superman going to end up going with them? What about the Earth, could he protect it from such powerful enemies? After all, he was but one man. Powerful as he was, only one man all the same.

Word came of some kind of showdown in North Kamdar. There were unconfirmed reports that Superman had tried to prevent an attack and was possibly down. Then reports that North Kamdar had been utterly and completely destroyed. A message stating the President of the United States was about to make a statement appeared on the screen. The picture switched to a scene showing a desk with the Presidential Seal. It was obviously not the oval office.

"He must be at the Presidential 'safe' house." General Lane said to nobody in particular.

Lois put her hand over her mouth trying to maintain her composure. Martha came and sat next to her on the couch with General Lane still on the other side. Their hands all clasped together waiting. Lois was barely able to breath. She kept looking up at the ceiling to where the kids played unaware of what was happening.

President Thorn entered and took a seat holding several papers in his hands. His face appeared ashen.

"Today at approximately 1:47 PM Easter Pacific Time North Kamdar attempted to attack the Trprian ships. Superman was able to intercept the initial attack but as it continued he was overwhelmed and a missile got past him and was absorbed by one of the alien ships. Just as he warned the ship somehow magnified the weapons power and sent a blast back which Superman blocked with his body. Superman fell to Earth and moments later additional missiles were fired which were again absorbed by the ships. The rest is speculative. It appears the ships again magnified the weapons power. What is known is that North Kamdar no longer exists. Nothing remains other than smoldering dirt. It is doubtful that even Superman could have survived the intensity of the blasts."

"Mere moments ago, the aliens seemed to confirm that as they appeared once again in the Washington, D.C. sky stating in honor of our champion's valiant attempt to save us they had decided to relent for a short time. It is not known if or when they will return. But it appears we will not have Superman as defense if they do."

"I ask all of you to pray. Pray for the safety of your families, the safety of the Earth, and pray for Superman whom we may never see again in this life."

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Lois rose pulling away from her father and Martha, "No, NO! I won't accept it. He has to be alive. He can't leave us, not again, not so soon. It's too soon!" She collapsed on the floor in uncontrolled sobs with everyone gathering around her trying to console her yet knowing it impossible.

Jason came running down the stairs hearing the commotion even with the head set on. Seeing his mother on the floor he went to her. "Mommy, mommy, what's wrong. Mommy you're scaring me."

Kala had followed him down and stood at the doorway crying. She knew something bad had happened she was terrified to find out just what it was.

General Lane retrieved his bag and before Lois knew in her hysterical state he had given her a tranquilizing shot. Soon she relaxed and he carried her upstairs and placed her in bed. Martha stayed with her holding her hand as she fell off in a drug induced sleep.

Richard and Chloe gathered the kids and took them back upstairs and gently tried to tell them their Daddy was missing and that he might be hurt. The kids seemed to understand even reading thru the lines. Maybe he was not going to come home ever again. All four cried and tried to comfort each other.

Jason soon decided he had had enough. He broke away with tears still falling down his cheeks. "My Daddy is coming home, you just wait and see." He ran out of the room, down the stairs and out to the barn before anyone could even think to stop him.

Richard followed wanting to make sure he didn't go far. He had quickly lost sight of him but saw dust in front of the barn door and therefore knew where he had gone. He entered and found him crying up in the loft on a small cot that had been there for years. Martha had always made sure it was kept clean for when her son visited and now the grandkids played there as well.

Richard went to the boy and again gathered him in his arms and just let him cry as he stroked his hair not knowing what else to do.

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Superman began waking but remained in a deep haze. He became conscious of intense pain in the area of his chest. As his mind began to clear he remembered the blast, his attempt to block it and then darkness. Knowing instinctively that he was in the Trpria starship he shuttered realizing what must have happened. "No, NO!" He screamed to the walls, "I failed. I failed them all!" Thinking to himself, I'm sorry Lois, I'm sorry, I should have done more… Fearing all had been lost. ..I can't do this again. Never again, why didn't I just die.

After a few moments he composed himself and tried to move but found he had been restrained securely to the table and try as he might he was unable to break the bonds. His chest hurt terribly as he tried to move. He also realized he was cold as it became apparent they had removed his suit placing only a thin covering over him. Looking around the room he became aware that it was bathed in a red glowing light. He instinctively knew they had placed him in a Krypton simulated environment. Did they really think they could forcibly make him join them? Lois, Jason, Kala what of them? Was Earth truly gone, he despaired?

The doors to the room suddenly swished open. "Kal-El, I see you are awake. Welcome, it seems you will be joining us after all."

"Never, you might as well kill me now. I will never join the likes of you?"

"Don't be so quick to say never. There are many ways to persuade." He turned from Superman as a second examining table was brought into the room.

Superman looked in shock as he saw what lay upon the table it was his spitting image, wearing his suit. The crest on the chest was burned beyond recognition and part of the chest area of the suit as well. He caught his breath fearing to even guess what they were up to but then again perhaps it meant there was still hope if they continued to plot.

"Why do you need a double of me?"

"What better way to get your cooperation than to send this exact double to Earth posing as you. Infiltrating with the primitives you so value, the ones you love most even."

"They'll know it's not me. It won't work."

"This android will have your memories, it will work. Place the device on his head and begin the process. I grow tired of this." Lord Arnken waved his hand in annoyance as he left the room.

Unable to move, weak and restrained Superman was not able to stop the process. As they placed the helmet over his head and a second one over the android's head he focused his entire being on just a few words. He had no idea if it would make a difference but he had to try. Love, Lois, Jason, Kala, Mom, Love… love…do no harm…love… He repeated the same words over and over lingering over each one praying it would make a difference. After several hours they finally removed the helmet and left the room taking the android with them. The experience had totally drained him and he found himself loosing consciousness floating in his mind.

He was back with Lois and the kids playing Frisbee in the back yard, flying with Jason, playing piano with Kala, helping his mom around the farm, making love with Lois, just being with them around the table, bantering with Lois about something trivial, reading stories to the kids…

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It had been twenty-four hours since the announcement by the president. No one had gone farther than the barn. They had eaten meals in silence mostly just moving the food around on the plate. The news commentators had speculated on everything. Richard and Chloe had submitted stories with some of the information they were privy to. Lois had refused to leave her room. She kept stroking the bed where he had last been. Her tears were intermittent and impossible to contain. The kids joined her from time to time but the other adults had tried to keep them occupied as best they could.

Hearing laughter coming from downstairs Lois came running down. She even thought she had heard his voice. She froze upon entering the living room. The wedding video was playing on the TV with the kids sitting in front of it watching. Lois went up to the screen grabbing the remote as she went freezing the picture with the image of Clark holding Jason in one arm and Kala in the other. The kids each had an arm on her shoulder as the four of them danced. Lois dropped to her knees in front of the TV and put her hand on the screen on his laughing face. Kala and Jason went to her as the three remained there in silence holding on to each other.

Jason pulled away…hesitant at first then screaming as he ran from the room and out the door…."DADDY, DADDY's home!"

As he ran towards Superman who was just landing in the yard near the house he stopped in his tracks. Kala came bounding out running past where he stood. "DADDY, OH DADDY we missed you so. We thought you weren't coming back!" She jumped into his arms hugging him as tight as she could.

The adults came running out too upon hearing the kid's screams. Lois ran to Superman with relief replacing all the pain as she embraced him. He sat Kala down to wrap his arms around her as he kissed her hungrily. The others came and stood around them filled with questions thrilled to have him back.

As they greeted him overjoyed he was alive and well, he glared unseen at Jason who remained back just watching.

Kala noticed and went to join him. He whispered to her, "Kala that's not Daddy."

Kala looked at him confused, then back at Superman. "Of course it is. Why do you think it's not Daddy?"

"Kala, he has not heart. I can hear everybody's heart but his. He scares me. That is not my Daddy."

Kala looked at him and then back at Superman again not knowing what to think. The adults now laughing and talking nonstop out of relief started walking towards the house. Kala hesitated then followed not knowing what to do.

As she got to the door she turned and saw Jason crying as he headed towards the barn. She started to follow then decided to go in and tell Richard what Jason had said.

Before Jason made it to the barn he was engulfed in a bright beam of light and disappeared in the blink of an eye unseen by anyone.

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It would be so nice if you would kindly take a moment and Review. Thank YOU .

Ahem. Eeek the stranger is here --- Next Chapter - Android Superman should be posted tomorrow!