Superman Go Home - Part II
It's also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that's sitting right here right now... with its aches and it pleasures... is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.
Pema Chodron
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Arriving home Jason raced into the house crying, running directly for his dad's arms. "Daddy, they were saying mean things about you. Why would they do that?"
"Jason, Jason, whoa what's wrong? What happened?" Jason jumped into his lap, Clark held him out so he could see his face.
"Daddy, they were saying you were scary and bad and… and should go home. Why would they say mean things like that? This is your home. You're good. You're not bad… you help people."
Clark looked up into his mother's eyes as she and Kala entered the house hoping she could shed more light on what Jason was crying about. "Mom, what happened?"
"I didn't see or hear all of it, but some of the kids were repeating what their parents were saying about you. I'm afraid it wasn't good. Jason got upset, before I could get to him he had tackled Jeffery landing right on top of him. Clark, Jason was holding Jeffery down on the ground."
"Jeffery Myers, but he's what, twelve years old?" Clark looked at his small still crying son nestled close in his arms. Lois came to sit beside him putting her hand on Jason's back to provide additional comfort. "No one was hurt, right?"
"No one was hurt unless you count feelings and perhaps Jeffery's pride. That's not all that happened though Kala said something about his being sorry soon. That some bigger kid was going to pick on him and no one would stand up for him. She said it like a… well… not like a warning, but like an 'I told you so' kind of statement. Clark I think you're about to get payback for all the trials you put your father and I through when you were a child. Too bad it's starting when you already have so much on your plate."
Clark took a deep breath, as he looked around the room at everyone. "Not that I'm making excuses for myself but something like this wouldn't have been such a problem back then since my existence was still unknown. I'm afraid Jason is going to have to be a lot more careful than I was and what's this about Kala?"
Clark held out his hand to the little girl hiding slightly behind her grandma. "Come 'mere." Kala stepped around Martha and sat down next to Clark joining Jason in a three way hug. "Kala it's alright, tell us what happened. We just want to help."
"That big boy, Jeffery, kept making Jason cry. I tried to stop him by scaring him because he wouldn't leave Jason alone. I touched his hand and made him see a big scary bear. After I touched him I saw him getting beat up in a dark alley by some bigger boys. It was kinda like a dream. I never hurt him Dad. I just wanted to make him leave Jason alone."
"I understand honey, it's really hard to watch the ones you love get hurt. Especially if you feel you can do something to stop it from happening."
Clark studied both kids momentarily before speaking.
"OK first Jason, you must not jump, hit or anyway fight with other kids. You're small but you have to remember you are a lot stronger than they are. You might accidentally hurt them. I'm sorry but if someone tries to pick a fight with you, you need to ignore them, tell a grownup or both. You also need to tell one of us about it as soon as you can so we can help you."
"But Daddy, he kept saying mean things about you and me."
"Sometimes kids say mean things, sometimes people say mean things. You, we have to be better than that. We can't allow ourselves to get angry or react with force. Whenever you feel yourself getting angry stop and count to five, always remember you have a lot of secrets to keep and you are stronger than you know. You mustn't ever show other people the things you can do but most of all we do not hurt others. Do you understand?" Jason nodded his head but his bottom lip quivered as Clark drew him into an embrace. "We're not angry with you Jason. Believe me, I know how hard all of this is for you. We just want to keep you safe. Remember that, OK." Jason pulled back wiping his eyes and sniffling.
"I know Daddy. I want you to be safe too." With that he rose up from the embrace kneeling on the couch so he could wrap his arms around Clark's neck to give him a big hug.
With Jason still hugging his neck Clark turned to his daughter, "Now, Kala it's important you don't misuse what you're capable of either. Don't use your unique talents to scare or 'get even' with other kids. You've been given a very special ability. You need to respect it. If you 'see' things like in a dream it may mean that they are about to happen. There may be a reason you were given the vision. Perhaps you're meant to make sure that the event doesn't happen or perhaps you're meant to learn from it. Whatever, when you have a premonition you need to tell one of us just like Jason so we can help you decide what needs to be done." Clark kissed her cheek then continued. "That was really sweet and brave of you to stand up for your brother like that. Jason is very lucky to have such a loving sister but you both need to be more careful from now on."
"Do you have anything to add?" Lois shook her head as Clark reached his arm out towards her pulling her into the embrace with the two kids. He closed his eyes momentarily contemplating what he wanted to say next.
With the kids still both in his lap Clark began explaining why the kids were saying the things they had. "Jason, do you remember when you told me there was a bad man with no heart that looked like me kissing mommy?" Jason nodded, "Well, that bad man went all over the world pretending to be me. He made people think I was bad."
"But daddy, it wasn't you you're good." Jason frowned as he spoke not understanding how anyone could think otherwise.
"Yes, I try to be good, but people thought that was me and that I had become bad. You were the only one who knew it wasn't me remember?" Jason nodded but continued to frown.
"Daddy, I saw Batman destroy that thing on the news and everyone knows it wasn't you cause it was just a machine. So why do they still think you're bad." Kala still seemed unsure.
"It looked and sounded just like me, it was wearing my suit. Even once they knew it was only a machine they probably thought I was involved with it, maybe even sent it. That's not all, remember yesterday when I got back, I was different?" Both kids nodded their heads remembering sadly how he looked and acted. "Jason do you remember the old man in the wheelchair?" Jason again nodded. "He was inside my head making me do bad things. That is why Mer Kaper's ship hurt me. They were trying to make the bad man leave me alone and they did, but to make him leave they had to hurt me really bad too. You saved me Jason. I'm alive now because you helped me come back."
Jason smiled and pointed to his own chest, "I helped you… I saved you?"
"Yes, without question you saved me and that wasn't the first time. Remember when I was in the hospital, you saved me then too, when you kissed my forehead. I had almost given up but I felt your presence and it made me fight to live."
"Daddy, how do we make the people know you're not bad when they are saying such bad things about you and are afraid of you?" Kala asked.
Lois answered for him, "We remind people of what Daddy is really like, what he stands for and all that he's done and sacrificed for us."
Richard who had been standing nearby listening quietly with the others spoke up. "Kala, your dad still has a lot of people who believe in him. We're all going to make sure everybody remembers who your dad really is. Don't worry, honey, everything is going to be alright."
Chloe nodded as Bruce added, "We'll make sure of it!"
Richard looked at his watch and motioned to Bruce and Chloe, "Uh, we had probably better go so we can get our articles in for the next edition of the paper. Sam, are you coming with us?"
Looking at Clark one last time Sam asked. "You gonna be OK? Do you need anything else from me today?"
"No, I'm feeling a little better, I think I just need to keep resting and maybe try to get some more sun." Looking over at his mother with her hands on her hips he added, "I know I need to try and eat more too. Believe me I'm trying! The last thing I want is some more of that drink you gave me this morning. I still think there was something more to that than just a protein shake!" Seeing the knowing look between Lois, his mom and Sam, Clark exclaimed. "I knew it! The three of you conspired to make be drink that. What was in it anyway?"
Sam laughed, "Oh just a couple pain control pills. I didn't think you would take them if I just handed the pills to you so we smashed them up and added the power to the shake. I didn't realize it would be so bitter."
"Hrumph, it seems like all of you are conspiring to make me do things. Why don't you just ask me? I'm reasonable." Seeing Lois and Martha's snickers he protested, "I am… most of the time."
Jason and Kala jumped down from Clark's lap following Richard outside. Clark slowly got up along with Lois as they also followed everyone outside to say goodbye to Bruce, Sam, Richard and Chloe. The kids chased after them getting last minute hugs from everybody even Bruce before they climbed into the helicopter and took off. After the helicopter departed Clark opted to sit on the steps enjoying the warmth of the mid-afternoon sun on his face since the porch was now in the shade.
The kids ran around the yard playing with Einstein and Shelby forgetting at least for a time the hurts the other kids had caused that morning. Ben and Martha went back into the house after watching for a few minutes and Shelby settled by Clark's feet panting. Lois sat down beside Clark clasping one of his arms with her hands and resting her head on his shoulder as she broke the silence, "It is going to be alright you know. You still have a lot of people who believe in you and like I said the others will come to their senses. Just give it a little time."
"I know… I just hate for it to affect the kids like that. They're so innocent… they don't deserve this."
"Neither do you." Clark opened his mouth to say something but before he could Lois grabbed the front of his jacket and drew him into a kiss effectively getting the last word.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
In route to the Daily Planet Bruce voiced his concerns. "You all do realize that Clark's statement could backfire. It could be construed as an admission of guilt. That boy scout just doesn't understand how the real world works."
"At least not the political world, he is just too idealistic." Sam said cringing.
"Oh, he's naive but not that naive," Richard added. "I think he knows exactly what he's admitting to. Personally I think he blames himself when things go wrong even if he's not physically capable of stopping it. He has the ultimate 'Superman complex'." Sam and Bruce both nodded.
Chloe spoke up, "I agree with Richard, I've know Clark since we were kids. Thinking back, he was always like that. He takes everything to heart. He thinks he's responsible for protecting everyone from everything. He did it way back then, just in secret so no one knew. A lot of really weird things make perfect sense to me now."
"OK, so what do we do, what can we do to help him get out of this mess with the least amount of pain? Let's plan it out. He doesn't need to know or approve as far as I'm concerned. Are you three in or out on this? If you're uncomfortable let me know now, I have no problems flying solo. I have considerable resources of my own." Bruce glanced at the three reading their expressions.
Richard gave Bruce a knowing grin then he and Chloe exchanged nods.
Sam thought for a minute, "You know just this morning Clark was saying that people are always waiting for someone else to take care of things instead of just doing what's needed themselves. What do you have in mind? It is legal right, or should I ask, is it ethical?"
"Oh, I would say its imperative." Bruce replied.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
The helicopter landed on top of the Daily Planet. Richard and Chloe exited agreeing to keep in touch with Bruce and Sam as they all began executing their parts of the plan to hit on multiple fronts.
Entering the bullpen they headed directly for Perry's office and behind closed doors explained everything that had happened as they had heard it and clued Perry into the plan to clear Superman's name and reputation. Perry sat back in his chair smiling upon hearing the details.
"Well what are you sitting around here for, go to it! We all have work to do. I'll expect copy ready for press in two hours. Now get busy and send Jimmy in here we need some archive photos to go with the article." As soon as they left Perry picked up the phone and started his part of the plan.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Bruce dropped Sam off at an innocuous landing spot near his lab and then headed for Washington. In route he placed a call to Alfred and gave him explicit instructions to set up several meetings for that evening.
Bruce walked into the reception office of Senator Kale. A young intern raised her head. "Yes, may I help you Sir?"
"Bruce Wayne to see Senator Kale, please tell the senator that I hate to be kept waiting."
The young woman looked down at her schedule. "Uh, er, sir, I don't see you name on the list. Is Senator Kale expecting you?"
Bruce smiled surreptitiously, "No, but he will want see me. Please tell him I'm here, now if you don't mind." Looking at her name tag he added, "Miss Riley."
Less than two minutes later Bruce was setting down in Senator Kale's office after first exchanging handshakes. "Mr. Wayne, how can I be of help? I don't believe I've ever had the pleasure."
"No you haven't. I'll get right to the point. I understand you are sponsoring a bill to charge Superman with treason. Are you really stupid enough to do that?"
"Why, er I, un… it seems to be the consensus that…" His nervousness caused him to accentuate his thick southern drawl.
"Cut the crap there is no consensus. Superman had nothing to do with those aliens attacking. He was more of a victim than North Kamdar. He has done nothing but sacrifice himself time after time for this wretched planet. If you want to retain your seat next term I suggest you reconsider. As a matter of fact, I suggest you change sides if you want to keep your current seat. Am I understood, Senator?"
"Um, er….You can't talk to me like that, I'm a United States Senator, I…"
"Oh but I can, in fact I just did. You sir, are a representative of the people. You seem to have forgotten that lately. Perhaps it's time to remember how you got here least I have to remind you. Good day."
Smiling to himself Bruce left and headed for another senator's office followed by the Speaker of the House. Before heading back to his helicopter he had visited four senators and five congressmen and Secretary of State Doni Spice. Thinking to himself, if the meetings with the governors and television executives that Alfred is setting up go as well things should start looking up very soon. He doubted he could completely forestall a congressional hearing but at least it would go their way a lot easier and faster.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Chloe and Richard finished their extensive article detailing what they felt the public should know. They told of Superman's capture after he had been gravely injured by the blast that he had blocked without regard for his own safety. How the android had been sent to wreak havoc in his name but Superman had managed even in his weakened state to plant commands of non violence in its programming as they transferred his memories. They explained how the Trprian Lord stole Superman's body to replace his own dying one after which he exposed it to massive solar radiation in an all out power grab. They described how the Trprian underground had succeeded it defeating Lord Arnken's plan by attacking him to the point of death. That only then did the usurper leave Superman's body which allowed him to resurface. Finally they revealed that Superman had been found near death and taken to a safe place where he was still slowly recovering among friends.
They had included Superman's statement but added a disclaimer that Superman was in no shape to be making rational statements due to his present condition. Perry had asked Jimmy to pull several archived photos to accompany the story. One was a photo someone had taken seconds before he had prevented the 777 from landing nose first in the ball field just a few months prior. The picture showed the strain on his body and the rippled plane.
The final picture was one Chloe had taken from a website that insisted the picture was part of an attempted government cover-up. It was taken by a military airman as Superman tumbled to earth after blocking the blast reflected back from the alien ship. He appeared unconscious, the picture showed a clear view of his face along with his bloodied and burned chest.
Once they were satisfied with the article they sent it off to Perry and started the next phase. Chloe identified the web sites they should target along with specified blogging communities to hit. Jimmy came up behind Chloe asking if he could help. Pretty soon half of the office was working tirelessly blogging and posting on sites of interest extolling Superman's virtues, posting pictures of him in action and reminding the world of all he had done and had always stood for. Cat worked the phones calling all her influential contacts. Perry ordered pizza as the team continued working. Europe would be waking up soon so there was no time to stop as long as there was someone else to contact.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Clark continued sitting on the front porch enjoying both the affect of the sun and watching the kids play as Lois filled him in on some of the things he had missed while he and Jason had been away. He in turn filled Lois in on more of his and Jason's experience on board the alien ship. He started laughing at one particular memory.
Lois gently tickled his ribs "So, what's so funny."
"It's just that Jason made me taste everything before he would eat. Granted some of the food was quite different from what he's use to but most of it was rather good. It did get to be pretty funny after a while."
"Yes he showed me that little trick last night. Are you getting about ready for dinner? I think it is just about on the table. We should probably go in."
Shortly after dinner Clark excused himself and went upstairs to bed. Jason and Kala had been playing a game in their room and hearing him go by peeked into the bedroom a few minutes later. Seeing him in bed Jason asked, "Daddy, can we tuck you in and read you a bedtime story? It will help you fall asleep."
"Yes, I would love that. Any story you want, but you two have to do the reading, that's how it works." Both kids came bounding into the room jumping on the bed and took turns reading from the book Kala had picked. She helped Jason with the words he didn't know.
When Clark went upstairs Lois decided it would be a good time to check in with Chloe and Richard to see how things were going. After talking with them she decided to catch up on the news. Opening up Clark's laptop she started browsing.
A short time later Lois began wondering why the kids were so quiet and decided she should check on Clark at the same time. He had appeared fine at dinner but had quickly tired after coming in from the sun. First looking in what was now considered the kid's room all she found was a game spread out on the floor. Going to the guess bedroom she and Clark were sharing she found all three sound asleep. The two kids were on her side of the bed with an open book between them. She leaned against the door and just watched them sleep for several minutes then adjusted the covers so the kids wouldn't get cold, pulled the shades and turned off the light. She decided to let them stay there till she was ready to go to bed herself. My three little angels, well two little and one big angel she thought as she closed the door and went back down to the computer.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Chloe found herself on a website devoted almost entirely to Superman. There was a section devoted to people writing stories with Superman as the focus many taking off from the recent events where he had fallen after sending New Krypton into space. She selected a user name CSSupFan and joined the site recruiting the many people who were already voicing support. Reading some of the previous posts she found a link to a sister site where she found even more recruits. She couldn't help but notice one thread titled Gutter Wench Society and was surprised to read some of the things posted there. Many of the posts were from women dreaming of ogling Superman in one way or another. Several even calling themselves wives and concubines all in fun she thought. Chuckling she bookmarked the site planning to make a return visit when she had more time. She couldn't help but wonder if Lois or Clark knew about the site.
Getting up from her desk stretching after many long hours of blogging and posting on websites Chloe looked around the room. Only a few people remained at the late hour, well actually it would be considered early in the morning. She noticed Jimmy slumped over his keyboard snoring loudly. Walking into Richard's office she caught the tail end of a conversation he was having with a European counterpart. She circled around his back and started massaging his neck. When he finished his call she slid into his lap and raised her head up to capture his lips.
"Perry is probably asleep on his couch again." Richard chuckled as they came up for air.
"I know, I was just reading on a site that made me miss my man. Seems our boy in blue has a whole host of wives and concubines."
"What?"
"Well, I doubt he knows about it. It's a site where they enjoy living vicariously in cyberspace I guess. Anyway, I recruited them to our cause. They already spend a lot of time on the web and writing about Superman, might as well do him some good at the same time don't you think?"
"You know Clark is liable to be really pissed when he finds out what all we're doing. I'm sure it's nothing like the nice neat little neutral third party article he expected."
"We'll just have to remind him that it's all for a good cause. Besides no way could you call this a pity party. I see it more like a ticker tape parade. Besides he can't allow Superman to get angry remember?" She winked and went in for another long kiss.
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Thought I would end on a lighter note. Please review.
Sorry I didn't update for so long. I have been concentrating my time posting on the Planet where I get reviews. Hint hint!