Chapter 23 - What Dreams Are Made Of

Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.
Abraham Lincoln, Lincoln's Own Stories 16th president of US (1809 - 1865

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Sam looked in the microscope again not wanting to believe what he was seeing. Pulling up away from the lens he studied the medical journal open on the table.

The diagnosis can only be made by way of a bone marrow biopsy. Before this procedure is done, a patient will generally have had other blood tests to find diagnostic clues, including a full blood count, renal function…..

Signs and symptoms are caused by a shortage of one or more types of blood cells. Signs and symptoms may include the following: anemia with malaise, pallor, fatigue, shortness of breath with exertion, rapid heart rate, pale skin …

Normally bone marrow supplies the right number of blood cells to keep a person healthy. When damage occurs to bone marrow, slowing or shutting down the production of new blood cells it is a serious problem. Factors that can temporarily or permanently injure bone marrow include: High-dose radiation …. damage healthy cells, including stem cells in bone marrow. ….can be a temporary side effect ….

May be suspect when all three of these blood cell levels are very low. Many conditions can cause low blood cell counts, but usually of just one type of blood cell.

Can be mild, moderate or severe. ….severe is life-threatening and requires immediate hospitalization for treatment, mild or moderate is still serious but usually doesn't require hospitalization to treat.

Treatments may include observation for mild cases, blood transfusions, medications and …. Avoid excess exercise…, avoid contact sports…, avoid infections…

Sam shook his head and picked up the phone. "Lois, how is he."

"Dad, is that you? What is it, you sound different? Have you got the results of the blood tests?"

"Yes, it's me. I've run the tests but I need to draw some more blood tomorrow morning if possible. Let me talk to Clark for a minute. I want to ask him a few more questions."

"He went to bed several hours ago, right after we ate dinner. He was really tired but otherwise seemed alright, but then I've noticed he is really good at hiding how bad he feels."

"Did he eat much?"

"No, not really but he did eat. He just didn't seem interested in it. It was more like he ate to make us happy. Dad, what is it? You found something. Tell me, what did you find? You're worrying me."

"I'm sorry honey, I don't mean to worry you but I really don't know. It's just that it could be serious, but it could also be temporary too. I would rather wait and check his blood again tomorrow. He usually regenerates so fast I hope tomorrow what I'm seeing is no longer the case or markedly improved."

"Dad, just tell me. What are you dancing around? Tell me or I won't sleep at all!"

Letting out a long breath Sam finally answered, "Lois his blood cell count is abnormally low for a human. It's even more abnormal for him. I'm worried he was exposed to radiation that could have damaged his bone marrow which has suppressed the reproduction of new blood cells. His symptoms support the diagnosis."

"D-ad! What are you saying, leukemia?"

"Lois, calm down. No, I don't suspect Leukemia. Leukemia is an increase in white blood cells what I am seeing is a stark reduction in all blood cells. It looks like Aplastic anemia. As I said it could be a mild case or temporary or something else entirely. It's just too early to get worried. We just need to do some more tests for now, see what they show. I'll call Bruce and see if he can get me transport for tomorrow, otherwise I'll drive up. On the other front have you been watching the news or seen the latest buzz on the internet?"

"Uh, we've been catching up the last couple hours. I think maybe it's a good thing Clark is asleep. I'm not too sure how he's going to take all this. It's not exactly what he agreed to but I think it's just what is needed. People need to remember everything he's done over the years. Even I forgot a lot of what they're showing. What I don't understand is what made Senator Kale do an about face. That was…well …something to behold!"

"I believe that was Bruce putting a little pressure on him. He has been putting the screws everywhere including Washington from what I've been told. Chloe and Richard tackled the press telling the 'public story' of what happened when and after the Trprians attacked and kidnapped Superman. They're also hitting the internet sites spreading the word in cyberspace. Perry and Bruce are working with the networks. Bruce is not quite the rich playboy he lets the world see is he?"

Lois laughed at that statement but didn't say anything.

"Me, I've been contacting some of my old buddies in and out of the service. But mostly I've been studying our boy in the lab comparing the blood samples from a few weeks ago with the ones I took today. Surprisingly his blood is very similar to ours, just normally much more robust. That may help explain how he regenerates so fast when hurt. Unfortunately it may work against him in this situation since his natural advantage appears to be compromised. I'm really hoping this is just a temporary problem that will self correct."

"What do we do dad? I don't like the way this is sounding."

"Honey that's why I didn't want to say anything. Right now we really don't know what we're dealing with. Like I said I want to do more tests. I want to draw more blood tomorrow and make another comparison. Right now we need to keep doing exactly what we have already been doing. Try and keep him relatively inactive and do your best to get him to eat more. Oh, I guess as much sun exposure as possible can't hurt it does seem to help him in general. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Try not to worry. It's not good for you or the baby. By the way, are you taking your pre-natal vitamins?"

"Yes, of course I am. I'll see you tomorrow Dad. Bye."

"Bye, Honey."

Martha and Ben had been listening to one side of the conversation and were eager for her to fill in the gaps of what they had heard. Suddenly what they were seeing on the television lost its importance and they all realized how tired they were. After a short time Lois said good night and went upstairs with Ben and Martha deciding to turn in as well.

Lois entered the room and once again was taken aback by the sight. Jason had moved around in his sleep and was now using his dad's chest as a pillow. Kala was still slumped over the book by his side but had also moved closer to her father in her sleep. Lois decided to gently nudge Kala to wake her up. She then helped guide her, still half asleep to her own bed where Kala just crawled under the covers without bothering to change into night cloths.

Going back Lois gathered Jason up in her arms and started to carry him to his own bed. She stopped hearing Clark shift and mumble in his sleep. He had been sleeping with a slight smile and easy breathing now he was frowning and almost waking.

Lois took Jason to his bed and made sure both kids were settled in then went back and quickly got ready for bed herself. She climbed into bed snuggling up to Clark's side gently pulling his arm around her as she laid her head on his shoulder while guiding his hand to a resting place on her stomach. She was happy to hear him promptly settle back into a peaceful sleep. She thought back remembering the long day which had started with his hand in the identical location on her stomach. With that thought causing a smile to grace her own face she let go of her fears of what might be in store for them in the days to come preferring to believe all would end well and promptly fell asleep.

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The next morning Clark woke up from a dream he only vaguely remembered with a feeling of well being. He was surprised to find Lois already up and gone. Looking at the clock near the bed he was shocked to realize why, it was already almost 8 AM. As he lay listening to the noises in the house and beyond he tried to remember what he had been dreaming but it was totally gone from his consciousness. Shaking his head he moved to get up as he concentrated on the voices coming from downstairs.

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"…made a point of acknowledging his vulnerability to Kryptonite for the very purpose of making sure people knew he was not some unstoppable all powerful being. He was in no way responsible for sending the android. In fact he made an effort to make sure it was prevented from doing harm."

"How did he do that?"

"The Trprians stole Superman's memories and programmed the android with them as well as their own instructions I guess. Several people saw it stop and mumble to itself, some ever herd it say 'do no harm'. Superman, even as injured as he was at the time, somehow managed to feed it that command as they were stealing his memories."

"So you two are confirming you have been in contact with Superman since the events that transpired the day before yesterday? Can you disclose the location?"

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"Mommy is Daddy gonna sleep all day? Did you see all the eggs I brought in from the chickens this morning? Grandma did you use those eggs when you made me that cheese omelet? Did you hear that ole roster this morning? If he's a roster how come they call it crowing? Why don't they call it rostering? I'm bored, can I watch cartoons now?"

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"NO! We cannot disclose the location, but yes we have been in contact with him and spoken with him in person as a matter of fact. He was gravely injured and he's still recovering as we speak. It may be awhile before he's sufficiently recovered to make an appearance. The Trprians had to almost kill him to free him from their leader's grip. By the way the Trprians acknowledged that Superman had insisted they kill him rather than let Lord Arnken succeed with his plans. That is very nearly what did happen. According to our sources Superman was technically dead for several minutes before being revived. Congress do you hear that!"

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"Oh, wait there's Daddy Richard and Chloe, they're talking about daddy. Can I watch too?"

Lois started scanning through channel after channel trying to find cartoons or something more appropriate for Jason and Kala to watch but most of the programming was dealing in some manner with updating the world with the current Superman situation or playing old documentaries or programs detailing his past deeds.

The corner of her eye caught Clark in the doorway staring unmoving at the TV. Lois handed the remote to Martha and nodded towards Clark with a concerned look wondering how long he had been standing there.

Martha turned the TV off and getting up said. "It's a beautiful day why don't the three of us go for a walk and let your mom and dad talk. Kala will be up soon then you'll have someone to play with."

Clark immediately retrieved the remote and standing next to Lois turned the TV back on scanning the stations frowning. He began searching for the channel with Richard and Chloe but evidently the interview as over. He turned and looked questioningly at Lois, "What are they doing? That's not what I wanted. What's going on, it's like an all channel Superman festival or something."

From the door Martha couldn't help but stop and make a comment, "Clark, you need to just hush up. Never look a gift horse in the mouth!" She winked at Lois and pushed Jason out the door behind Ben. "Breakfast is ready whenever you are. You just need to heat it back up. We'll be back in a little while."

Clark relaxed slightly running his hand through his hair thinking about his mother's statement. Lois put her arms around him drawing him into a light embrace to distract him from the television screen. "You're looking better this morning, aren't you going to give me a kiss?" Smiling he complied.

"You always have my kisses. I guess after almost 14 hours straight sleep I should look and feel better." Pointing to the television he continued, "I just don't understand what's going on. Just yesterday it seemed like everyone hated me, now this!"

"Yes, well it seems our friends have been very busy. Your mom is right though all of this can only help. I'm sure it won't convince everyone but it should go a long way to repairing your unfairly tarnished reputation. Even congress is showing signs of backing off but I'm sure you're still going to have to appear sooner or latter and explain for yourself exactly what happened."

Clark sighed and turned the TV off. "I never thought otherwise. I guess you and mom are right. I have no place to complain. It just took me by surprise that's all. It's not what I expected to be seeing this morning. I'm not used to someone else taking care of my problems. It's very hard for me to accept or allow that to happen."

"This was a special occasion…don't get used to it Mr!" Lois faked a pouch to his midsection as he caught her hand pulling her back in for another kiss.

"I'm starving, what did mom say about breakfast? Did you already eat?" Clark turned hearing Kala coming down the stairs yawning and stretching.

"I'm starving too. How come I'm still in my clothes from yesterday? Oh, now I remember. Dad you fell asleep before we finished the story. I guess I did too huh?" she asked laughing.

"Come on you two sleepyheads, I didn't eat yet either. I was hoping you would both get up soon so I waited. I'm so glad to hear your appetite is coming back. Let's see what we have here."

Just as they were finishing breakfast Clark's attention was diverted as he heard and then mentioned that a helicopter was approaching. Lois responded remembering the talk with her dad the night before. "Oh, Dad's coming back. He wants to do another blood test on you. He was concerned with the results from yesterday. But you really do look and sound better today."

As Clark insisted on helping clear and then dry the dishes Martha brought Sam and Bruce into the house talking about the news coverage. Seeing Clark in the kitchen with Lois and Kala they went silent.

Clark smirked, "Don't' worry, you're all safe, besides I'm harmless isn't that what you're trying to get across to everyone now?"

"Well don't we look cute? Where's your apron?" Bruce stopped in the family area with his hands on his hips.

"Oh, that's a parochial comment especially coming from a man with a full time man-servant who calls him master!"

Sam shook his head at the two friends. "Well, it looks like someone is feeling a lot better. Just how do you feel? I need to draw more blood, should I go with a regular or crystal needle this time."

"I can help mom finish dad. I don't mind." Kala took the towel from Clark as she spoke.

Clark smiled down at Kala. "Thank you honey, that's sweet of you." Joining Sam and Bruce in the family area he shrugged. "Beats me, It could go either way. I do feel a lot better but not really like myself." Looking over at Bruce he grinned. "I think I feel more like, well… you."

Sam looked from Clark to Bruce feeling some undercurrent in the air but not sure what it all meant, asked. "Bruce in particular or humans in general?"

Clark just chuckled in response. "Might as well try the regular needle I really don't know this time. I know people think that being invulnerable means I don't feel things but actually just the opposite is true. My sense of feeling is heightened under most circumstances. I don't think I'm back to normal, well my normal, but I don't feel like I did yesterday. What are you looking for anyway?"

"Your blood cell count was too low, even for human standards. When compared with your healthy blood it would be considered even lower. That's why I want to check again to make sure it is going back to your normal or at least headed in that direction."

Clark thought for a second. "Blood cell count as in Aplastic anemia? Naw I don't think I have that. Maybe I had the symptoms yesterday but not now. I can see where you would think that though."

Lois had finished in the kitchen and joined the others in the family area. "How do you know about Aplastic anemia? I didn't know till I looked it up after dad told me last night. Sure I'd heard of it but didn't really know anything about it"

"I visit a lot of kids and young people in the hospital. I've researched a lot of the things they might have. I don't want to inadvertently risk hurting anyone I'm trying to help. What can I say, I have a good memory."

"Well let's try this." Sam swabbed Clarks arm and held up the needle before attempting the blood draw. Everyone in the room watched holding their breath…as the needle bent slightly under the pressure but managed to puncture the skin. Sam filled three vials and covered the small puncture with a cotton ball.

"Hmmmm. Interesting." Was all Clark said.

Sam nodded, "Yes very. I would be willing to bet that if I was to try that tomorrow I would be out of luck without one of those crystal needles." Sam held up one of the vials studying the blood contained within. "Not only that, the color of this blood sample looks much better. See the deep red color. Yesterday it was much lighter. I think you're right Clark, you are much better today. Just don't try to overdue anything." Under his breath he said, "Like saying that to you will do any good."

Lois laughed, "You know what they say dad, you can't keep a good man down." Then to Clark she couldn't resist. "I think there's some superhero band aides in my purse do you want me to get one for you honey?"

With a hardy laugh he answered "No, I don't think I need one this time. Save it for when I skin my knee trying to fly later."

Kala hovered around the room as if something was bothering her. She kept looking over at the pictures on the piano. Clark noticed and called her over.

"Daddy I had a really strange dream this morning. It was about you but I didn't recognize the other people, till now." She ran over to the piano and grabbed a picture showing it to him. "This man was in the dream he looked just like this too."

Clark became very still, processing what she had said. He suddenly remembered his own dream from that morning but not just that morning. It was more like a dream of a memory, or was it a repeating dream. He looked at the picture as it became clear in his mind. Cautiously as if not sure he should acknowledge what he was now believing happened, he decided to broach the subject. "Sam, have you known any patients that have had near death experiences?"

"What, you mean people who have seen the 'white light' talked to loved ones who had died before, that kind of thing?" he said half joking.

"Never mind." Clark lowered his eyes and looked over at Kala who caught his 'we'll talk about it later' expression.

Lois caught the conspiratorial look between the two and pressed him. "Clark, what are you getting at, did you have one of those experiences? Did you see your father?"

Clark hesitated momentarily, "Before I answer I want to know what Kala dreamed this morning. Kala?" He put his hand on her back as she stood next to him.

"I saw you floating up in the sky then two men offered you their hands and pulled you up to their level. One of the men and a woman had white suits on and the man had your S on his suit. The woman was pretty with long hair. They talked to you for a minute. I didn't hear what they said but they seemed nice. Then the man in this picture hugged you real tight before talking to you too. The lady hugged you then. After that there was a bunch of other people around you. That's all I remember."

Clark leaned back in the sofa. "I had the same exact dream this morning. When I woke up I couldn't remember it. At least not till Kala handed me this picture of Dad. She's right he looked just like he had stepped out of this picture."

Martha drew in her breath. "That picture was taken by a nearby camper on that first fishing trip you two went on. You couldn't have been any older than Kala is now. Jonathan was so happy then and healthy too. He always cherished that picture."

"I know, and I don't think it was just a dream I shared with Kala. It was more like a memory. I can't remember what they said either but I somehow I remember being given a choice to stay there with them or return here. When I woke up this morning I felt good, refreshed and part of it seemed to be a reflection of the dream even thought I couldn't remember it."

Sam cleared his throat. "Clark, I'm sorry I meant no ridicule. Granted the scientific jury is still out on such experiences but I believe you when you say that happened to you. I also find it intriguing Kala shared your dream about it this morning."

"I understand. I tend towards the scientific myself. But I am pretty sure it happened. At least I feel like it happened. How long was I technically dead anyway?"

"Mer Kaper wouldn't let us near you so I don't know for sure but most likely 4-6 minutes without signs of breathing. Do you remember anything other than what was in the dream?"

"No, but I've had a couple flashes, I don't know if they're memories or what. Was Jason on my chest with one hand near my heart and the other on the back of my neck?"

Lois spoke up, "Yes, that is exactly right. What else?"

"He was screaming for me that he was here and didn't want to be brave anymore, that he wanted me to come back. I saw my body under him but I was seeing it all from about 100 feet above. The rest of you were being held back by Mer Kaper."

"Wow, you were definitely unconscious during all of that so there is no way you could have seen it otherwise. I've of course read of cases like this but never met anyone who actually experienced one. I don't know you sure have me convinced. Too bad you can't remember what they said. If you do remember anything else, I for one would like to know."

"We all would." Bruce added. "So, I take it your mission here on Earth is not finished. Isn't that what your dad always said, 'you were sent here for a reason', sounds to me like you're not done Boy Scout!"

"Well, for the time being I'm still grounded. Then there's still the public sentiment. I have no intention of forcing Superman back into the lives of a world that's afraid of him."

Bruce smiled to himself. "Somehow I doubt that is going to be a problem for much longer. People are already coming around. Most of the people love you too much to forget the real you. They just needed a little reminder that's all."

"Hmm, I saw bits of some of those reminders. You my friend were busy yesterday."

"Eh, it was a dirty job but you know….somebody had to clean up your mess. Just remember, you owe me big time now!"

"I can live with that. I think!"

"Well I hate to cut this short, but I want to get back and check this sample out. Just looking at you though I'm pretty sure it will be good news. I'll be in touch. Glad you're feeling so much better. Just remember to take it easy. If you try to over do you could just as easily start feeling worse again, alright? Lois, Martha I'm counting on you to keep him in line."

Clark, Lois, Martha and Kala walked Bruce and Sam to the fence waving goodbye as they climbed into the helicopter. Jason and Ben waved from where they had been walking and playing fetch with Einstein in the field.

"Lois how would you and Kala like to run into town with me. I need to pick up a few things. Sorry Clark, but you need to stay put. No good people seeing how thin Clark and Superman have gotten at the same time. All the more reason to eat more till you fill back out."

"Want us to pick you up some 'bulk up body builder shakes?" Lois held back her laughter as she asked.

"I really don't think that will be necessary. As a matter of fact after yesterday I doubt you could get me to drink it."

"Do you think you can behave while we're away or do we need to call Jason and Ben to come baby-sit you?"

"I'll be good, I promise. Besides they're just out in the field, they can see me from there."

After they left Clark went in and retrieved a phone and his laptop which he quickly fired up. He was glad to finally have a few minutes to himself. As he sat in the porch swing enjoying the bright sunshine he scanned the headlines briefly deciding he just wasn't going to let anything bother him right now as he called up the website of the local florist. Looking up the number he dialed. "Hi Jenny, this is Clark…. I was wondering if it was too late to place an order for tomorrow…. Yes, I know tomorrow is Valentines Day. That's why I'm calling…. Well, I was sorta on assignment and out-of-reach. I was just looking at your website and if you can I would really like…"

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"Oh, Clark will get a big kick out of this. I just can't believe they have it in a store here in Smallville!" Lois held it up for Kala and Martha to see. Martha laughed and Kala giggled.

"Mom, can I get Daddy and Jason a box of chocolate?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea. Pick out which ones you want. They'll both be happily surprised. Here let's pick out some cards too."

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Jason and Ben came in from the field a short time later. Clark closed his laptop as Jason happily jumped into his lap talking about his latest adventures. Clark listened for a few minutes then broke into the conversation. "Tomorrow is Valentines Day. We need to make your mom, grandma and Kala Valentines."

Jason jumped down and ran into the house returning with his crayons and a blank drawing pad. Soon the three were busy making valentines. Later when Clark and Jason heard the car approaching, they quickly hid everything and started a three handed game of Go Fish.

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Now Vger is fishing for reviews. PLEASE

To see the Valentines Clark and Jason made go to - The Planet Fan Fiction All Is Well Kent Family Saga. Clark to Lois Page 57 post 848, Clark to his mom post 854, Clark to Kala Pg 58 post 856 and Jason to his mom post 860.