Chapter 32 - Surprises

The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it.
Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged 1957 US (Russian-born) novelist (1905-1982)

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

The family continued to watch the antics of father and son streaking through the sky in front of the ship. They watched them doing barrow rolls, corkscrews and turnaround maneuvers in quick succession both clearly enjoying every minute. Suddenly Superman stopped in mid air, his expression turned serious as he looked down towards the ground. He instantly gathered Jason in his arms and put him thought the air lock at the back of the ship and disappeared.

"Daddy said he was needed. He'll be back in a few minutes. That was fun, did you see me?" Jason was beaming with happiness as he came into the main part of the ship.

"Yes we did. You are amazing. How did you ever learn to do all of that so quickly?" Richard asked as he turned back around to the controls.

Jason just shrugged as he tried to make his way towards the front of the ship but was stopped twice and hugged by Lois and then Martha before finally reaching Richard and climbing into his lap clearly wanting to help pilot the ship.

They excitedly started asking him question after question about what it was like to fly and soar so freely.

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Superman descended breaking the sound barrier heading directly for a trail of police cars, sirens blaring as they chased a racing car that was ignoring all rules of the road. Superman paced the car momentarily deciding on the best method to make an interception on the busy street. At the last second he drastically changed course using maneuvers he had just been teaching Jason in order to sweep under a bus which was seconds away from being hit broadside at an intersection by the racing car.

The bus was loaded with high school band members on their way to an event. Superman easily lifted the bus continuing its course in the air above all the traffic before gently sitting it back down alongside the road. He quickly scanned the inside of the bus making sure all the teenagers and the driver were unhurt before taking back to the air. He quickly caught up with the offending car and decided to merely land a few yards in front of the car in order to force the driver to stop. Instead the driver sped up intending to run Superman down.

Superman smirked as the driver sneered at him seconds away from impact, dropping to the ground at the last second as the car passed over him. Superman picked the car up continuing the same force of movement but in an upwards angle so as not to hurt the driver from the inertia that would be caused by a sudden stop. Gradually slowing he went in an ark bringing the car back down near the starting point but facing the opposite direction.

The police cars that had been in pursuit screeched to a stop blocking the car from any means of escape. Not that it was necessary as Superman was standing directly behind the car holding the rear end up as the tires spun in thin air going nowhere. The driver seeing his predicament made one last ditch effort to get away. He opened the door and started to make a run for it but before he was even two feet away Superman was in front of him. He grabbed the man by the front of his shirt and held him suspended in the air, his feet continued to swing back and forth as he screamed his lungs out.

"You freak, you're not even human! No one should be able to do that!"

"So I've been told. I suggest you use your 'right to remain silent'."

Superman acknowledged the officers approaching as he marveled at the four helicopters circling overhead, one police and three news copters.

The officers came running up, the officer in charge spoke, "Superman, thanks I think we can take it from here." Superman released the man to a couple officers who quickly escorted him away.

Superman motioned to the helicopters, "Is there always that much news coverage of car chases?"

"Yeah, ever since that famous slow chase was caught on film years ago, it seems the public just can't get enough of them. At least that's what the networks here in LA think."

Superman shook his head in dismay. "I would think there would be more interesting things to report. Doesn't it just incite some people craving their fifteen minutes of fame to start a chase?"

"I'm sure it does but that doesn't stop the networks and as long as it seems to grab ratings they will continue to show the chases. I'm sure this one will get special attention due to your appearance. Ah, can I get your statement and maybe even your autograph for my kids?"

"Sure. What are their names?

"Jason and Karen, he just turned eight and she's almost eleven." Superman smiled as he signed a voided ticket.

To Jason and Karen.
Your dad is one of the Good Guys.
I'm proud to be on the same Team with Him.
Superman

Xoxoxoxoxoxo

Heading back up to the starship hidden above the clouds Superman entered through the airlock and took his seat next to Richard. "Where to now, the helm is all yours." He smiled contentedly at Jason still in Richard's lap and then back at Kala sitting beside Lois.

Richard headed out over the Pacific towards Hawaii. "I was wondering while you were gone. Can this ship be seen? How careful do I need to be to prevent detection?"

"It doesn't hurt to be careful. The ship is invisible to radar by refracting any radar beams rather than sending them back to the source. It could possibly be seen from the ground when landing or flying low to the ground but someone would need to be aware it was there to realize what they were seeing. Even thought the ship appears to be all windows from the inside the outside of the ship is a reflective surface causing it to blend into whatever view it would be blocking. If someone was really watching they might see a slight disturbance or movement in the view and deduct something had to be causing it.

"What about other aircraft?"

"This ship has very sophisticated avoidance systems. You don't need to worry about collisions with other aircraft or birds if that has you concerned. Does that answer your questions?"

"Pretty much, wait what about SETI and that special programming you installed on their equipment? Can they 'see' the ship?"

"Yes, except that I also placed into the programming that this ship is a 'friendly' and as such it's to be ignored." Superman smiled a little embarrassed at even more evidence of his tampering with quasi governmental software.

Richard nodded his head laughing conspiratorially "Oh, by the way, what you were doing out there with Jason earlier was beyond belief. We all enjoyed watching the two of you."

"Jason is learning faster than I could ever have imagined. I'm rather enjoying teaching him."

Jason covered his mouth with both hands as he giggled and scrunched up his shoulders looking back at Kala who was also giggling.

"Not to change the subject," Lois spoke up "but when are we going to celebrate yours and Chloe's wedding? There's no way we're going to let you two off so easy."

"How about next Saturday, just a barbeque, weather permitting or something similar." Richard answered. "We don't want anyone to think of it as a reception or that they need to bring gifts or anything."

"Just a nice get together of family and friends would be great." Chloe readily agreed.

Catherine remained quiet hoping she would be included in the small dinner party. She had been quiet during most of the flight just taking in and enjoying the easy extended family dynamic. She was still amazed how the two men had become such good friends after having both been in love with the same woman at the same time and even seeming to share the son they both clearly loved without any visible signs of jealously.

Even Kala was part of the mix, as both couples made sure she was included in everything so as not to feel in any way slighted. These undoubtedly were the luckiest kids in the world but they would never be able let on to anyone else. She smiled inwardly secure in the knowledge that they would be given the guidance needed to keep their secrets. Maybe even she would be able to help in some small way now or in the future. She would have to keep her eyes and ears open for any sign that her help was needed. Perhaps Bruce would be able to help her in that quest.

Catherine was really starting to look forward to her new life realizing she was developing a completely different perspective on love and friendship all thanks to this wonderful family. Too bad it couldn't be boxed and sold. It surely would be worth more than its weight in gold.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Less that forty-eight hours later, Monday morning at precisely ten AM Superman walked down the aisle of the combined House and Senate meeting looking ahead somewhat introspective as if his mind was miles away.

"Superman, welcome we've been expecting you, please take the podium." The Speaker of the House motioned to Superman. The room was loud with clapping and chatter.

Arriving at the podium Superman hesitated momentarily as if gathering his thoughts. Looking out into the audience he nodded to several senators and congressmen who were smiling at him each vying for his attention. Senator Valerie Benton of New York stood and caught his attention as she clapped fiercely. He also noted the numerous camera crews then raised his arms to quiet the crowd.

"President Thorn, Mr. Speaker, Vice President Bonds, members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow citizens. I am here at your request. The world seems to have accepted my earlier explanation as to what happened during the Trprian attack. If you need farther explanation I'll do my best to answer your questions."

"Actually we have spoken amongst ourselves and have decided that will not be necessary." President Thorn smiled as he got up from his seat next to the Speaker. He approached carrying a small box. "As a matter of fact, we have decided it appropriate to award you for your unwavering dedication to this country, this world in fact. You have said on more than one occasion that you do not view yourself a hero. That you rarely actually risk your life but reviewing your history we believe you have in fact done so repeatedly. Therefore we feel we would be bereft if we did not honor your bravery and courage by awarding you this Congressional Medal of Valor."

The room broke out into spontaneous applause and cheers as President Thorn put the medal around Superman's neck. The expression on Superman's face was clear surprise. He started to speak but President Thorn motioned that he was not finished. "We have a second honor to bestow. One I never expected to present to you but I do feel you have more than earned, 'A Purple Heart'." President Thorn started to pen the medal onto Superman's suit then laughed as he reconsidered and penned it to the ribbon holding the Medal of Valor instead. The room once again broke out in spontaneous applause and cheers. When the crowd finally quieted down enough so his words could be heard President Thorn smiled and motioned for Superman to take the podium back, "Now you may speak".

"Ahem, I really wasn't expecting this. I don't know what to say, so I'll just say Thank You, Thank You All."

He looked out over the crowd reflecting for a moment then raised his hands to quiet the cheers. "There was a time in my life I felt totally alone, an outcast if you will. I may not be a human by birth but my values, my most cherished memories are very much human in nature. This is truly the only home I have ever known or wish to know."

"My greatest fear has always been that I would in some way cause harm to those I want only to defend. That is why I never sought to hide my weaknesses. I needed to know I could be stopped if the time ever came that I would need to be stopped. That knowledge continues to give me comfort and the courage to continue even while realizing the tremendous power I wield. Please know that I would never knowingly seek to abuse that power. If I did, I would fully expect to be stopped by whatever means necessary."

"I look forward to continuing to serve this beautiful world in the years to come. Thank you again." The applause erupted in wild cheers and whistles.

"Superman before you leave we would like your help in ending the wars in the Middle East…" President Thorn saw Superman shaking his head frowning so he stopped speaking.

"I'm sorry but I have always made it a point to not cross into war zones except on humanitarian purposes. To do otherwise would destroy any credibility I have with those regions. Surely you all understand that."

"We believe you to be anti-war will you then stand with us?" Someone shouted from the crowd.

"You are mistaken, I am not anti-war. I am Pro-Peace. I believe being anti anything focuses your thoughts on exactly what you seek to avoid. When you focus your thoughts on anything the power of attraction becomes an overriding force. Thoughts are things. Whatever you spend your time thinking is exactly what you bring into your life. The law of attraction is one of the most powerful laws of nature. It is as impartial as the law of gravity and as such deserves our respect and understanding. If you think about war you give it substance and attract it into your life. Therefore I prefer to think of ways to bring about peace. I will stand with anyone who is Pro-Peace."

The room was quiet mulling over his comments. "What about Luthor? How do you feel about his once again being on the loose?"

"I have faith that he'll be caught yet again. He over estimates his own genius time and again. That is why none of his ill conceived plans have worked so far. I firmly believe he will be his own undoing. The saddest part is this true genius has been lost to the world. I can't help but wonder what he could have accomplished had his talents been directed towards the betterment of mankind." The camera zoomed in to show Superman's face as he answered appearing saddened but resigned to the facts.

President Thorn and the Speaker of the House both stood and each in turn shook Superman's hand signaling an end to the proceedings. The Speaker raised his hands for quiet, "Thank you Superman and on behalf of America, Welcome Home."

"Thank you, it is good to be home." Then turning to the President he asked, "Sir, do you and your cabinet still need to speak with me?"

"No I believe you have answered all of our questions. We had hoped to convince you to help us with the war but I see that is not something we should expect from you. Although I wish I could persuade you otherwise I respect your point of view."

Superman looked away with a far off expression on his face as if listening to something only he could hear, "Thank you sir, if you will all excuse me my presence is urgently needed elsewhere." Then to the crowd, he waved quickly and said "Good Day" as he left the podium and seemed to disappear moving faster that the eye could follow down the aisle.

Later slow motion replays would show him running a couple of steps before fading away appearing moments later at JFK International Airport just in time to prevent a fully loaded 747 from crashing into the ocean due to unexpected wind shear. From there he continued one rescue after another caused by a bad weather system slamming through the Eastern coast. Many towns had been inundated due to record snows and low temperatures. He made sure no one was trapped in the worst hit areas continuing his rounds well into the night till he felt satisfied he'd done all that was needed before finally heading home.

As he crawled into bed Lois stirred. "Sorry, I tried to be quiet and not wake you, it's really late."

Lois yawned, "I was trying to stay awake. I wanted to tell you how proud we all are of you. I really liked what you said. So where are your medals?" She snuggled up next to him laying her head on his shoulder while pulling his arm around her neck.

"Oh, I almost forgot about them. They're in my cape pocket. I must say, that was certainly a surprise."

"Yes a very pleasant one for a change. The kids are dying to see them. Did you eat anything? I can fix you something if you're hungry. Are you tired?"

"Yes, I'm tired and yes I did eat. It seems like everybody is trying to feed me lately. Do I really look like I need to be fed?"

"You're starting to look better but you do still look much thinner than you use to look. You better get to sleep. Jason is going to be tapping at the door in less than three hours and no matter what you try to say, I still think you need more than two hours of sleep a night."

Letting Lois get the last word Clark pulled her closer to his side as he laughed and kissed her. "Good night."

"Good night."

"So the kids want to see my medals huh?"

"Go to sleep!"

Clark kissed her again. "Yes ma'am." He laughed one last time before finally settling down to sleep.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Luthor had been playing and replaying the surveillance of Richard's house. He was convinced something had taken off from the shadows near the porch but was unable to figure out exactly what it could be. His watchman had reported spotting Superman land and had taken the footage. Richard had appeared to be excitedly examining something and Lois, Chloe and Cat were nearby watching. Then they all went into the shadow and simply disappeared. Even Superman had simply disappeared.

Luthor suddenly realized exactly what he was 'not' seeing. It had to be his ship. Of course, it was made of crystal. Luthor sat back in his chair smiling to himself. What he couldn't do with that alien's starship! Oh the possibilities! He cut off the end of his cigar and relished the taste almost as much as he relished the new plans now formulating in his mind.

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Author's note: This is now caught up to the postings at The Planet Fan Fiction site…. Posting will now be made shortly after they posted there. But I do believe the story is nearly complete….depends on weather my muse (Supes) bugs me to continue. ;)