Chapter 5: Business

Back at the Hotel, Mara was still tucking the children in and getting them to dose off while in the other room, Bruce was whispering conspiratorially with Clark.

"Clark, abroad we found something," Bruce a little uneasy, but continued, "While expanding Wayne Enterprises, my CEO found something very interesting and thought I should know and handle it. I … I don't know how to describe what he showed me, but I have my best and most trusted scientists and researchers digging up everything we can on it. Two days ago before we left for Metropolis, a package arrived for me with new findings in the cave," reaching into his pocket he pulled out a long blue crystal and handed it to Clark.

As Clark reached for the crystal, it began to pulse and hum. Clark was amazed, "Where is the cave?" hoping it wasn't his Fortress of Solitude.

"In China near where Mara landed, though it has the look that it is much older than both of you. There is also another reason for my trip abroad other than just the cave; Wayne Enterprises plans to enter into some European and Oriental, technology and business. As a Wayne I have to be there, and bringing the family might be a bit risky, so," turning a most mischievous smile he continued, "I want you to baby sit them."

Clark was a little stunned, but baby sit, his sister, her kids, and Anna might be a bit much. He was dumbfounded for words and before he could get a word in edgewise Bruce smiled brightly and said, "Glad you agree."

No sooner had those words left his mouth then a vase went flying at the back of his head and a very low dangerous tone said, "I don't need a baby sitter, the kids and I would be fine."

"Yeah Bruce, I don't think she needs a baby sitter," Clark said hurriedly to agree with his enraged sister.

"Clark just listen, you're the only other person I can trust…"

"You mean you had someone else watch them before me?"

"Well you were out of town and I had Alfred…"

A frightful British accented voice came from the kitchen, "He made me do it Master Kent, that's why this time I am traveling with him. Mistress Mara can be quite a handful as well the children." Alfred finished earning a glare from Mara.

Bruce was getting a little angry, "A handful…There were gaping holes in walls, you call that a handful….that's a war zone!"

"Well you should know better, than to have a baby sitter."

"What do you mean; it was for your protection…"

"I don't need protection!" Mara then stormed off, slamming the door which threw it off the hinges, only succeeding in making her scream.

Clark was just an itsy bit nervous, "Ya know Bruce perhaps you might consider another plan of action," Clark timidly asked.

Bruce smiled and said, "Nah, this way is the best. Well I am leaving tomorrow morning, so I best get some rest," and with that Bruce Wayne casually walked toward the room with no door, picked the door up, leaned against the it's former resting place, and went to bed with Mara.

Clark was afraid, the 'Man of Steel' was afraid of his little sister.

"Don't worry Master Kent, it'll be fine, like a family reunion of sorts," Alfred said patting him on then back, "Guess I best gather my things so I can leave with Master Wayne tomorrow," then laughingly walked away leaving a very bewildered Clark.

While baby sitting his sister, was a bit terrifying he couldn't forget the crystals, Bruce had mentioned. Where were they from, how did they get here, and so many other questions that still weren't answered.

Suddenly he heard a far off cry for help and he raced off as Superman just barely hearing the little voice of Anna whisper, "Good Luck."

The next day it was all over the news how Superman had stopped a totally catastrophe on Interstate 56.

After seeing Bruce and Alfred off with lots of hugs and kisses from Mara and the kids and a brotherly show of affection between Bruce and Clark. Mara already felt lonely without his presence, and Bruce already missed her as he sat on the private jet. Staring out his window he saw her looking directly at him with such sadness, he ran back down the gate and shouted her name. Mara had seen him coming and was nearly at the entrance when he emerged to share one breathless kiss before he had to leave her, both whispering 'I love you.'

As Bruce's jet took off, Mara simply stood staring off at it, wishing she were with him or him with her. When the plane was completely out of sight, even for their abilities Mara turned and walked back towards her family.

Jordan ever the gentlemen, took his mother's hand in his, giving it a squeeze to lessen the pain in her heart. Smiling down at her son, Mara squeezed back.

"So Uncle Clark, where we gonna go?" asked a curious little Lara.

"Oh can we go to the park?"

"No I wanna go to the movies."

"No I wanna do …" and with that a war began between the children.

That was until their mother added with the most mischievous look she could muster, "Why don't we ALL we go to work with Uncle Clark?"

No sooner had Mara spoke the words that all eyes were set on him, "I don't know… maybe that isn't such a great idea," Clark tried to reason.

All the children started saying, "Yeah I wanna go to work with Uncle Clark."

"Me too, it'll be fun Clark," Mara laughed as she and the children skipped away.

Clark couldn't believe this, they couldn't go, to work with him, they were out of control, shouting, "Please…wait…Are you sure…No …Oh God," but to no avail for they were already getting ready to set off for the Daily Planet.