-1Chapter 7 - A coffee break
"It'd be best if Impulse stays in my room. It's easier to explain if someone walked in on him instead of me. You could say he's your cousin or something." Clark said.
"That is wise." Martha said looking over to Jonathan.
Jonathan noticed her look as he turned his attention back to 'Impulse' who was devouring his fifth plate. He was putting Clarks reputation to shame. "I agree if 'Impulse' wants to camp in Clarks room."
Bart sat back in his chair and stretched. He'd eat more but the table was cleared from him and Clark.
"Alright then. I'll just grab some clothes." Clark said.
"Won't you get cold dear?" Martha asked starting to gather the empty plates.
Clark stood and super speed around the table, gathering the plates and taking them to the sink. Within in seconds they were washed and air drying. "If it gets too cold, I'll just camp on the couch." Clark said.
Martha and Jonathan jumped, still not used to Clark being able to move faster than a bullet.
"Alright dear. Thanks for doing the dishes." Martha said.
Clark just smiled while drying his hands on a dish towel.
Clark was up in his loft taking in the old sight. They hadn't moved anything for the past two and a half years. His old couch was still there and the trunk he used as a table.
He sat down and opened it up. Inside were pictures of his friends and Lana. He had a old cigar box filed with ticket stubs and mementos of his times with Lana. She'd convinced him to keep a memory box of their dates and good times just like she was.
He smiled as he picked up a particular picture he used to always look at. It was Lana and himself curled up in front of the old oak tree when they'd gone horseback riding. It was one day he'd never forget. They hadn't told anyone they were together yet and had just snuck off to be alone. They'd taken the horses and gone ridding till they found the old tree to curl up under and just cuddle. It was one of the best memories he had with her.
He set the photo down and rested his face on his hands. He didn't know how he was going to approach Lana or that he even would. How could he? She was with Lex and obviously over him. He couldn't just walk up to her and say he was alive and still in love.
This was one of the moments he'd wished he'd stayed dead. He leaned back and watched as the sun finally set when his COM link went off. He placed it on his ear and pressed the button.
"Kal here." He said.
The voice of Oliver came over the link. "Good to hear from you Kal. How are things?" He asked.
"Settled for tonight. Parents weren't any trouble, welcomed us with open arms." Clark said.
"And a plate full of food." Impulse cut in over the link.
"Good to hear you still have your appetite Impulse." Oliver said.
Clark chuckled and then sobered getting to business. "What's the orders for tomorrow?" Clark asked.
"Next phase is to get in contact with Lana's closets friends. Impulse, you already know. Sorry Clark but for the next few days you two won't see much of each other." Oliver said.
"Roger that." Clark said.
"Roger." Impulse replied.
"Be safe. Over and out." Oliver said.
Clark pulled off the COM link and laid it down on the trunk next to Lana's picture. He grabbed his bag and pulled out his other items. He laid his glasses and flash drive next to his COM link. Tomorrow he'd need to get up earlier if he wanted to scoop out the city and find out Lana's routine.
He laid back and closed his eyes and finally after blocking out the sounds of Smallville, fell asleep.
Like an eternal clock, Clark woke at dawn. He sat up and stretched and did his morning excurices. Not like he needed to but it was force of habit. If the other had to do it, so did he. It didn't matter that it didn't increase strength or stamina.
He super speed into the house and took a shower while the others sleep. Or well his parents. Bart was already up but not in the house. He must have already taken off to do his day's work. Once clean and dried, he headed into his room to find him some clothes.
He needed to wear something that wouldn't be noticeable that he was Clark Kent if someone saw him. He found his old leather jacket and black jeans. He'd always been a blue jean and plaid, kind of guy. No one would double look if he wore this outfit with a t-shirt. He'd also wear his glasses and perhaps a ball cap.
He dressed in his black jeans, dark red shirt, leather jacket and a dark red hat backwards. He super speed back into the loft and gathered his items. He pulled out his fake id and placed it in his wallet in front of his real id and military id. He placed some of his money inside and pulled on his glasses. He was ready to go.
Martha and Jonathan were up when he went back inside. "So Clark, what is your plans for today?" Martha asked.
"It'll only take a second to finish the chores then I'm on my way in town. I have a few things to take care of." Clark said digging into her homemade pancakes. She sure did cook fast in the morning. Of course she always had to for Jonathan to get done and get to work on the farm.
"Be safe. I know you're probably already aware of this, but don't let anyone see what you can do. Lex has been on a power run lately and he may come after you and your friend if you're not careful." Jonathan said.
"I understand. I'm only allowed to discuss my resurrection. Only those who are trustworthy are allowed to know anything else." Clark said his plate already cleaned.
"I'll be back later." Clark said.
"Wait son. You can't go super speeding or flying around town. I'd let you take the truck but I'm going to need it later. Take the bike." Jonathan said pointing to the keys hanging by the door.
"Thanks dad." Clark said picking his plate up and super speeding it clean. He grabbed the keys and kissed his mom good bye. "I should be back by dinner." With that he was out the door and super speeding around the farm.
Clark had his chores done in minutes and even knocked out a few of his dads. Some he couldn't go ahead and do since it was so early. Some animals had to be feed at a certain time during the day which gave his dad something to do.
Clark made sure he had all he needed before going to his dad's back in the barn. The bike was in pristine condition. His father really loved this bike and spilled blood getting it fixed up. His dad would kill him if he got a scratch on it.
He jumped on and started it up. With a roar it came to life and he could feel the powerful engine beneath him. With a crank he was spitting dust down the driveway and on his way downtown.
Clark slowed down as he reached the city limit. He figured the best place to start was the Talon. He risked Lana seeing him if she still ran the place. However she was with Lex and he doubted he allowed her to work unless she really wanted to.
Clark parked his bike and jumped off. The Talon was busy on the inside but when he x-rayed he didn't see Lana or anyone else. It gave him the opportunity to find a good seat and park.
He walked inside and no one paid a second glance towards him. He found a small table in a corner that allowed him to see the entire floor but kept him out of sight.
He took a seat and the waitress walked over.
"Anything for you?" She asked.
She wasn't anyone he remembered, "Yes, a mocha latte please. Biggest you've got."
She nodded and made her way back to the counter. A few minutes later she returned with his order. "Enjoy." She said before tending to her other customers. Clark sipped the coffee and watched the door. It wasn't but thirty minutes later when Chloe and Pete walked in.
If he remembered Chloe she need her coffee in the morning and it had to be a latte. He summoned the waitress over as he watched Chloe and Pete take a seat. "Everything okay?" She asked.
"Everything is great, thank you. I was wondering if you could send your largest latte to the blonde over there." Clark said pointing to Chloe.
"She has a boyfriend." The waitress said.
"I know. I'm an old friend." Clark said.
The waitress nodded and headed off behind the counter to make the order. Clark sat back in the shadows as he watched the lady carry over the coffee.
"I haven't ordered yet." Chloe said. Clark knew it was rude to listen in but it was part of his job description.
"It's from the lad in the corner. Say's he's an old friend." The waitress said pointing to where he was sitting.
Clark figured it would be best to head out now as Chloe and Pete looked over. He had his face hidden well so they only knew what he was wearing. He drowned the rest of his steaming coffee and dropped a twenty on the table.
He walked past their table and saw them both watch him. He turned and smiled then walked out the door. He climbed on his bike and listened to what was going on inside the Talon.
"Did he look familiar to you?" Chloe asked.
"Yea, but how?" Pete asked.
He heard the shuffling of chairs as he started up the bike. Both Chloe and Pete burst out of the talon as he turned around and made his way back to the farm. Knowing Chloe, she would be hot on his tail.
"Wasn't that Mr. Kent's bike?" Pete asked.
"It was. Pete, were going to the Kent's." Chloe said pulling out her keys. Pete was right behind her as they rushed to her bug.
Clark left the bike in the driveway and watched from the loft. Chloe and Pete would be there in any minute as he heard them speeding down the road toward the farm. Sure enough only minutes later, she was peeling into the driveway and racing up to the parked bike.
Clark leaned against the loft wall facing the stairs as he heard the doors slammed shut. Within seconds Chloe was around the corner and heading up the stairs with Pete behind her. She stopped dead at the landing. Pete stood behind her with his mouth gaping open.
"I'm sorry we followed you, but you looked like a old friend of ours that passed away." Chloe said moving so Pete could join her side.
"Yea man. You look like a darker version of him." Pete said.
Clark stood up straight and braced himself. This was the moment of truth but it had to be done. He pulled of his hat and his glasses. "How close of a version are we speaking of?" Clark asked.
Chloe and Pete were both wide mouthed and had trouble breathing. Chloe moved first by stepping towards him. "Your not real. I was at his funeral. I was there when he got shot." Chloe said.
"I don't blame, for my death. I was only trying to protect you, you know." Clark said as Chloe reached out to touch him.
When her palm touched his cheek and she could feel his body warm and the smoothness of his skin she fell back only to have Pete catch her.
"It really is you, man?" Pete asked helping Chloe back to her feet.
"In the flesh with a heartbeat." Clark said.
"How?" Chloe asked.
"It's a long story." Clark said.
"Well it appears that my legs won't be working properly for a while so I have time." Chloe said and Pete helped her to the couch.
"Alright then. The military dug up my grave and used my body in an reanimation experiment. Obviously it worked and over the past two and a half years I've been training to perfect my abilities. As of yesterday I've been assigned here." Clark said.
Pete also sat down as his legs began to refuse to work. "So let me get this straight. You were dead then brought back with special skills that you've been perfecting?" Pete asked.
"Yes, that is correct." Clark said.
"What kind of skills?" Chloe asked. She had that old reporter look in her eyes where she knew she was onto a story that would land her front page of the Daily Planet.
"If I were to tell you they must remain secret. If news were to reach the wrong ears my mission would be blown and my comrades in danger. I cannot risk that." Clark said.
"We promise to keep it secret. Perhaps we can even help you." Pete said, nudging Chloe in the ribs.
"I won't mention a word, Clark." Chloe said.
"Very well. If you breach our agreement I will be forced to terminate by orders." Clark said. Chloe and Pete both looked scared by what he said.
"You've killed?" Pete asked.
"No. I'd hate for you to be the first." Clark said. He knew that wouldn't say anything. He could always count on Pete to keep a secret and eventually when he was good friends with Chloe he eventually trusted her the same. He believed them when they said they wouldn't talk.
"I have super human abilities. Strength, speed, sight, hearing, flight, and invulnerability." Clark said standing tall.
"Wait, you mean to say you have all those abilities?" Chloe said. Clark nodded looking over them both. "Prove it." She said. Clark figured she would. She normally didn't believe anything without evidence.
"Pete if you would, take that bat and hit me with it." Clark said. Pete looked at him like he was crazy but when Clark didn't change in expression he picked up the bat. He pulled back as hard as he could and swung full out. The bat hit Clark across the chest and splittered into thousands of pieces. Clark didn't even blink.
"Oh wow." Chloe said. Pete dropped the remains and stepped back.
"Pete, you have a pocket knife, 4 nickles and a paper clip in your left pocket. Twenty dollars in your wallet and your cell phone in your right pocket." Clark said. Pete checked his pants for holes to see if he'd been able to see what he had.
"How did you know that?" Pete asked.
"I can see through solid objects." Clark said. Chloe pulled her jacket together as he continued on with the demonstration. "Watch that candle." Clark said. Pete and Chloe look over as Clark focused on the wick and concentrated allowing the heat to flow from his pupils. The wick caught fire and Chloe and Pete jumped.
Clark picked up the crowbar and bent it before their eyes. Clark then floated a few feet from the ground. "Oh my god!?!" Chloe said as Clark touched back down.
"I can't believe it. What are you exactly? A robot?" Pete asked poking him in the arm.
"No, I am still human. The process was meant to increase all natural abilities of a human body. However the heat vision and flight were a side effect of the procedure." Clark said.
Pete sat back down next to Chloe. They didn't say anything for about five minutes. "I didn't even notice you at first. I wouldn't have known you were Clark Kent by what your wearing. I knew it was you when you smiled." Chloe said.
"Good to know. My mission is to gather information while remaining undercover for as long as possible. As soon as my cover is reveled the others will take control of the situation. Until then I need to know everything you know about Lana Lang." Clark said.
Chloe was shocked to say the least. He was acting like he didn't even remember her when he obviously remembered them. "What do you need to know?" Chloe asked.
"Where does she spend her time? Where does she stay? Do you two spend a lot of time with her? And why on god's green earth is she with Lex?" Clark asked.