Chapter 14

Martha stared at the ringing phone. How does this man know so much about us? She raised an eyebrow at the teens. "Good afternoon, Kent Farm."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Kent. This is Virgil Swann once again. Are your husband and you available? I know that Miss Arighatto is with you."

"I'm sorry, Dr. Swann but Mr. Kent's not home yet. I expect him shortly." Martha looked at the three teenagers. "And how do you Miranda's here? She and Clark just arrived only a few minutes ago. You seem to know a great deal about us. You'll pardon me if I seem concerned about that."

"I can assure you, Mrs. Kent. I have no wish to intrude in your lives. You do realize that other than what happened in the last two months, I have had little contact with anyone over the past twenty-five years? Other than my colleague, Dr. Crosby, Mr. Kent and Miss Lang, I have not seen anyone in that time." Swann pointed out. "However, as I told Miss Lang and him during their recent visit, Clark's own actions has exposed him to the world. Miss Lang's morning has threatened to do the same."

Martha looked at Lana. "What do you mean? She told me that she was just going to work. Something about the Talon induced a reaction. It's never happened before."

Lana sighed. She rubbed her forehead. Dread numbed her thinking. Great. Does that mean I'll never be able to go in there again? How will I keep my job and that partnership?

"Don't worry, Lana. We'll get past this." Clark rubbed her arm. "Dad would say it's about focus."

"But, Clark, we don't know what's causing this! Something infested the Talon! I reacted to it!" Lana bowed her head. Tears flowed down her cheeks. "How can I train if I don't know the cause! Miri, I can't just dump it on you."

"This isn't your fault, Lana. Hey! We'll get you past this! You just need time to practice and learn to control it. We may need to have Mr. Luthor bring in someone as a temp to help out." Miranda rubbed her chin. "Dr. Swann said he can help all of us. He has answers for me too. I think I know what you're reacting to."

"But it's an old theater! What is it? Haunted? And I haven't felt it until now? I can feel things at the cemetery! I hear my parents!" Lana threw her hands up in the air.

Martha bit her lip. Miranda obviously knew about Clark and Lana's special nature. Jonathan won't like this! "Dr. Swann, there are things in the past. I have…."

"I am well aware of the Talon's unique and dark history, Mrs. Kent. That is part of the information Miss Arighatto just referred to. I am not hiding anything from Mr. Kent or any of you. I do not think Lex or Miss Sullivan can know at least not yet. My invitation certainly extends to your entire family. I would encourage you to accept it. Others know of Clark especially after the past two weeks. Some would help you to train and use your powers responsibly. Others, however, lust to control and exploit you. Remember, Clark, you have Lana to think about besides yourself. I trust Miss Arighatto can tell you about what can happen if such forces attack? I would urge you to come to New York. You could run up here as you have done in the past. I do not know if Lana's stamina can make it there. I flew her from there up here. I can do the same now. We can speak. Then, I can fly you back the next day. Speak with Jor-El as well. I would have him in the conversation."

THANK YOU, SWANN. WE SHOULD HAVE A DIALOGUE. AS I WAS JUST REMINDED THIS MORNING, WE HAVE A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE.

"Miranda and I can get the schedule set for the next half-week or so." Lana frowned. "Lex is going to want to know why we're taking off like this."

"At least my stepfather's not around for a week at least. I think he's across the Pacific on some business. As long as the Talon's covered, I just have to grab a change of clothes," Miranda noted. "I don't know about you both. Lana, I have to see Dr. Swann. I have to know what he knows about my family."

"I'm going too." Lana rubbed Miranda's arm. "I can't keep going like this. If he and Jor-El can help me then I want to get that help. I need to understand more about this new stuff. I have to learn this focus."

Martha exchanged looks with Clark. Then, she spoke into the phone. "Dr. Swann, I appreciate your help with Clark over the past two months. I…" She saw headlights coming up the driveway and stopping in front of the house. "Hang on. My husband just got here. Can we have some time to talk? Is there a way for Clark to text or email you?"

"Of course, Mrs. Kent. I understand. Please tell Mr. Kent it is not my wish to influence Clark. I simply wish to work with others who would help him. He will have to decide on his own destiny. I hope to see you soon." With that, Swann disconnected the line.

Martha hung up. "Let's eat dinner, Kids. After that, Clark, you'd best get ahead on the chores. Your father's not going to like this." She released a deep sigh. She opened the oven. From it, she lifted a roast onto the wire cooling rack. "Meantime, Clark, can you help me set the table?"

"Got it, Mom." Clark sped about the area. Within a heartbeat, he'd set five places around the table. He also peeled some potatoes and set them to boil on the stove. "How's that?"

"Thanks, Clark. I appreciate it. Your Dad's going to be hungry. It was a long day for all of us." Martha stirred the warming pot. She watched Jonathan get out of the truck. Let's hope he's in the mood to listen! She ground her teeth. Anticipation predicted the coming storm and stubborn reaction.

Prejudice's tide was about to hit the beach….