The Marshall and Superman

Chapter 5 You've seen 1 cornfield, you've seen them all! – my uncle Earl Vikingson.

Superman took his time on this flight as they had most of the day to get to their n ext destination. Lana appreciated it as she could peek out of the cape and look around. They were over flying some of America's most magnificent scenery.

First was California's Sierra Nevada mountains. Their route took them directly over Yosemite National Park. The view from high above was spectacular; Bridal Veil falls, El Capitan, Yosemite falls, Half Dome, Nevada & Vernal falls were highlights.

Then they veered north and flew over Lake Tahoe with the skiing resorts around the lake in evidence.

East they continued over the deserts of Nevada; finally the Great Salt Lake, Salt Lake City with the Mormon Tabernacle, then up and over the Wasatch mountains to the east. Heading to Colorado.

The Colorado Rocky Mountains were impressive; they descended slightly as they passed over Denver and out over the great plains.

She began to see great fields of crops; wheat, barley, alfalfa, sunflowers and summer hay for cattle feed. Eventually she saw great fields of corn mixed in with the other crops.

"We're approaching home," Clark informed her. "Smallville, Kansas is our next stop."

"Your home? The Kent Farm?"

"Yes, the very one."

"This is great, I've been wanting to see where you grew up!"

"And you will, and more."

"More?"

"You'll see, patience my dear."

C/Superman landed gracefully behind the barn. He led Lana in a back door and up the stairs to the loft – his Fortress of Solitude all through his boyhood and youth years. "I spent many hours up here, some days I lived up here; thinking, studying, star gazing, watching beautiful sunsets. I did it all."

"I can see why," Lana whispered, "It's peaceful and the view is beautiful. I would spend a lot of time up here too."

"Why don't you sit and take a load off. I have 1 quick thing to do, I'll be right back and show you around."

"Ok." Lana got out her desk-top easel and set up to do a sketch of the view out the loft window. The sun was getting low in the western sky; she hoped Clark would be back for the sunset, it looked to be a great show.

He disappeared in a blur and reappeared in the kitchen. He had seen his mother's car in the driveway, as expected. She jumped at his appearance and gave a squeal of delight. Clark wrapped her up in a hug and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Great to see you mom, I have a surprise. I'll bring her in momentarily, I just wanted to give you a heads up."

"Thanks, son. I'm anxious to meet her. I heard good things about the Lex Luthor case. You fell for your protector, didn't you," she grinned broadly.

"Maybe."

"Maybe? Don't be coy with your mother."

"You'll know soon."

"I'll have dinner ready in 90; don't be late."

"Yes ma'am."

Clark re-appeared in the loft. "Hi, babe. I just checked to make sure, my mom is here for a few days. She will have dinner ready in 90; we can't be late."

"Your mother! You didn't warn me, I'm not dressed to meet her!"

"Not a problem, you are as beautiful as ever. Don't worry!"

"That's what all men say! That's not how it works, Clark!"

"That black flying outfit is the cat's meow!"

"I'm sure that works for you – your mom may be a different story!"

"She'll love it. What are you working on there?"

"The view out your loft window; the sunset is looking spectacular. I think we'll see it all before dinner."

Clark slides up behind her, snaking his arms around her waist. "Can you still work like this?"

"Yes, if you don't hold too tight and are still. No tickling or other disruptive movements, please."

"I will be a good boy."

"For once? I'll believe it when I experience it."

They watch an absolutely beautiful Kansas sunset; just like Clark has gotten used to over the years. Lana finishes her sketch of the yellow farm house and the setting sun. It is stunning; she takes it with her as they go inside just in time for dinner.

Clark leads Lana in the front door and to the kitchen. "Mom, I have someone I want you to meet. This is Marshall Lana Lang; she protected me during the Lex Luthor case."

"Lana, may I call you that, so nice to meet you!"

"Yes, you may; and it is my pleasure to meet you! Sorry, I didn't come dressed for such an occasion."

"Oh, don't be concerned. BTW I really like the black outfits. You are a stunning couple. And, what is that I see on your ring finger?"

"That's the other part of my surprise, mom. Lana and I have just gotten engaged. At the Mark Hopkins, just this morning!"

"Wow, then you must call me Martha; since I am soon to be your mom-in-law, eh?"

"I'll try. And thanks."

"Are we ready to eat, mom. We're starved. All we've had since breakfast is a couple of fortune cookies."

Lana looks sideways at him, as if to say 'and whose fault is that'?

Martha looks puzzled, then says "Yes, why don't you two set the table?"

They do, and soon everyone is enjoying one of Martha's famous home cooked meals including a slice of warm apple pie a-la-mode.

After dinner they all sat in the living room and talked. Martha was most interested in how Lana and Clark met. She knew of the Lex Luthor case and Clark's involvement in it, but how that translated into their relationship was of paramount interest to her. Of course, they had to be careful with the classified aspects, but since she was a US Senator, they could be a little freer with information than was usual.

She was obviously very interested in the SF part of their trip as she had been involved in the original escapades. George's idea of an artist-in-residence and spending some time in SF was very appealing to her. She might well wish to tag along, maybe spend some 1:1 time with Senator Feinstein building bridges. There were real possibilities there that she would like to explore.

As the conversation dwindled, Lana pulled out her sketch and showed it to Martha.

"Oh, my, that is beautiful! Did you see this, Clark?"

"Yes, I watched as she created it. I am amazed, and this is only a hobby for her!"

"A magnificent hobby. Where are you going to hang it, my dear?"

"Oh, it's a gift for you."

"What! You can't do that!"

"Of course, I can. I created it just for you."

"Oh, my; if that's the case, I have just the spot to display it in my DC office. You just may get calls to do sketches for other legislators who will be envious when they see this."

"Well, remember, this is just a hobby. Though the idea of spending some time in SF is very appealing. We had a great time there, celebrating the Lex Luthor case. And, of course, becoming engaged topped the charts! George at the Mark Hopkins was very helpful and quite a character. And Martha, I got the impression that he very much hoped to see you again!"

Martha blushed.

Clark smirked. "Mom, should we see if we can set something up for an extended visit to SF?"

"I'll look into that and let you know," Martha quickly responded. It appeared that she didn't want to talk about this subject.

Much later Clark & Lana were stretched out on the couch in the loft, having just completed a passion filled make out session.

"Clark?"

"Yes, Lana?"

"I really like your mom."

"I knew you would; and she really likes you, too."

"What about the idea of spending some time in SF?"

"Would you like to do that? Can you get time off to do something like that?"

"I think so; I have tons of unused time off to draw on. And the idea of a series of sketches under the theme 'San Francisco Life' is very appealing."

"Ah, and where did that idea come from?"

"Well, George may have mentioned it. When he told me he was going to display the sketch I gifted him in the Mark Hopkins main lobby. Did you notice how dated the art work in that lobby was?"

"I wasn't really paying attention."

"You had something else on your mind, eh?"

"Definitely!" Clark blushes.

"Is it ok if I talk with your mom tomorrow about SF?"

"Certainly. Now, shall we go into the house and retire for the night? Or, shall we initiate the loft?"

"I am comfy right here. You?"

"With you, anywhere is comfy!"