My secondary education (high school years) soon arrived and flew by – in large part due to my test results.
Unsurprisingly, I was considered a prodigy and, alongside advanced classes, was soon participating in apprenticeships and international summer trips years before my peers even really knew what such programs were about. To summarize, I took full advantage of the opportunities given and became an inventor and business owner as soon as I could – at 12 and 16 years old respectively.
Suffice it to say, as soon as it was legal, I no longer went to school.
I named my company Edge EnerCorp and, within six months, I was employing 323 people across the UK and was looking to expand to the United States, Italy, India, Thailand, and Namibia.
I privately had my eyes on the Badlands of Namibia in the Namib Desert. I felt that would be a good place for me to use my mother's crystal.
Unfortunately, there were other things I needed to address beforehand.
"You'll do fine," Mom said. "Just remember you don't need to answer every question."
"I know, Mum," I said, skimming over my notes. I glanced up at her, finding her staring at me. "What?"
"You just look so grown up and yet so young. It's hard to believe it's been over 6 years since you were brought to us, and three since you officially became ours," she said proudly.
She and my dad formally adopted me when I was just shy of thirteen. Of course, I didn't know how old I was exactly, and the date we celebrated my birthday had been selected by the courts after a report from the physician who had examined me. Still, I was young and certain I was less than 17 years old, not that it really mattered to me.
However, it did matter to the world.
Building from what this universe's version of computers had already lain, I branched into communications, but my focus soon expanded into agriculture, water purification, and energy production. Thanks to the Bridgens, I had a better understanding of farming and livestock needs and, coupled with my knowledge from The Before and kryptonian technology, seeked to improve food production, reduce water pollutants, and cut energy costs and waste. Thus far, I had 22 patents and four more on the way.
And now I had my first interview with the press as CEO of Edge EnerCorp.
I tried to shake my nervousness. This would be the first time I would ever be in front of cameras, though thankfully not my first interview.
A few years before, I had been interviewed when I first began to make waves (due to a school project that became a patented invention) and someone had connected the dots to me being the mute lost boy all those years before. Unsurprisingly, the public always loves feel-good stories and I had decided to agree to one interview on the condition they leave me alone after. It worked for the most part, though it likely had more to do with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) making a statement following the article. That had been in 1985.
It was now November, 1988, and I was being hailed as the UK's youngest CEO and greatest turnaround story.
"Mr. Edge?"
I looked up at Ms. Harbor, the reporter who would be interviewing me.
"Are you ready?" she asked, taking a seat across from me.
"Yes," I said with a smile.
The interview began and it thankfully didn't take long for the ice to be broken.
Ms. Harbor was no Lois Lane (thank goodness, for my sake) but she was good at her job. The questions were straightforward but still deep enough to be informative and enjoyable for the audience.
"What sort of things are you hoping to do next? Some feel you are going to help with the global warming issue?" she asked.
"My focus is on helping humanity, so that automatically includes protecting our environment and our planet. After all, there's only one Earth. As for what I'm hoping to do next, my current focus is on improving our waste management, specifically with plastic. Plastic is completely synthetic, meaning its molecules are not found in nature, and we frankly have no idea on the long term consequences, if any, that it may have on our biology, let alone its impact on wildlife and the food chain and thus our food supply. Frankly, I'm far more concerned about that than global warming, especially when one takes into account that Earth has experienced hotter temperatures in the past, as well as a much higher concentration of CO2."
Ms. Harbor blinked and I wondered if I had lost her. I decided to press on.
"All I'm saying is that I question the urgency being expressed in the global warming issue while there's a severe lack of any serious precaution with compounds we have zero long term data on. I think we should continue studying Earth's climate and investigate how we can reduce smog and plastic waste, and we can do so without inducing panic," I explained.
"Do you disagree with the proponents of global warming?" she asked curiously.
"I disagree with their approach because I think there's a risk of it becoming exceedingly harmful. Panic makes people stupid and dangerous. And making outlandish claims with subpar data to back it up is just as bad as crying wolf because it's harmful in two different ways: burning people out to the point they stop listening while making others into fanatics. Neither option is good. What we need is calm, sound minds able to look at the evidence objectively. And the more serious the subject, the more important it is to be objective.
"Anyway, I'm just saying we must ensure honest dialogue remains and for people to not get swept up by emotions or, worse, egos and even greed. There's a lot of unanswered questions, so much we don't know. It's important that we don't ignore different opinions or theories. We should follow the scientific method, question everything, and verify previous assumptions or even re-verify things we believe are fact. Truth is a wonderful thing. It's not afraid of questions or being repeatedly pried into by skeptics. In fact, that's when it thrives and when more discoveries, often unexpected and beneficial, are made."
"You are certainly a scientist," Ms. Harbor said, her eyebrows high. "I can see how you've become the youngest individual in history to have over twenty patents in your name."
I shifted in my seat, blushing.
"And you've committed ten percent of the proceeds from your company to the NSPCC and another ten to international organizations focused on the well-being of children. Everything from literacy issues to cancer treatments. Is it fair to say that is because of . . . your past?" she asked, growing tentative at the end.
"Yes. My foster parents, who eventually adopted me, helped me so much, and I want to ensure other kids are helped like I was," I said honestly.
"Your past is understandably a sensitive subject, so I'll end this interview by asking this: what would you like people to know about your past?" she asked delicately.
I was actually impressed.
I nodded slowly, choosing my following words carefully. "I want people to know that my past has helped shape me, but it's what I choose to do after that defines me. My . . . biological father didn't love me. That much is clear, no matter what I may or may not remember." I clenched my fists and went on. "But I know leaving saved my life, and being found by caring people is what grounded my soul. It is their actions that echo through me and drive my decisions now. That's what I want people to know."
"Thank you, Mr. Edge. That is good to know, though I must say I am more curious about your future than your past now. In fact, I'm quite excited to see what you will bring about."
I smiled, my thoughts immediately straying to my future plans, near and far. "Thank you, Ms. Harbor."
O
As my company's foothold in the world continued to solidify, my attention branched into other things, specifically: threats.
My knowledge from The Before was thankfully extensive, providing me with a jumpstart to many potential issues for myself and my brother. Of course, I'm talking about Lex Luthor.
Other unsavory individuals and Kryptonite were of course on my radar, but Luthor. . . . He was a threat I couldn't afford to not address and, frankly, remove as swiftly as possible.
He was nearly seven years my senior and had already tried to convince me to partner with his company soon after I turned seventeen. I politely refused. Thus, now he was subtly trying to intimidate my business partners, steal intellectual property, and chase away customers and potential investors, or rather his underlings were attempting to do so.
Unfortunately for him, I wasn't actually just a 17 year old kid with a big IQ. I had long since learned how to handle evil narcissists: strategically and without restraint.
And so (after some super-snooping via a few super-hearing sessions) I hired private investigators and told them about 'rumors' I had heard and thus were concerned about – which included murder and espionage.
Discovering Luthor was already a murderer actually took me aback. I had sort of hoped the man hadn't already ventured to that level, but he had.
The investigators took the information and did their job, and, long story short, collected enough evidence to get the authorities involved after a few months.
While a pleasant surprise, Luthor's arrest was a bit anticlimactic, but I suppose I had overestimated Luthor's genius and underestimated the folly of all young people: inexperience.
He was currently held without bail with all of his bank accounts and such seized.
Thankfully, at 24 years old, he hadn't been the paranoid, impervious mastermind often portrayed in the comics and movies from The Before. And now, hopefully, he never would be.
Time resumed, and since my first interview with Ms. Harbor two and a half years prior, I had been insanely busy (the investigation into Luthor not withstanding), so much so that I still can't believe I had accomplished so much so quickly. But a lot was at stake. I wanted to ensure I could support my brother's efforts when he was ready and I also wanted to improve the world so, when he finally did become Superman, there would be less saving needed.
The general public remained oblivious to life beyond earth and whenever I did use my powers to help in emergencies (which was rare), I did so in complete secret. Admittedly, those moments were always heart pounding for me – afraid I would mess up by exposing myself, or, worse, killing someone. Which was part of the reason why I listened to my family and used EnerCorp to help instead of using my abilities. They argued that it was safer and, honestly, more thorough.
They were right, especially since, frustratingly, I still couldn't fly.
Not being able to fly was really holding me back on multiple fronts.
At 18 now, almost 19, years old (and yes, very rich), I was living on my own, though I still visited the Bridgens and Wintons whenever I could. My parents had retired from their jobs and moved to Wales with Luke and Tim to be closer to the Bridgens. I was happy with this change because it made my visiting easier and it was clear Tim and Luke would likely be eventually entering the Bridgen's line of work in one capacity or another.
Tim had formally started his apprenticeship under Jacob the previous summer and already wanted to get land himself to begin his own herd in the coming years. As for Luke, he had just turned 13, so he was still uncertain on what he wanted to grow up to be but was already proving to be a good craftsman.
As for the Bridgens, they were still herding sheep and selling their wool, but Aunt Marge had also branched out into selling some crocheted stuffed animals. I must admit, my favorite were the owls.
I looked out from the balcony of my manor, which I had just purchased in Ireland. It was one of many properties I now owned.
"All of this boggles my mind, you know," Jacob said, looking out beside me as Margaret came up to the railing with us. "And I don't think I'll ever understand how you pulled off that agreement in Africa. A treaty with a sovereign nation! You essentially have a micronation now! Granted, it's arid, uninhabitable land in that desert of Namam or whatever, but still."
"Namib," Margaret gently corrected with a smile. "It's the Namib Desert in Namibia."
"It did take me a little over a year to make it happen, and even now it's still a bit rocky," I pointed out. "Which reminds me, I need to check up on the installations of those desalination stations for them. If those go up when they should, their next harvest will be the best they've ever had."
The deal was a five year plan, and my gaining full ownership of the land (thus it becoming independent from Namibia and truly owned by me) was contingent on me (through my company) providing what I had promised.
Part of the agreement I had made with Namibia to obtain the patch of badlands included the installation of several new EnerCorp technologies across their nation that they would learn how to fully operate, maintain, and construct within that time. Half were dedicated to improving their water supply and output of their agriculture, while the rest focused on geothermal energy that would provide clean, affordable power to their population.
Unprecedented, for sure, but ironically negotiating the treaty with the newly independent Namibia had been easier than soothing the UN's feelings about it – which is an example of why I hate politics so much.
"So when are you going to go there again?" Jacob asked after a moment. "You had said the desert was for your mother's crystal."
"I'm not sure yet, but I want to go soon, now that the treaty is set," I answered. "And yes, I hope to use the crystal in the heart of the badlands so if there's any changes to the land, the chances of anything being detected will be minimal – just excusable seismic activity."
I had been planning on activating my mother's crystal soon after I gained the ability to fly, but since that power had yet to manifest I realized I would have to figure out my approach to and from the badlands on foot instead – which meant running on a lot of water. Doable, but far from ideal, and running across land isn't great either because then I have to worry about covering up the trail I leave behind.
"What about the lab you're building there? Nuclear, right?" Marge asked.
"Yes. Even though the research will primarily be for medical purposes, the isolated location is ideal. If something, heaven forbid, does go wrong, it'll be miles away from any life. Namibia comes from a word meaning 'vast space' for a reason," I answered.
My plan was to test nuclear technology there, focusing on improving medical scanners and treatments, but also nuclear power for reliable, clean, and affordable energy generation. I had recently hired a science team who I personally screened and selected. It was very nice to be able to hear people's heart rates and sense their body temperatures during interviews, not to mention overhear critical conversations – and no, I don't feel guilty about using my abilities that way.
I was set on making a brighter future and laying the groundwork to build a world that would rise up with my brother. Handicapping myself would be foolish. Besides, I didn't hide the fact that I was very particular with who worked for me. The whole world knew I was very picky and held those I employed to the highest standards. They had figured that out before I turned 18, thanks to rumors that got out about my aversion to working with Luthor early on, which was certainly more good PR for me now that he was on trial for murder and a host of other things.
"Do you have any more plans of buying more land or doing anything else anytime soon?" Jacob asked curiously.
"Actually, I'm moving forward on partnering with some farming communities in certain areas of the US, Mexico and Brazil. I'm bringing what I learned from the Netherlands and, recently, Namibia," I said.
I was hoping that, worst case, I'd eventually be able to make contact with Clark through that project because Smallville was obviously on the list of locations EnerCorp was reaching out to.
Now I had to hope Jonathan would agree to accept my company's (specifically my) offer. Granted, I suspected Martha might sway any hesitance there may be.
I sighed, wishing I knew how best to go about things. I wanted to reveal my existence to the Kents and I wanted to tell Clark about his heritage, but I didn't know how I should. There were risks, not only because my presence (as Morgan Edge or just in general) might be discovered by others, but because I didn't know how the Kents would respond – including Clark.
Since I had been a father in The Before, not to mention a grandfather and great grandfather, I was torn. Putting myself in Jonathan Kent's place, I didn't want to do anything that would negatively disrupt the family or harm the father-son dynamic; however, being a brother and a son, I also understood Clark's point of view, which honestly made things scarier.
What if the Kents hadn't told Clark the truth yet? Even though he was only 8 or so, my appearance and him learning the truth (him not being human) through me could damage his relationship with his parents, and thus damage the foundation of Superman, whereas if I stayed away until he knew. . . . But maybe he already knew? Me staying away could be detrimental to my own relationship with him in the future.
Maybe I should just reach out to Jonathan and Martha privately? If I were in their place I would want to know how to help Clark with his abilities at the very least. And, having once been a parent myself, I knew having help in understanding one's child could be a tremendous blessing.
But what if they don't believe me or, worse, refuse to allow me into their lives?
Admittedly, I knew at least half of my hesitance – logical or not – was due to my fear of rejection. 110 years of existence or not, I still wanted familial connection in this life, and while the Bridgens and Wintons were family, there was something about blood that was different, especially in my case. There was a gap between myself and humanity. I couldn't deny that. Not only due to being Kryptonian but also being reborn and being alive for far longer than most. Physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, I was unique. I suppose it makes sense that I wanted at least one aspect of myself to be sated by knowing one other at least somewhat like me. To have a core connection. And the fact we were so closely related made it even more precious.
I desperately hoped Clark liked me.
"Tal?"
I startled, realizing Jacob and Margaret had been trying to get my attention and had needed to resort to using my birth name, which for some reason I still responded to more than my given human name (of this current life). How long had I just been standing there?
"Sorry, what?" I asked.
"Are you okay? You really zoned out on us," Margaret said, concerned.
"Yeah, were you hearing something?" Jacob asked.
"I'm okay, and no, I wasn't hearing anything, I was just . . . thinking about my brother," I said with a swallow.
They shared a look before Margaret placed her hand on mine.
"You'll find him, honey," she assured.
I mutely nodded, unable to trust my voice at that moment. They fortunately didn't press.
I didn't like hiding the truth, but trying to explain how I had already found him would require too much finagling of the truth. I had yet to tell anyone I was actually from a parallel universe and had been reborn and I likely never would. The alien bit was complicated enough.
At my silence, Jacob gently shifted the conversation to lighter topics and I was content to listen to Marge outline her plan for her stuffed animal business until the sky grew dark and Jacob decided it was time to turn in.
That night, I dreamt of flying, only to wake . . . floating above my mattress.
I grinned.
O
A/N: The muse is being a little difficult recently. Any thoughts are appreciated, thanks :)