Protector Plus

Chapter 12 Commitment & Disclosure

SANTA MONICA

Clark and Lana had made a stop in Santa Monica on their way home. Hetty had provided them 1 night in a condo. Before they settled down for the night they were walking the pier. They had always wanted to ride The Eye, and here they were. Unseen by Lana, Clark had whispered something to the operator. The man nodded and Clark smiled. Something was up.

They both had their camera phones busy. They had caught the sunset, and now were on their 2nd rotation. It was getting dark. Their chair had stopped at the very top as patrons were loaded down below.

Clark slipped to a knee and reached for one of Lana's hands. She gasped; this had never happened to her before.

"Lana, when I asked you out to dinner months ago, I wasn't sure what to expect. I hoped, but didn't dare expect. I'm so glad you said yes – finally. Now, I'm asking for another yes. I am so very happy with how things are working between us-

"YES!"

He is stunned! "I haven't asked-

"YES! How many times do I need to say YES?!"

"Women! Ok, will you marry me?"

"YES!" She jumps his bones, right there at the top of The Eye! The ride resumes.

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NCIS MISSION

Marty and Kensi stop by Hetty's desk before they start work. "Hetty, I think that gala was terrific!" Kensi comments.

"I agree, Mrs. Deeks. The deputy ambassador gave our group high praise! I was quite pleased."

"What did he say," Marty asks.

"He praised our attire, and our demeanor. He said we did Japan and her people a great honor. It doesn't get any better than that, coming from the deputy ambassador."

"Wow, I'll say not," Marty exclaims.

"Did you hear the news," Kensi asks.

"I don't think so."

"Clark and Lana got engaged last evening!" Kensi grins.

"Well, congratulation to them."

"Yeah, we were rooting for them." Marty declares. "They got back together after 12 years apart."

"Really? That's wonderful." Hetty smiles, actually smiles.

"Yup, well off to work," Kensi tells her partner.

They hadn't sat down when Eric whistles.

"We've got a case; come on up!"

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6 MONTHS LATER – THE KENT FARM

Wedding day for Lana and Clark. They had talked over venues, and always came back to the farm. They had so much history, having grown up within sight of each other since age 5. Of course, there had been some sadness too; they had parted, only to come back together. A 2nd chance that most people do not get.

October weather was iffy; but they were determined. Even if they had to have the ceremony in the barn! Fortunately, it was a moderate fall day. They were out under their old oak tree; where they had so many memories.

Bride: Lana Elizabeth Lang.

Maid of Honor: Chloe Sullivan-Queen.

Bridesmaids: Eddie Reagan, Kensi Blye-Deeks.

Groom: Clark Jerome Kent.

Best man: Jameson Reagan.

Groomsmen: Marty Deeks, Eric Beale.

Flower girl: TBD

Coordinator: Lois Lane.

Catering: Martha Kent.

Officiant: Hetty Lange.

VOWS

Lana: When you asked me out to dinner I was aggravated. Not Clark again! But you talked me into it, and charmed me with an authentic Mexican meal – in Mexico! Then an authentic Italian meal – in Italy! What girl can resist that? Not me!

You had really thought things over. It made sense, even if it was risky. So, I took that 2nd chance, and here we are!

I really am pleased to say that YES, I am yours – always and forever. Only yours!

Clark: When I sent that dinner invite, I knew it was a long-shot. But high risk, big reward. When you said yes, I was ecstatic. I knew I had to perform, big time. Who can resist authentic, fresh fish tacos? Nobody I know.

Then I asked for a 2nd yes – atop the Eye in Santa Monica. I must have softened you up, because you didn't even let me get to the question!

Too many words, Lana mutters!

Don't interrupt, woman! I also am pleased to be yours always and forever. Yours alone, Lana!

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After a honeymoon in an undisclosed location, Mr. & Mrs. Clark Kent were back to work. Both Clark and Oliver had some time to pay back to the JL. They did it gladly. Chloe accompanied Lana on her next trip to Japan. Both ladies had been working on their Japanese language skills with Rosetta Stone. They had improved, but would take Clark or Ollie along on important trips.

The foursome had talked several times about NYC. The relationship with Eddie and Jamie was an important one. Having to limit time in NYC and with their friends because of Clark's secret was troublesome. It was decided that Frank Reagan and his inner circle was trustworthy enough to hear the story as Kensi and Deeks had. So Clark and Lana scheduled a trip.

They stayed 2 nights with J/E and did the NYC tourist thing. They had a great time; Clark especially enjoyed the 2-hour horse-drawn carriage tour of the city. He found that traveling at that speed was especially relaxing.

Then the scheduled visit to 1-PP!

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1-PP WITH FRANK, BAKER, SID & GARETT

Clark and Lana had choreographed the visit. She entered wearing her Japanese formal wear from the Los Angeles gala. She took time to explain the outfit, its authenticity and the response they received.

Clark entered with her, taking a seat while she did her thing. He was typical Clark Kent farmer: work boots, worn blue jeans, red t-shirt. He wore his glasses, and displayed his C/K posture – slumped, droopy shoulders, soft non-assertive voice.

When Lana was done, she sat down by his side. He got up and excused himself; he exited toward the small conference room (Jamie had coached him about the 1-PP layout). As soon as the door shut, it opened (1 second delay) and he reappeared as Superman.

"Hello folks. What would you like to know? Of course, everything I say is NEVER to leave this room and these 4 people. Can you each shake on that?"

He went to each person in turn, and they shook, promising him what he asked.

"Now, questions?"

F: What can you teach my officers that will improve them?

S/M: Nothing. Pause. My superior powers come from my body being super-charged by earth's yellow sun. My home planet had a red sun.

G: Had?

S/M: My planet imploded as the space pod my parents had placed me in escaped planetary gravity, and began its journey to earth. I arrived as a 3 y/o in earth years.

B: So, you are an alien?

S/ M: A different sub-species. You are Homo sapiens terrae. I am Homo sapiens kryptonis. My home planet's name was Krypton.

Silence.

Lana: Clark is, as far as we know, the last of his sub-species in existence. His secret has led to a very lonely life here on earth.

S: How many know of this?

S/M: My earth parents, Lana and 2 other school classmates. A very few others. Jamie & Eddie. Maybe 2 others. You are part od a trusted few. We are trusting you to tell no one, please.

F: My family?

Lana: Do they need this knowledge beyond a sense of curiosity? We think not!

Clark and Lana both stare at Frank.

He seems uncomfortable.

S/M: You have a multiplicity of high-level criminals in NYC. Just imagine if a crime boss learned that Detective Baker knew the real-life persona of Superman. What might that boss do to, or with, her? Who wants to be responsible for that? Anyone? If you even let it slip that you knew something special about Clark Kent, Daily Planet journalist? Do you see the danger? Jamie and Eddie have vouched for each of you; please do not disappoint them, or us. Questions?

There were no more.

Clark and Lana thanked them, Clark changed right in front of them, and Det Baker saw them out.

She sat back down, and they stared at one another.

"Frank, can you even reassure people that Superman's abilities are beyond them?" Garrett questioned.

"I don't know, I just don't know."

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TBC