Founders’ Day (Dubois Chronicles 2.89)
DJ Dubois
November 2005


Rating: T (Teen—adult themes mentioned)

Xover: This story crosses Smallville and Andromeda.

Pairings: Smallville: Martha/Jonathan, Clana and Chlex. Andromeda: Dylan/Molly and Harper/Trance.

Notes: The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from Andromeda belong to Tribune and the Roddenberry Estate. Hope is from Xena Warrior Princess which belongs to MCA and Studios USA. All other characters are of my own creation and are fictional. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .

 


Introduction

[Amazon Village, c. 90 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Following the ordeal at the Coven’s hands, our friends were able to recover somewhat over the summer. A few of the students “graduated” from the High Academy. Some passed into more advanced studies. Others still wanted to think on what we all experienced. Truly, for every one of us, it was a life altering experience.

Speaking of such experiences, it was not long after that, Martha and Jonathan Kent learned the full implications of their heritage. Given all of the unpleasant surprises they had dealt with, this one would be a joy indeed…..

 


Chapter 1 [Kandor—10,000 Years in the Future]

Ror-El walked out of the Council chamber, feeling unusually at ease. Given the nature of the agenda, he had expected the nobles to argue vehemently. Instead, they had given him exactly what he needed to help the people. Maybe the renewal proceedings might actually work to my advantage for once. He scratched his head. While his position was hereditary constitutional monarch, he didn’t like to think of himself that way. We’ve all faced enough danger lately. It’s about time my people realized that as well.

As he entered his dwelling, he heard the pitter patter of tiny footfalls. A grin spread across his face.

“Da-da!” Chlana exclaimed while toddling toward him.

While it would have been faster for him to walk over, he knew she wanted to prove she could toddle over. “Very good!” When she reached him, he hugged her tightly. “How are you?”

His daughter smiled. “Mama an’ I play!”

Looking over the two year old’s shoulder at his wife, he supposed, “Is that so?”

Lara nodded. “Chlana helped me a little in the kitchen first. Then we played in the virtual chamber. Dinner will be ready in a minute. Sorry it’s late.”

“No need to apologize,” he assured her, kissing her and his daughter. “It gives my heart joy to see you both like this. Perhaps we might take a walk after dinner together?”

“What about the Founders’ Day planning?” his wife wondered.

He slapped his forehead. “Of course! Miandor and Ria-sta will be here tomorrow and I haven’t started planning anything!”

“You’ll be fine. Just relax,” she advised, motioning her head toward their daughter. In addition, she used her mutant empathy to send soothing feelings through his psyche.

“I know. It’s too bad that we don’t have the funding to pay for speakers and the parade too. The people will be so disappointed,” he lamented.

“With the rebuilding, we all have sacrifices to make, Ror-El. The victory over the Magog came with a heavy price. The people know you care for them. Could the Commonwealth assist us?” she explained.

“The Andromeda will be here for it. You know I don’t want to take her from her normal duties,” he declared. He passed by the pictures hanging in the passageway. There, a framed picture of Clark and Lana hung for all to see. “In helping the Founders, Dylan and the others have done so much already.”

“You know how Captain Hunt is toward his friends. He would tell you to forget about it—that it was his pleasure,” she reminded him.

“Dylan is a rare friend indeed.” He picked up the latest scroll. “This record was discovered by the Chroniclers. Apparently the Founders had a close call. Once again, we owe Andromeda our thanks,” he indicated.

“Then we shall continue to hold them close as friends. Shall we not? Come. Chlana’s hungry,” she urged.

“Never say I’d deny my heart,” he relented willingly, taking his daughter’s stubby hand and heading toward the dining area.

 

 


Chapter 2 [A week later—Andromeda Ascendant]

Harper scratched his head while inspecting the latest repairs on the Slipstream coil. In the past few months, he had managed to upgrade it several times. While everyone marveled at the engineer’s newfound drive, the officers knew its golden-skinned source but did nothing to buck the trend.

Next to him, the chrono device beeped at him, reminding him of the pressing engagement ten minutes later.

“Who would’ve thought life would be this cool, Seamus?” he asked himself warmly while setting his tools down on the bench. “Lunch and flowers comin’ up!” With that, he headed briskly down the passage toward the herbarium.

****

[Herbarium]

Even as Harper headed in her direction, Trance Gemini worked with her plants, making sure that everyone of them had enough water, plant food and other elements necessary for an ideal climate. Granted, keeping plants from vastly different worlds together in one area required great planning and ingenuity. However, thanks to Harper and Rommie’s creative use of energy fields, each set of flora had its own individual habitat. It does help when you have a genius for a boyfriend. She smiled, pondering the word in her mind.

She especially admired the white tulips and roses growing in the far corner. Since leaving Smallville, she had taken extra special care of them. The Kandorians are going to love these! Imagine! Founders’ Day decorations coming from the Founders themselves! She giggled. That is if they make it past Harper’s attention. I really wish we could keep some of these for him.

“Hey, Trance! You in here?” the engineer called while walking in.

Speaking of Seamus…. “Over here, Harper,” she replied pleasantly while waving to him. Once he reached her, she kissed him. “How’s your morning been?”

“Great! Rommie’s Slipstream coil is purrin’ like a kitten. And how’s my golden girl doin’?” he queried.

“Medical’s quiet so I’m doting on our friends. I figured you’d want to visit the flowers,” she reported.

“You’re so right,” he agreed while admiring the flora from his home world. “A guy’s gotta check on the native stuff, ya know.”

“And what if Rhade or Beka catch you again? Sure your ego could handle it?” she teased.

He arched his eyebrow at her. “They don’t get it. Real men—well—can handle sensitive stuff once in a while.” He winced as he said it. “Even flowers.”

“You miss Earth. We all know that. That’s why Dylan told them to back off,” she assured him.

He sighed. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, she was right. “It was really cool, you know? Even though all of that other crap was going on, the Kent Farm was something else.”

“It was nice. We’ll go back there,” she indicated.

“Yeah. Those sunsets were nice.” He looked warmly at her. “Especially seein’ you there.”

She let her eyes sparkle at him, knowing that it wasn’t easy for him to express those sentiments to someone. “That’s really sweet.” She kissed his cheek before reaching under the fern and producing a picnic basket. “I hope you like it. Martha Kent told me about this dish called ‘fried chicken’.”

“Like it? I love it! Thanks, Trance,” he expressed, blushing from the attention she was showing to him.

****

[Command]

Meanwhile Dylan and the rest of the officers worked at their stations to keep things on course. In the past week, they had made more stops than they could readily count for supplies and recruiting efforts.

After the AI’s repeated inquiries, the captain relented to a shore leave on New Krypton for the week of Founders’ Day. Hopefully there won’t be any surprises like last time. “What’s our status, Beka?”

His first officer shrugged. “Still on course for the Drivozen System, Dylan. This is the last stop, right?”

“Unless there’s another emergency, I’d say so,” Dylan concurred.

“Maybe we can check Harper. He’s getting all weak in the knees,” Rhade cracked.

“And you’ve never been married?” Molly asked.

“I am but one must remain strong,” the Nietzschean countered. “Besides Harper’s a convenient target.”

“Harper’s work has never been better, Rhade. In just three hours this morning, he raised my slipstream output by a factor of 150 percent,” Rommie reported.

That got Dylan’s attention. I knew Harper was good but not that good. “You’re serious?”

“That I am, Captain.” The avatar pressed a couple of buttons. “Look at the main screen.”

“Wow. Whatever Trance is putting in those lunches, I say keep it up,” Beka observed.

“My sensors say it’s a fried bird of some kind,” the AI noted.

“She made him fried chicken? No way!” Beka exclaimed, gearing up to tease the two lovebirds.

“Trance is being creative, Beka,” Molly declared as she turned her station over to Rommie. “Speaking of lunch, Captain Hunt….”

Dylan smirked in response. “You have the bridge, Beka. Steady as she goes.”

“Yeah. Just keep yourselves steady,” the spacer retorted as he and Molly headed for the door.

“We heard that. Work on your own love life first then you can tease other people.” Dylan took his girlfriend’s hand and walked out with her.

Beka stuck her tongue out at the closed door.

“That was really mature, Captain Valentine,” Rhade declared.

“Like you are?” She snickered. “Yeah right.”

Rommie shook her head. Steady as she goes, Dylan? We’ll certainly try.

 


Chapter 3 [One week later—Kandor]

Dylan watched the main view screen as Beka brought them out of Slipstream. Unlike the previous week, the previous few days had been peaceful, allowing for repairs and (yet another) readiness drill for the crew. After the unexpected rescue mission and dealing with the Coven, they all needed to be ready on a minute’s notice.

“New Krypton,” he declared, seeing the planet on the screen. “That’s a sight to see.”

“I don’t believe it. Dylan Hunt, Hero of the Commonwealth, admitting he needs R and R,” Beka teased.

“I am human, Beka. We all need some down time,” the captain responded. “Rommie, ship wide please.” When the intercom device snapped on, he announced, “This is Captain Hunt. Once we dock in Kandor, we will be on shore leave. Enjoy yourselves but remember we are representing the Commonwealth. Those folks who volunteered for reserve duty: report to Command before you disembark. Hunt, out.”

“See, Beka? He does know how to have fun,” Molly interjected, allowing a smirk to cross her face.

“Yeah. I’m not going to touch that one….” The first officer remembered the last ‘Captain’s Girlfriend’ crack she had made.

“Smart move,” Dylan informed her dryly.

“Dylan, incoming transmission from the surface. It’s Minister El,” Andromeda reported.

“On screen.” When their friend’s face appeared, Dylan asked, “Greetings, Ror-El.”

“And Kandor’s finest greetings to you and your crew, Captain. Please go to Docking Bay 17. Lara and I will meet you there. I trust your trip was a good one?”

“This last leg of it was. Can you have some of your attendants bring a hyperlift carrier with them? We have a surprise for you,” Dylan reported. “From Earth.”

“From Earth?” Ror-El inquired. “From the past?”

“You’ll see soon enough. See you in a few minutes, Ror-El. Hunt, out.”

“Admit it, Dylan. You enjoyed that,” the first officer gibed.

“Never say I don’t have fun, Beka. Rommie, make for the Docking Bay,” he retorted.

“Aye,” the avatar agreed.

****

 


[Docking Bay 17—twenty minutes later]

Ror-El and Lara stood a safe distance away as the Andromeda alighted on the platform. Since signing off, they had barely been able to contain themselves over this impending surprise.

“Wha’s goin’ on?” Chlana wondered.

“Be patient, Dear. We’ll find out soon,” her mother declared. She nudged her husband. “You too.”

The minister sighed, feeling like a kid at the Holiday festival.

Dylan guided his officers toward them. “Ror-El, Lara, you’re both looking well.”

“We are, Dylan. Thank you,” Ror-El accepted, shaking their visitors’ hands. “Your latest venture to the past—how did that go?”

Beka stifled her reaction. Running into a bunch of resurrected witches not to mention my double again? Yeah right.

“Your assistance on Harper’s modifications put us right on target, Minister,” Rommie noted.

“You reached Earth without difficulty?” Lara inquired.

“It put us right in the Sol system,” the avatar reported.

“And the Founders?” Ror-El insisted.

“They’re alive. We worked together to get through the mess,” Dylan replied cryptically. Seeing the toddler, he squatted down and smiled. “They were asking about you.”

“Me?”

“That’s right,” Trance added while approaching her. “The Founders care about you, Chlana. You’re getting so big!” She hugged the little girl. “In fact, Harper’s got that surprise….” She looked back toward the ship to see her boyfriend putting the hyperlift into position.

“Fresh from Earth but grown on Andromeda,” the engineer pointed out while guiding the tulips into view.

“It can’t be! Those have been extinct for 5,000 years!” Lara gasped.

“They’re fresh from Martha Kent’s garden with her compliments,” Trance commented. “I followed the directions she gave me on raising them.”

“What a treasure indeed! These will give our celebration a festive touch!” Ror-El noted, signaling to the escort. “Please move these to the herbarium. I will be by afterwards to inspect them.”

The head soldier nodded while signaling his comrades to get into position. Less than a minute later, they started moving the tulips and roses to their new location.

“Pwetty f’owers!” Chlana exclaimed.

“They are indeed,” her mother agreed warmly. “Let’s get something to eat. Okay?”

“Come! Dinner awaits for us all in our quarters!” Ror-El urged while guiding the Andromeda’s officers toward the tower.

****

[Dining Area]

As always, Ror-El’s staff made sure the table held more than enough food for his family and guests. In this case, the Ganarian pork and Naralian greens provided a rare and tasty treat for the adults while Chlana enjoyed her Ranagian wheat mush sweetened with a touch of imitation maple.

For the Andromeda crew, it was a welcome break from the perils and dangers of their life. No matter how well the food processors worked on ship, fresh food and fellowship still tickled their taste buds.

Once Lara had put Chlana to bed, she returned to the table. “Thank you for keeping the conversation light in front of her. I don’t want to scare her with what’s on our minds.” She rubbed her forehead.

“It’s going to be all right,” her husband assured her, rubbing her shoulder supportively. “Our history is back on course.”

“Barely,” Rhade indicated tersely.

Dylan eyed the weapons officer and shook his head. “We helped them. Andromeda’s missiles leveled the chateau. The Coven’s spell book is gone.”

“And the Countess?” Ror-El walked over to the computer monitor. Punching a few keys on the console, he brought up her file. “To think we’re descended from her.” He exhaled deeply.

“Lana wants nothing to do with that part of her heritage,” Trance interjected. “You should know that.”

“Of course. But the records tell of how she will have to confront that…that….monster!” the Prime Minister argued.

“And David Dubois will be right there when she does,” Molly noted. “Don’t forget, Minister El, your family has many allies. Now that they know the issues, they can keep them under control.”

“Yeah,” Harper added. “If they need us, we’ll be there.”

Dylan nodded. “We do have to balance the Commonwealth’s needs against everything else, Ror-El. However, they are our friends. Especially with your time portal, we can get back there and do so.”

“Of course and we appreciate any help you all can give us, my friends.” Ror-El powered down the device and rejoined them at the table. “With the funding going toward the rebuilding, the news will hearten the people.”

“Funding?” Beka asked.

Trance interjected, “Ror-El, isn’t Founders’ Day coming soon?”

“In three days, Trance. Why?” Lara replied.

“We didn’t see any preparations for the festival,” Rommie clarified. “If I may be so bold, Minister, that is where your funding shortages are?”

“The Council decided to put them toward the rebuilding. Given our long term needs, I had to agree. It’s too bad really. The people look forward to this every year.” Ror-El broodingly sipped from his cup. “They’ve sacrificed so much.”

“For what it’s worth, the Commonwealth’s ready to pitch in some more,” Dylan suggested.

“Our friends have been great, Dylan, and we appreciate your aid. Still what would it look like if we had a celebration now?” Lara pointed out.

“Everyone needs to party every now and again,” Harper disagreed.

“They have a point though, Harper. There are priorities,” Beka indicated.

The engineer shrugged sheepishly. “I didn’t mean getting too wild. It’s just that everyone’s so down after the crap on Earth.”

Dylan stared sharply at Harper.

“Down? As in depressed?” Lara queried.

“Now you’ve done it,” Rhade groused low.

“Hey! No offense meant to Ror-El and Lara but both sides have been dealin’ with a lot! Maybe if they work together….” Harper continued.

“They can help each other,” Trance guessed. She smiled. “You’re on to something!”

“But we can’t afford….” Ror-El started.

“Go on, Mr. Genius. Let’s hear it,” Beka insisted with a touch of angry sarcasm.

“Maybe we can get some stuff from the past and bring it back here. I mean Lex Luthor’s rich, right? If we can convince him to help out, we might—and I stress might—be able to pull this off,” Harper elaborated.

“Do you think he would?” Lara asked.

“He is our ancestor. Perhaps,” Ror-El concurred. “I wonder if they’d be open to meeting with us?”

“Bring Chlana and I guarantee it,” Trance declared.

“I’ll get Chlana ready if you want to warm up the portal, Ror-El. Imagine! Seeing Old Earth!” With that, Lara rushed off to get their daughter.

“I know you’re on ship leave, Dylan, and it’s a big favor to ask but would you…?” Ror-El requested.

Dylan looked around at his crew’s faces. Seeing the agreement there, he smiled. “We’d be delighted, Ror-El. Harper, Trance and I will go with you three back to the past. Beka, Molly, Rommie and Rhade, I need you to start prepping Andromeda for a quick supply run.”

“The Maru can handle it, Dylan,” Beka suggested.

“I know but I’d rather have you here overseeing things,” Dylan retorted cryptically yet giving her enough meat in the remark for her to catch its meaning.

“Fine. I can do it,” Beka relented.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s get going. I can test my new invention. It’ll make us appear as though we belong there,” Ror-El agreed. “Follow me.”

With that, they headed toward his lab and the bigger task at hand.



Chapter 4 [Loft, Kent Farm—two weeks following “Vendetta”]

Lana sat in her in-laws’ loft, gazing moodily at the late afternoon sky. While she knew that they should all feel grateful for surviving the mess with the Coven, she still felt dejected about her role in it. I can’t believe I attacked them…that I almost killed Clark. For the past three days, she hadn’t left the farm choosing instead to sequester herself up there. She bowed her head, letting sad tears course down her cheeks.

“Hey,” Clark called from the stairs. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing…I just needed some time to myself,” she replied while wiping her face off.

“You still feel responsible, don’t you?” He took a deep breath. “Lana, it’s okay. Isobel was using you.”

She frowned. “I know and it’s really great that you’ve forgiven us. But Lex, the Child and I could have killed you all, Clark. I hurt you in that dreamscape! If you had died in there, I couldn’t have lived with myself.”

“But I didn’t. We’re here.” He gently spun her around so that they faced each other. “And everyone’s okay. So what’s really wrong?”

“I feel so…violated,” she revealed. She threw her arms around his waist, holding him tightly. “Hold me?”

He embraced her with one hand while running his other through her dark hair. “Always.” While he had done this several times before during that week, he never tired of expressing his concern or love for her. “We need to be strong. I have faith in you.”

Reflected in the light of the rising moon, her eyes sparkled into his. “Really?”

He grinned at her. “Really.” He kissed her gently. “I love you, Lana.”

She smiled, feeling relief washing over herself. “And I you.”

“That’s what I like to see.” He took her hand. “Mom’s got dinner waiting. She made lamb chops.”

That news made her mouth water. “With the rosemary and potatoes?”

“Just the way you like it,” he noted as they descended the stairs.

“What did I do to deserve you?” she queried.

“I can think of a few things.” He smirked at her. “And you could pay me back later if you get my drift.”

She slapped at the air good naturedly. “Lex is being a bad influence on you, Mister Kent. But then, I knew there was a reason I put up with you.” She kissed his cheek as they entered the house. “I wish Miri were around. She loves the chops too.”

He nodded. During the last week, Miranda and Jasmine had been strangely silent. Then two days earlier, they had taken off very unexpectedly. “I hope everything’s all right with them.”

“Me too,” she agreed. Then her nose detected the aroma. “I’d say Mom’s on a roll.”

“She’ll be glad to hear you say that,” he retorted as they walked into the kitchen to find the rest of the family waiting for them.

“Sorry to keep you all waiting,” Lana apologized.

Martha shook her head. “We were just getting everything together anyhow. Are you feeling better?”

“I’m getting there, Mom,” Lana admitted while sitting down between Clark and Melissa. “It’s so much to deal with.”

Jonathan cleared his throat. “You had no control over that, Lana. Sarah told us what went on in that dream place. You weren’t in control but now you are. Besides you are a member of this family. We’ve forgiven each other over bigger issues.”

“Much bigger ones,” his wife agreed while shooting him a look. “Just take one day at a time, Lana. Everything will work out. We’re here. We love you.”

Melissa gave her sister-in-law’s hand an affectionate squeeze and a smile.

“Thanks, everyone. I’ll try to be more positive,” Lana expressed while serving some sliced potatoes to everyone’s plate. “If you all don’t mind, I’m heading back to work tomorrow. You and Serena have been great, Mom, in letting me have my space. Time for me to pull my weight again.”

“No problem,” Martha assured her. “We’re happy to help. Everyone though has been asking about you. Perhaps you might talk with Lex and Chloe?”

“I hope he’s okay,” Lana mentioned.

“Why don’t you go and find out? Mr. Lex wouldn’t mind,” Melissa interjected.

“That would be a good idea. Maybe you two could help each other?” Jonathan pointed out.

“Sounds like a plan,” Clark agreed.

****


[Luthor Mansion—an hour later]

Lex sat at his desk going through the latest facts and figures for LexCorp. As with Lana, the lingering compunctions of guilt distracted him from most of his duties. He had given cursory attention to the financial aspects of course. However his anger and outrage still burned at him especially when he looked at the file on the left side of his desk. She’s been sighted in Tucson. Why can’t Isobel leave us alone?

Worse, he knew Dave would be ready to skin the resurrected witch alive when they met. Considering their first two encounters, he won’t hold back. And then the Child would finish the job. That would get ugly.

“Hey, Luthor,” his wife called while walking into the study. “Got time for me?”

He arched his brow. “I don’t know, Sullivan. Let me check the book.” He gave the pages of his calendar a saucy flip and smirked. “Right now all right?”

“You’d better,” she countered. “Can I ask you something?”

“Always. You know that,” he agreed. Seeing her heavy countenance, he inquired, “What’s wrong, Chloe?”

“I haven’t done anything, have I?” she wondered.

He chuckled in surprise. “Why would you ask that?”

She squirmed. “It’s just that you’ve been working late every night since our run in with Isobel’s crew. The bed’s…awfully cold without you.”

He sighed. “It’s not you, it’s me.”

“Excuse me?”

He gazed into her eyes sadly. “I hurt you, Chloe. I know you’ve forgiven me but I still hate myself.” He walked toward the fireplace where a fire blazed brightly. “I don’t deserve you.”

“Hey! This is me—your wife—speaking! Where did you come up with that?” She marched across the room purposefully. “We settled this, Lex. You did nothing wrong.”

“I could have killed you,” he disagreed.

“But you didn’t. We’re all alive, aren’t we?” She threw her arms around him. “Don’t shut me out, Lex. Please!”

He felt her tears soaking through his shirt. Shame burned at him for what he had done. “I didn’t mean to. I….”

She cut off his response with a passionate kiss before telling him. “Never feel that way. If we have a problem, let’s settle it. Got it?”

He nodded. “Right.”

“Okay on one condition,” she agreed.

“And that is?” he queried.

“You’re making love to me tonight.” She grinned at him while arching her eyebrows up and down.

“I think the bubble bath’s calling,” he suggested. “Maybe an urn of coffee and some dark chocolate?”

“Now you’re talking, Luthor,” she concurred while kissing his cheek.

At that moment, Rogers approached them. “Forgive me but Master Clark and Miss Lana are here to see you.”

“See, Lex? You’re not so bad after all. Where are they, Rogers?” Chloe interjected.

“In the parlor, Miss Chloe. I’ve arranged for coffee and cakes if that’s suitable?”

“As always, you’re a marvel,” Lex assured the servant. “We’ll be right there.” When the other had left, he looked lovingly into her eyes. “Thank you, Chloe.”

“Just another one you owe me,” she quipped. “That coffee had better be something else.”

He rolled his eyes while following her down the stairs and into the parlor. “Hey, guys. What’s going on?”

“I hope it’s okay. We wanted to drop by,” Clark pointed out.

“You know our door’s always open,” the billionaire indicated, hugging his wife’s shoulders. “Seriously, are you both all right?”

“I’m having problems dealing with what happened, Lex,” Lana admitted.

“I know the feeling,” Lex concurred, giving Chloe a sideways look.

“We’re all dealing with it. You weren’t to blame, Lana,” the reporter indicated. “Didn’t you tell her that, Farm Boy?”

“I tried,” Clark indicated. “I hope we can get through this.”

“We will, Clark. Just be patient with us,” his wife advised.

“Sounds good to me,” Clark agreed. “Chloe?”

“If the Bald Brooder over here goes with it, then so do I,” Chloe indicated. “Are you going to be at the Talon tomorrow, Lana?” She poured coffee for their guests and then for her and Lex.

“That’s the plan,” Lana agreed. “I want to make myself useful.”

“Lana,” Clark muttered. “Stop it.” He kissed the top of her head. “You do that every day.”

She blushed. “I guess. Anyhow, I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“That’s the ticket!” Chloe exclaimed as they started into the dessert tray.

 


Chapter 5

[Moon]

As with the other trips before this one, Rommie and Beka brought the Andromeda out of the time/Slipstream warp behind the Moon’s dark side. With most of the crew still back in Kandor, it seemed like old times to the officers in that they ran the ship unsupported for the most part.

“Status, Andromeda?” Dylan requested.

“We are back in the twenty-first century, Captain. Earth is straight ahead,” the AI reported.

Off to the side, Ror-El and Lara took a deep breath.

“Take a better look,” Trance advised them, leading them to the center of Command and a better view at the screen.

“Deflector screens on, Dylan,” Harper indicated. “I…uh…presume you wanted them on. Right?” He winced.

The captain smirked and chuckled. “Thank you, Harper. We do want to remain undetected. Rommie, bring us into view please.”

“Aye,” the avatar concurred while doing so. “Earth on view screen in two seconds.”

The two visitors watched as the big blue marble came into sight. “It really is Earth!”

“That it is,” the engineer indicated. “And home sweet home.”

“Well put, Mr. Harper,” Lara concurred. “Dylan, might we go and take a closer look?”

“I don’t see why not. Harper, Trance, follow us in the slip fighters,” Dylan agreed.

“Come on, Trance. We’re back!” Harper exclaimed, nearly tugging his girlfriend out of Command.

Molly shot Dylan a humorous stare and caught Beka doing the same before returning to her work.

Let Harper enjoy himself. There have been enough rough times for everyone. With that, Dylan led Ror-El and Lara out of Command and toward the hangars.

 


****

[Kent Farm—Twenty minutes later]

Clark worked on the old tractor in the field, trying to ease its kinks as well as his own. After driving Lana to the Talon that morning, he rode around in his truck, musing over the whole situation. I wish I could do something to make her feel better. He picked up the tractor, looking for the last leak. “Where are you?”

The tractor spit a mini gusher at him, coating him with black gold.

“Geez!” Granted it didn’t hurt him but he was annoyed. Somehow he managed to set the offending equipment down without banging it too badly. “I really wish Dad would replace that old thing.”

“Want a hand, Big Brother?” Melissa giggled while handing him a rag.

“It’s not funny,” he countered.

“Depends on where you’re standing, Clark,” she retorted, smirking. “You should stop trying to save the world by yourself. We love you as is, you know.”

He wiped his face off, allowing the grin to form there. “Want to help?”

“Someone’s gotta bail you out,” she gibed while picking up the tractor herself. “Your turn.”

“Got to gloat, don’t you?”

“Little sister’s right, Clark.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just give me a look at that.” He tightened a clamp and secured the hose. “Got it. Set it down…gently.”

“You think I wanted to be grounded?” She set the tractor down before looking at him. “Another piece of plaid bites the dust. Think Mr. Lex will get you some more?”

He frowned. Granted Lana and Chloe had been riding him lately about the flannels but that was them. Melissa, on the other hand…. With a quick burst of his breath, he splattered her with some mud and the nearby water puddle. “Will Mom help you clean up? Big Brother’s prerogative, Missy.”

She pouted. “Next time, I might let you lift it yourself.” Then she let it go. Despite the mess, she couldn’t stay mad at him—not for very long anyhow. “Mom wanted you to take a break.”

“I’ll see what she’s doing.” He used his heat vision to dry her off. “Never say I don’t give you anything.” He smiled at her. “Come on.” As they hit the porch, he called, “Mom, everything okay?”

“I’m fine,” Martha replied. “Why don’t you both come in?”

“We would…but…well….” Melissa looked at herself and then her big brother.

“What’s going on?” Martha rushed to them. When she saw their state, she was caught between horror and mirth. “What have you been up to?”

“Super Bro was working on Old Bess. She squirted back. I offered to help,” her daughter recounted. “Somebody let me fall in the mud while I was doing it though.”

Martha arched her brow at him. “Clark, you didn’t help your sister?”

He grimaced. “Somebody made a comment about my clothes. Maybe she should think about hers first. Is there a way I could get something to change into?”

Martha arched a brow at him. “Clark, you are supposed to be an adult.” She sighed. “Give me a minute.” She closed the door and ran upstairs. Once there, she went into each of their rooms and found a set of jeans and a shirt apiece. Then she returned. “Here you go. You might want to change in the barn.”

“Where Clark fits best,” Melissa cracked.

“You too. Now I’ll have to do another wash,” Martha noted, eyeing her sharply before closing the door hard.

He winced. “Missy, you really need to learn when to quit while you’re ahead. Come on, let’s get cleaned up.” As they headed for the barn, his hearing picked up on the slip fighters’ approach. “What the?”

“Now what?” she inquired.

“We’re about to have company,” he replied, grabbing her and super speeding up to the Loft. “Change and stay down.” He took off again. Upon reaching the bottom, he changed clothes and rushed back outside to find the two crafts descending behind the barn. “They’re back?”

By the time he got there, Dylan and Trance had landed and opened their hatches. “Captain Hunt?”

“Relax, Clark, it’s us,” Trance advised. “Are your parents home?”

“Mom’s here. What’s going on?” Clark wondered. “Is there another problem?”

“Nope,” Harper assured him. “We wanted to see good old Earth again. Didn’t we, guys?”

“Indeed,” Ror-El concurred, looking around at the farm. “I can’t believe it really looks like this!”

“Ror-El?” Clark smiled and rushed over. “What are you doing here?”

“We wanted to see this. It’s so pristine,” Lara noted while bringing Chlana over.

“Who this?” the toddler asked.

“This can’t be! Wow! She’s getting big!” Clark exclaimed. “Missy, it’s okay! You can come down!” He hugged the little girl. “And how are you?”

“Good,” Chlana replied before blushing shyly.

“She’s really shy,” Lara explained. “Sorry, Kal…er…Clark.” Seeing Melissa walking over, she asked, “And that’s your adopted sister, right?”

“That’s me. Sorry but you are?” Melissa wondered.

Clark introduced, “Melissa, these are Ror-El, Lara and their daughter, Chlana. Everyone, my sister, Melissa Kent.”

“We’re from Kandor. It’s good to meet you,” Ror-El indicated while shaking her hand albeit a little too hard.

“Ow! Watch it,” Melissa protested.

“What?” Ror-El inquired. “I’m sorry…how did I do that?”

“The sun,” Dylan noted. “It makes you or any Kryptonian like Clark.”

“Come inside! Lana’s at the Talon but Mom will want to meet you. Just…be careful,” Clark advised while entering the house. “Mom?”

“Did you change?” his mother wondered from where she dusted the end table by the TV. She looked at the others. “Captain, is everything all right?”

“We’re fine, Martha,” Dylan noted. Seeing their friends looking around in awe, he added, “They wanted to meet you. These are Ror-El, Lara and their daughter, Chlana.”

Looking at the guests, Martha scratched her head. “You’re from the future?”

“Remember when we disappeared after the wedding? We helped them. They’re our…well…descendants,” Clark explained.

His mother’s eyes went wide. “Descendants?”

“From about 10,000 years in the future,” Lara explained. “Thank you for the tulips and roses.”

Hearing about the flowers, Martha realized who they were. “You’re….? Oh.” First alternate universe counterparts and now our descendants? She collected herself. “Can I get you anything?”

“We’re fine. Thank you. Where’s…Jonathan?” Ror-El asked.

“He’s in town. Why don’t you sit down in the kitchen? I’ll make us some tea. You drink tea, don’t you?” Martha offered.

“Yes. Thank you,” Lara accepted, recalling her studies of this period. “Maybe with lemon and…sugar?”

“I can do that,” Martha agreed and set the kettle on the stove. “Your daughter’s beautiful.”

“Thank you,” Lara expressed, keeping herself from beaming with too much pride. “She’s a handful all right.”

“Pretty,” Chlana said, pointing at Martha’s hair.

“Why thank you,” the hostess cheered, squatting down to the young girl’s height. “I think you are too!” She ruffled Chlana’s hair. “Lana and Chloe told me about you.” She hugged the little one tightly.

Chlana smiled ear to ear, feeling safe and content in those arms.

After a minute, Martha handed Chlana back to her mother. “You’ve come a long way. Is everything all right?” While she really didn’t want them to have to deal with another emergency at that point, one didn’t refuse family.

“We needed to talk with you and the Luthors actually. We were wondering if you could help us with something,” Ror-El explained. “It’s for a celebration we’re planning.”

“Celebration?” Martha poured cups of steaming water for them all and fixed the tea bags. “What can we do?”

“I’ll call Lex and see if they can come over,” Clark volunteered, heading for the phone.

“Thank you,” Lara expressed while taking the tea. “Let me assure you. There is nothing dangerous to this. We wanted to visit your home and ask you for some flowers.”

“Just flowers?” After dealing with counterparts, witches and demons, that was a light request. “I think we can manage that.” Seeing Clark hang up, Martha asked, “What did he say?”

“They’ll be right over.” He focused. Lana?

[“What’s going on, Honey?” his wife replied telepathically.]

[“We’ve got company. Think you can have Rachel cover for a while?” he inquired.]

[“I guess. Who would that be?” she wondered.]

[“Us. Hello, Lana,” Lara interjected.]

[“Lara? Uh hi. Sorry. We didn’t expect you back here. I’ll be right there,” Lana realized before breaking contact.]

“She’s coming,” Lara noted.

“But, Clark, you didn’t call….” Martha looked at the phone and at her son.

“Telepathy, Mom.” At that moment, he heard a familiar car engine coming up the road. “Incoming.”

“That sounds like an antique aulomophile,” Ror-El declared.

“Ya mean ‘automobile’. Pleasure of ancient Earth,” Harper indicated while seeing the Ferrari stop. “Oh ain’t that sweet! Imagine what I could get for….”

“Harper,” Trance admonished.

“Sorry. Guy can fantasize, you know. We do need money. Right?” the engineer continued.

“We don’t have very much. Lex, on the other hand, might help you,” Martha mentioned.

“That’s not the only reason we’re here, Martha,” Ror-El explained. “We wanted to meet you and Jonathan as well. We’ve heard so much about you.”

Martha flushed. “I’m sure.” Seeing Lex and Chloe walk in, she greeted, “Hi!”

Chloe replied, “Thanks, Mrs. Kent. Clark said it was urgent.”

Lex saw the visitors. “Ror-El and Lara, welcome!” He smiled and greeted them both. “This is a pleasant surprise!”

“And Chlana!” Chloe realized, hustling over to her. “What a big girl! Lana’s going to be so happy when she sees you!” She hugged the toddler.

“Mama?”

“It’s okay, Precious. This is Chloe…remember from the pictures?” Lara assured her.

“Ch…loe?” Chlana queried.

“Yes, Sweetie.” The reporter hugged the tike tightly. “Love you. Lex, come over here.”

“Right here, Chloe. Hi there,” Lex agreed while looking at the girl.

“Hug?” the tiny visitor requested.

“I think we can do that,” the billionaire agreed while embracing her. “You heard Chloe. That goes for me too.”

At that moment, Lana parked her blazer outside and rushed in. “What’s wrong now?”

“It’s okay, Lana,” Clark assured her. “They wanted to visit. Someone’s waiting to see you too.” He grinned.

“Who?” she queried before seeing Chloe and Lex with the red haired toddler. “Chlana?”

“That’s her, Lana. Good to see you again,” Lara declared while embracing her.

“You too! Ror-El, are you okay?” the former cheerleader queried. “If we need to, I can get the Professor….”

“That’s not necessary,” Ror-El declined. “I’m sure he has enough to deal with.”

“Dave’s never too busy for friends,” Lex noted.

“That’s not what he meant,” Dylan interceded, knowing how the administrator felt about the Child. “We can handle it and let him watch out for the other issues…if you get my drift?”

“Other issues?” Martha queried anxiously. Now what?

“We can talk about this later,” Lex noted while sitting down with the others. “What do we need for this celebration?”

“Lots of flowers. We’d ask for vehicles but could we get them there?” Lara indicated.

Dylan eyeballed the Ferrari. “Andromeda could hold about thirty of those…what did you call it, Harper?”

“It’s a car, Dylan,” Harper elaborated.

“Right. The car. How about it, Lex?” the captain asked.

“Well?” Chloe wondered.

Lex stood. “I think I can lend a few classic cars for this event. How about the farm truck and the blazer?”

“I’ll need to speak with Jonathan,” Martha told them.

“Please do,” Lara agreed. “If you’d like, you’d be free to join us as our guests.”

Lex smirked and glanced at Clark who nodded. “We were looking to get away for a couple of days. This might be as good a reason as any. How about it, Clark and Lana?”

“What about the Talon?” Lana supposed.

“We could have you back here by tonight. The wonders of time travel,” Trance pointed out.

“It would give us time to see Kandor again,” Lana indicated. “And for me to see Chlana. Can I horn in, Chloe?”

“Only you,” the reporter cracked, shooting a look at their husbands.

Lana chuckled. “Hi, Chlana! Remember us? You’re getting so big!” Her heart warmed at the sight of their little ‘granddaughter’. “You’re so pretty!”

“Thank ya,” Chlana expressed while kissing them both on the cheek.

“That’s really sweet,” Chloe noted, smiling warmly.

“You’re a really good girl,” Lana indicated.

“Nice to see you two get all of the attention,” Clark teased.

“Get in here then,” Chloe directed.

The husbands joined their wives in playing with the little girl.

“Can’t believe it. That’s well…my niece?” Melissa inquired.

“That’s correct. Many times removed but yes,” Ror-El noted.

“Wow.” Melissa stared incredulously at the group. “And you’re going to let them visit your time?”

“Indeed. You can too if Martha agrees,” Lara indicated.

“Mom, can I?” Melissa requested.

“I don’t see why not. We just need to wait for your father. Meantime, Lex, maybe you and Clark can help with the vehicles?” Martha suggested.

“That definitely sounds like a plan,” Lex concurred. “Come on, Clark.”

“We’ll have the Maru meet you at the mansion,” Dylan told them. “Hear that, Andromeda?”

“Loud and clear. I will be there shortly,” Andromeda agreed.

“Meantime, we can enjoy the peace and quiet,” Dylan indicated.

“Or maybe Trance and I could take a walk?” Harper suggested.

“I would like to see this, Dylan,” Trance added.

“I shouldn’t but very well. Be careful,” Dylan relented. “Trance, remember the cloak.”

“Right. It’s in the slip fighter.” She led Harper outside, closing the door behind them.

“Are they going to be all right?” Martha wondered.

“Harper’s from here…He should be okay,” Dylan noted. If they’re careful.

 


Onto Part 2