Chapter 65 – Welcome Alexis
“She’s gorgeous!” exclaimed Diane, as Max handed over his daughter wrapped in a pink blanket to his mother. “She’s absolutely gorgeous. What’s her name?” By this time, the rest of the household was surrounding them.
“Alexandria Claudia Evans, but Liz and I discussed this and we’re going to call her Alexis.”
“She always did love her grandmother, such a wonderful tribute to her.” Jeff stated as he took Alexis’ tiny hand in his. “How’s Liz doing?” Jeff asked.
“Mira, Maria and Nancy are taking care of her. She should be ready for visitors shortly.” Jeff nodded.
“Max, where are all the baby supplies?” Isabel questioned.
Max shrugged and looked around the room for an answer, then looked back at Isabel. “We didn’t think this would happen so soon, so we weren’t really prepared.”
“Understatement. Mom, let’s go shopping” Isabel said.
Diane handed Alexis back to Max and then asked, “May I see Liz before I go?” Max nodded as Isabel led her back to their bedroom, while Max enjoyed showing off his baby girl.
Isabel knocked on the door and then she and Diane entered. The bed was empty and Maria was changing the sheets. Mira was in the process of cleaning up the surrounding area, using her alien talents to remove any evidence a birth just took place. Then the bathroom door opened and Liz gingerly walked out with Nancy. She had wet hair and was wearing clean clothes. Maria went over to the door, helped her to the bed and got her settled.
Diane reached for Liz’s hand. “She’s so beautiful and alert. I’ve never seen a baby so aware of their surroundings. She has the most beautiful head of hair, dark brown like Max and you, but what’s really startling is her eyes. They are the brightest blue I’ve ever seen.”
“She’s a real blessing, isn’t she?” Liz said.
“You should have Max heal you” Isabel said. “You shouldn’t have to be in so much pain.” The door opened up suddenly and Max came through.
“Jeff has Alexis and between him and my father I don’t know which grandpa is more proud. Alexis has them both wrapped around her tiny finger.” He went over to Liz and laid his hand on her abdomen area as a green light brightened the room and then he removed his hand and kissed Liz on the forehead. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think of it at the time. My mind was elsewhere, but after I heard Isabel’s suggestion, I came right away. I never want you to hurt again.”
“It’s alright; having a baby is a painful event, but look at the outcome. Makes us appreciate her even more, especially since daddy had to feel the pain of childbirth too.” She had a bright smile on her face.
“Yes, about that. What you women go through to have a baby is… astronomical. Totally out of this world. How women can have baby after baby after experiencing childbirth makes me really wonder about your sanity. It’s just too painful.”
“Well, do you feel any of that pain now?” Liz asked.
“No, but my experience is vicarious.”
“Exactly. If I was still in tremendous pain, you’d be feeling it. Everything I’ve read about childbirth is true, once the baby is born its like all the pain of childbirth disappears. Of course, once the high is gone, there’s going to be some pain, but all you’re really concerned about is your new bundle of joy.”
“Liz” Diane said, “Isabel and I are going to go out and get some things for Alexis. Is there anything you’d like while we’re out?”
“No, I’m fine. Max?”
“I’m good. While you’re gone, I’ll see if the guys and I can set up the baby’s room, so it’s ready when you get home.” Then he turned, kissed Liz again. “If you’re ready, I’m sure there are some people out in the living that would love to see you and I’m sure Alexis would like to see her mommy again.”
Liz smiled. “I’m ready”
Isabel, Diane, and Max left the room. Isabel collected some money and the keys to their van and she and Diane left for Smallville.
Luthor Inn
Lonnie and Rath were sitting down in their hotel suite when the door opened and Nicholas came through followed closely by Khivar.
“Hey Nikki, who’s your new friend?” Rath said digging his hand deeper into a bag of potato chips drizzled with Tabasco sauce.
“Ya, what’s up with that? I didn’t think we were here to make friends with the locals” Lonnie added.
Khivar gave Nicholas an incredulous look, shook his head and then addressed the two pod rejects. “Vilandra and Rath, it’s amazing that you two have actually lived and survived this long on this dreaded planet. However did you do it?” Khivar paused for a moment and then continued. “But I suppose hiding like rats in the sewers provided you some security, but now having to live among the humans must be a whole new experience. I mean, you actually had to clean up your act and orientate yourselves among these humanoids, but looking at you two, you’re not so integrated yet, you’ve got a long way to go.”
“What? You don’t like our threads?” Rath said, looking down at his clothes. Neither he nor Lonnie reacted to Khivar’s knowledge of who they were or his insults.
“Ya, I worked really hard on my hair” Lonnie said. “So, Nick. Who’s your otherworldly friend?”
“I am Khivar, your King”
“Oooh, you’re our King?” Rath said. “We’re the Royal Four, well at least the Royal Two. Anyway, you have the nerve to come in here and insult us with the way we lived and survived, but what’s up with the body you decided to inhabit. What, couldn’t you find a better vessel?”
“Rath, cool it” Lonnie voiced in a whisper.
“Oh, for your information, you are not the Royal…Two. I killed the ‘Four’ you’re just imitations and bad imitations at that. Your twins are much better imitations than you will ever be. And Vilandra…”
“It’s Lonnie”
“Yes, well Lonnie. That’s fitting because you’d never be the Vilandra I fell in love with on Antar. Isabel carries more of Vilandra’s essence then you ever will.”
Lonnie was taken aback with this comment, as Nicholas winked and smiled at her, letting her know he was still available. Then he turned towards Khivar and bent his head in a servitude state and said, “Sire. We need to get to the reason why we are all together.”
“Yes, yes. You’re right. We need to locate Zod, an acquaintance of mine from the Phantom Zone and I understand the human body he inhabits is Lex Luthor.” A little cough-like laugh escaped Rath’s mouth.
“You got this body and Zod…” Rath is fully laughing now. “Zod got Lex Luthor’s. Man, you suck. From my research, Lex Luthor is a multi billionaire, or something like that and has assets all over the world, and you…you choose this body.”
“Rath. Rath. You. Need. To. Shut. It.” Lonnie said pointedly. Noticing that Khivar was ready to wipe him off the planet with his raised hand but then Khivar thought it better of it. He would deal with their lack of respect swiftly… once they were no longer needed. Slowly he lowered his hand and changed his approach.
“You’ve done research. I didn’t know you were even capable.” He said nonchalantly to Rath, letting the insult lay to rest.
“Well yeah. We did learn to read and write while we were living in the sewers with the rats. But of course, since we’ve met up with Nikki here, we’ve had to do a lot of research, and one of those topics has been Smallville and the Luthor’s name is everywhere. So, yeah…we know a thing or two about Lex Luthor.”
“I think we need to get into the Luthor Mansion and make his acquaintance and then hopefully we can join forces with him,” Lonnie mentioned.
“I agree, and this is how we’re going to do it.” Khivar stated.
Metropolis Hospital
Bob was lying in his bed with his ribs all bandaged up and hooked up to an assortment of monitors. Martha and Lionel were sitting in a couple of bedside chairs conversing with him when the door opened.
“Dad!” Zan said as he hurried into his dad’s room and made his way to his bedside.
“Honey” Brenda said, following Zan through the door, closing it to give them some privacy. Going to his bedside and standing by Zan she asked, “So, how are you doing?”
“I’ve been better. Got a few broken ribs and breathing’s not easy, but I’ll be fine.” Bob said with staggered breath.
“He’s been a real trouper” Martha said.
“Why did you do it?” Brenda asked somberly, taking his hand in hers. “You could’ve been killed.”
The room was deathly quiet and then Bob spoke. “I’m his father, be it only his adoptive father but still, my responsibility as his father is to watch after him as he grows and protect him. But I can’t.” He looked down at his broken body. “I found out I can’t protect him. What use am I? I was only trying to protect my son, but I got thrown around like a rag doll and look at me now.”
“Oh dad, you’re as much my father as Max is and even though you’re not able to do the things that we can, it doesn’t make you any less of a father. One day I’m going to be the King over a whole galaxy and it’s not going to matter how powerful I am, but how I use that power. Since you’ve adopted me, you’ve had to deal with things that a normal couple wouldn’t have to deal with when they adopt a newborn, but have you turned your back on me? No. You’ve been there all the way, influencing me and guiding me. You two have the most important job a parent could have; you’re shaping the next King of Antar and the Ruler over the Five Planets.”
“I’m still young and growing and there are many experiences I haven’t had and hopefully after we’re done with the problems at hand, I can become a normal kid again, even if it’s in a teenager’s body.” He laughed looking down at his body. Zan gave his father a soft hug, careful of his bandages, as Brenda joined them, tears rolling down her face.
“Very wise words from such a young prince” Lionel stated. “You really are going to be a good ruler.”
When Zan and Brenda stood up, Zan looked at the bandages and moved his hand over them, “I can heal you.”
“No” Martha said. “Not yet anyways. Wait until they release him from the hospital. His doctor’s already questioning his previous injuries, and I’m sure they’ll be shocked at your recovery as well Brenda. We need to stay as inconspicuous as possible.”
Zan looked at Martha. Pulling his attention away from her, he looked down at his hand and allowed himself to take away most of the pain his dad was experiencing and then pulled away. “I’ll heal the rest when you’re released from the hospital, but at least you’ll be able to breathe much easier.” Then turning to the others he said, “He still has his broken ribs, but I just relieved the pressure on his lungs.”
“Thank you son” Bob said.
“Bob, Brenda” Martha started, “I just wanted you to know, being an adoptive parent of an extraordinary child,”
“You mean an extraterrestrial child” chided Zan.
“Yes, that’s what I mean. Jonathon and I shared many of the same feelings that you’re feeling. While we were raising Clark, each day was a new adventure that we had to go through as a family, because we were afraid to tell anyone our secret. Afraid they would come and take him away. Raising Clark wasn’t much different then raising a human child, but we did reach new territory when he began to develop his abilities, but we persevered and look what kind of man Clark is now. I’d like to think we raised him right and can’t wait to see what happens next. I just wished Jonathon was still around to see how his life unfolds.”
“My advice to you is to know your strengths as well as your limits. You’re lucky to have so many people to lean on who are watching after Zan as well. So don’t go up against these bad forces that are encompassing his life. Leave them to the others. Just be his parents and be there for him. Believe me, that’s more than enough.”
“You’re right. I was just frustrated and basically feeling sorry for myself. But I see your point.” Just then a nurse came in as the room fell quiet.
After she left, Brenda leaned in and kissed Bob. “We should be going Martha’s right, there would be more questions brought up if the doctors saw me.”
Zan reached over and hugged his father. “I love ya dad. I’m one lucky boy to have so many people that are looking after me. Maybe when you get out we can go to a football game together.”
“That’d be nice son, after you heal my ribs”
“Sure thing”
“We’ll keep your dad company until he’s released” Martha said.
Brenda thanked them and then she and Zan left to go home.
Missile Silo
“You should really close your mouth, it’s unbecoming” Ava advised Charlie.
“But, he flew… up into the sky, with Max” Charlie stated.
“Yeah, I know. Everyone seems to have the same reaction the first time around.”
Then Oliver stepped forward and asked, “Michael, what are we up against down there?”
“This is Charlie, a recently converted special agent who can give us a layout of the missile silo and how many agents we could come up against while we’re down there. We also need to figure out what we’re going to do with them once we round them up.”
So the group surrounded Charlie as he mapped out the missile silo for the group as a plan formulated for overtaking the Special Unit.
Pod Squad-Kryptonian (SV,XO,CC,Mature) Ch66, 9/22/09 [WIP]
Moderators: Anniepoo98, ISLANDGIRL5, truelovepooh, Forum Moderators
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sdcheesehead
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 11:27 am
- Location: South Dakota
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sdcheesehead
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 11:27 am
- Location: South Dakota
Re: Pod Squad-Kryptonian (SV,XO,CC,Mature) Ch65, 3/25/09
Thanks for the kind words, bumps and whatnot. Working on the next chapter, now that graduations, birthdays, etc... are over and real life isn't hogging up most of my attention, I'm able to work on this more. Gotta kick some bootie down in the Missile Silo too (don't I?). BTW, I love your banner Alien Friend. Okay, back to writing. Hope to have something up for you soon. Karin
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sdcheesehead
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 11:27 am
- Location: South Dakota
Re: Pod Squad-Kryptonian (SV,XO,CC,Mature) Ch65, 3/25/09
Hey All, Just sent the next bit out to my beta's and hope to have it posted for you soon. Sorry I've been absent, been dealing with alot of personal stuff which has been taking up alot of my time, but I haven't forgotten ya'll. Thanks for sticking with me and the bumps.
Karin
Karin
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sdcheesehead
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Tue May 02, 2006 11:27 am
- Location: South Dakota
Re: Pod Squad-Kryptonian (SV,XO,CC,Mature) Ch66, 9/22/09
Chapter 66 – Siege of the Missile Silo
“Isn’t this just precious?” Isabel stated lifting a frilly light purple dress with little pink flowers intertwined into the lace. “Alexis will look so adorable in this.”
“That little girl is going to get so spoiled. Here, look at this one.” Diane said holding up another one. “Let’s get them both.” They both added their contributions to the growing pile in the cart.
“Izzy” Diane said softly. “Hmmm?” Isabel responded.
“What’s your real mother like?” Isabel dropped another outfit into the cart, turned to face her mother then walked her over to a bench where they sat down. Isabel took Diane’s hands in hers and said,
“Let me give you a little history first. When her children and their significant others perished in the attack, she went into seclusion with the thought that not only had she lost her family but that we, her engineered children, endured the same fate. She was a broken woman. At first she grieved for her lost family, but then she and her Protectors began to notice the changing environment and moved deeper into the caves. In time she and her Protectors had delved so deep into the caves that a small underground city began to emerge. Then she brought in some of her most trusted scientists, who were the same ones that created me and the others. They have been searching for an answer to the depleting environment affecting their world. Then the Granolith was activated when Zan went through the portals sparking some hope in her as well as those that served under her.
“When I stepped out of the Granolith, she embraced me as her own, not just some kind of science experiment and shared with me the lives that our other selves lived. She truly loved them just like you and Dad love me and Max. She will never take your place, but she now shares a piece of my heart like you and Dad. It was also nice to be able to understand another side of myself and to get answers to questions I’ve had. I hope one day you’ll be able to meet her, because she’s truly a wonderful woman.”
Diane embraced her daughter. “I hope that one day we shall meet.” Breaking the embrace, she rose and said, “We better get these paid for, get a crib and get back to the house.”
“Yeah. No telling what kind of trouble the boys are finding in decorating Alexis’ room.” They both laughed as Isabel continued, “And Mom, thank you.”
“For what?” she questioned.
“Just for everything”
Evans’ Farm
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Max, I really like that color” Kyle said with his hand on the wall looking at the fluorescent pink wall.
“It’s just too…bright” Max said looking at the four walls.
“Understatement” Maria remarked coming into the room. You should go with neutral colors and allow the colors to come from whatever Isabel and Mrs. Evans bring home.” Maria suggested.
“I don’t know, what about wallpaper?” Nancy suggested entering the room.
“Or wainscoting?” Jeff piped in.
“Or maybe even a mural?” Kyle threw in again.
“Hmmm, I really like that idea” Max said as he laid his hand on the wall. The four walls transformed into a scene he saw in a picture on Dione. It was a picture of the Antarian palace looking up into the day sky. The other four planets, the three moons and Sorin could also be seen up in the sky. “Since she is a little princess, she should at least grow up in a palace.”
“It’s beautiful. What are we looking at?” inquired Nancy.
“The Antarian palace” Mira said in awe as she walked into the room. It had been so long since she had laid eyes on it. “Such a wonderful pictorial.”
“Yes, it is” Liz said walking into the room behind Mira carrying Alexis. “What do you think little one?” Alexis pointed up at Sorin, the giant red sun in the sky and then both Liz and Max saw an image in their heads of Sorin exploding as Alexis said her first words. “Bye- Bye”
Metropolis
Brenda and Zan were on their way home when Brenda’s cell phone began to beep. “Zan, can you get that?” Zan reached for her phone and noticed that she’d received a text message.
“It’s a message from the Smallville group.” He opened it up.
Just to let you know the ‘club’ has grown by one. Alexandria Claudia Evans was born earlier this morning. Look forward to seeing you soon.
“Mom, guess what? Liz had her baby! A little girl and they’ve named her Alexandria Claudia Evans.”
“She had the baby already?” Brenda said with an ounce of shock in her voice. “Wow, that was quick. I suppose you’d like to go and see your little sister.” She said, as they pulled into their driveway.
“Would you mind?”
“Of course not. This is a very special time in your life. Go inside and pack a bag and take off. I want you back for school in the morning though and don’t be late. You’ve missed enough school as it is.” Zan rolled his eyes, but went over to his mother and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Thanks mom.” Then he went inside, got his bag packed and soon he was in the skies above Metropolis making his way to Smallville.
Luthor Mansion
Zod was sitting by the fireplace hearth watching the television when alarms became to go off. Someone had breached the walls of the Luthor Mansion. He turned to the entryway awaiting his guests. His time in the Phantom Zone had made him a more patient individual and being in a strange world, he thought it would be prudent to see who had the nerve to break through the Luthor Mansion’s security. Plus, maybe he could acquire an ally or scapegoat. It wasn’t a very long wait when Khivar, Nicholas, Lonnie and Rath found their way to the room Zod occupied.
Zod stood up to greet his new guests. “Who may I ask has taken the liberty of breeching my perimeter to meet with me?”
“I have General Zod” Khivar bowed in respect, while Lonnie and Rath’s jaws dropped. Nicholas remained indifferent as he bowed his head too.
“And who exactly are you?” Zod said sternly taking a firm step towards the foursome.
“It is I, Khivar. We met in the Phantom Zone.” Zod’s stance relaxed a bit. “Ah yes, I remember you. I see you made it through the portal; of course I must say I’d be on the lookout for a better body.” He said snidely at Khivar’s appearance.
“Yeah, well I grabbed the first humanoid that I came upon. I’m on the lookout for an upgrade, but for now this body will suffice.”
“And who may I ask are these others that have joined you?” Zod remarked.
“This would be Nicholas, my second in command here on Earth. And these are the genetic reproductions of the Royal Four I mention to you in the Phantom Zone. This is Vilandra, but she goes by Lonnie here and her mate Rath.”
“You look familiar” Zod said pointing to Rath. “You look like one of those traitors helping out the son of Jor-El I saw on that screen.” Zod said pointing at the flat screen.
“You must be talking about our dupes” Rath said, taking the initiative and plopping himself down on one of the leather sofas. “By the way, nice digs you’ve got here.”
Ignoring the insolence and curious about the reason they were here, Zod joined Rath and sat in an executive armchair depicting himself in a leadership role as the rest of the group joined him. “What do you mean by dupes?”
The small group then explained their situation and what they thought they had to offer Zod in his quest to find Kal-El. “So, as you can see our nemeses have join forces, so it’s fitting that we join forces so we can be stronger and take them all down.” Khivar finished up their explanation.
Zod sat back to take in this new proposal. An alliance didn’t look bad, considering Fine had been captured with no report of where he was being held. Kal-El had slipped away and had joined up with this group of talented aliens. “I think we can come to some kind of arrangement” Zod said, as they went to work on a plan to exterminate their rivals.
Missile Silo
“Are we ready?” Oliver asked the group. Everyone was in agreement as they entered the elevator.
The ride down into the silo was quiet as each person was anticipating the impending showdown. “Be ready for anything” Michael said, his and Cal’s hands posed for any viable threat. Then the doors opened.
“It’s about time” exclaimed Bart, “I was wondering when the cavalry was going to come.” Then he noticed the hands and cried out “Whoa!! Lower the hands.” Michael and Cal lowered their hands and everyone exited the elevator. “Nothing to report, really. I think the ‘rats’ have scampered off into their little hidey holes.”
“Well, I think it’s time to offer them some cheese and get this over with” exclaimed Michael, who was looking forward to the showdown.
“Bart, I want you to stand guard. As we come upon the inhabitants here, we’ll be sending them your way, conscious and unconscious. Make sure they stay put and we’ll tend to them all at one time.” Oliver instructed as Bart nodded in agreement. “Let’s go.”
“Follow me” Charlie said. As the group was going down the main corridor, they began to branch off. The first team to leave was Cattivo, Victor and Tara as they turned down a hall lending to the central control room. Victor and Cattivo were tasked with downloading all the files the Special Unit had as Tara backed them up.
A.C., Raya and Mirek began to trail off down one of the many corridors branching off the main one, setting up explosives throughout the missile silo.
Charlie continued to lead the rest of the group deeper into the silo, down a bunch of winding tunnels, when they reached a road block. As they turned a corner, there was a group of heavily armed men. A Cheshire grin spread across Michael’s face. “It’s time to party.”
Charlie backed away and let Michael, Cal and Ava take the lead with Oliver and him bringing up the rear. “Those men are the first wave of the Special Unit’s guards” informed Charlie. Oliver prepared his bow by notching the arrow and pulling it taunt.
“Stop where you are!” announced one of the guards. Michael was having none of this. He sent out a short burst of energy from his hand, which knocked the guards off their feet. Oliver sent his arrow to a nearby steam pipe, which sent out a burst of steam, confusing the down guards. Michael and Cal then rushed in as Ava followed behind them opening her mind to them and implanting a prearranged suggestion to go to the conference room near the elevator. The men got up and obeyed the suggestion, leaving their weapons behind. Cal collected the weapons and deposited them in a nearby locker, melting the lock afterwards. They continued on.
On their way to the control room, Cattivo, Victor and Tara didn’t meet any resistance until they reached the actual room and the two guards and technician inside were easily disposed of. Tara, using her speed and strength incapacitated them and removed them to the conference room, while Cattivo and Victor broke into the Special Unit’s database. Victor was amazed at the encryption program they were using and it took him awhile to hack through it, but soon they were able to start downloading the Special Unit’s secrets.
A.C., Raya and Mirek on the other hand were meeting up with spontaneous interventions; everything from technicians and scientists to atypical military personal. They continued on, knocking out their aggressors and planting their explosives. As they cleared a corridor, Raya would gather up the unconscious individuals and deposit them in the conference room. It was slow work, but progressive.
Back in the main corridor, Michael’s group finally reached the end of the tunnel. Ahead of them was the last obstacle before they would reach the prize: Special Agent Davis, who was held up behind a locked stainless steel vault door. These guards actually put forth a fight and must’ve been Agent Davis’ elite force.
“I’ve been hit!” exclaimed Charlie, who was holding his arm, where a bullet had grazed him. Ava went to his aid and tore his sleeve away to see that the bullet had just grazed his upper bicep. “You’re going to be fine, just a flesh wound.” She wrapped the torn sleeve around his arm and joined Michael and Cal.
“These rats just won’t give up” Michael said, as he and Cal continued to send out blasts. The guard’s resistance was weakening but they were putting up a good fight. Ava closed her eyes and tried to enter their minds when she was hit in the shoulder, interrupting her concentration. “Ouch!!” She raised her other hand up to her shoulder, pressing it to her injury. “I’m bleeding”
Michael looked over at Ava and lost his resolve. He pushed forward giving the elite guards everything he had, as Oliver notched another arrow and sent it flying above the men, releasing water from the fire sprinkler system. This caused the guards to lose their focus and Michael went in for the kill.
“Okay, I’m done with the download, do you have the virus?” Victor asked Cattivo. Cattivo pulled the flashdrive from his pocket and handed it to Victor. “I’d like to see them break through this defense. I developed this in my spare time on Antar.” Victor inserted a device similar to a flashdrive into the main computer and saw the computer screen being wiped clean. Then the screen went blank then the Antarian symbol of the Five Planets was displayed in the center screen.
“Impressive” Victor said.
“I got bored. Plus, I had to cover my tracks with Khivar always hanging around.” Victor nodded as they joined Tara in the corridor.
“All done?” she asked.
“Got it, now let’s get out of here” Victor said, as the team moved back towards the elevator.
“I’ve got all my explosives set, how about you two?” A.C. said.
“We’re done. Ready to head back?” Raya said. They agreed and worked their way back to the elevator.
“MICHAEL!! NOOOO!!!” Ava screamed. Cal intercepted Michael before he totally unleashed his power on the guards as Charlie came around and reached for one of the guard’s dropped weapons and shot a round off, then he aim the gun at the guards. “DON’T MOVE”
On their way back through the corridors Raya heard Ava’s screams and the gunfire. Sending Victor and A.C. back to the elevator; she detoured back down the main corridor and met up with Michael’s group. She saw that Charlie was sitting in a corner bleeding and holding his arm where it looked like he’d been shot and aiming a gun at the guards. Ava looked like she’d been hit too and was holding her shoulder as well. Oliver was standing back with his bow notched with an arrow and Cal was restraining Michael, who looked like he was about to lose control.
Michael, after taking a moment to calm down, looked over at Ava and their eyes met. “Are you alright?” he asked in a whispered tone. “I’ll be fine. I’ll have Max look at it and it’ll be back to new.” He nodded and then noticed Raya. “Welcome to the party” he said then closed his eyes briefly to center himself. He had spent a lot of time in the practice field working on his self control. Then he opened them and faced the guards. “If. You. Know. What’s. Good. For. You. You. Will. Open. That. Door. This. Instant.” He annunciated each word.
The guards could see and feel the fury radiating off of Michael. But they were part of Agent Davis’ elite package and they wouldn’t falter to this alien.
“Stand your ground” said one of the guards.
“So be it” Michael said. Then Cal intervened, “let me” he said, reaching his mind out to the guard’s brains picking out a blood vessel, pinching it off slightly with his mind. He didn’t like resorting to this technique because human’s anatomy was slightly different then their own and if he deprived these humans of too much blood and oxygen they would die. Once the guards lost consciousness and fell to the ground, he seized pinching the blood vessel and went over to each of them, removing their weapons and checking their vitals.
“What was that?” Michael questioned.
“A very dangerous technique similar to a wrestling move called a sleeper hold I believe. Protectors learn this technique in the academy and should only be used as a last resort. You have to have a lot of control; otherwise you may end up killing the recipient.”
“Impressive. So, you watch wrestling huh?” Michael commented as Raya transported the guards to the conference room and Ava and Charlie supported each other.
“No, but when I received my assignment to work for the Royal Family it was imperative that we learn all we could about humans, since the Queen and her scientists were in the process of engineering you and your pod mates.”
Raya returned shortly after depositing the last guard. “Everyone’s been evacuated to the conference room and they began transporting some of them up to the surface as well.”
“Well, it looks like we need to look behind door number one for our final prize” Michael said, indicating the secured door that Agent Davis was hiding behind. “Remember that he might have a TAG and if that’s the case it’s up to you Raya to disengage it before Cal, Ava or myself can lend a hand. Oliver, you stand guard out here and watch our backs, we don’t want any surprises.” Michael walked up to the door and laid his hand on the keypad until the indicator light flashed green, opening the steel vault door.
“Isn’t this just precious?” Isabel stated lifting a frilly light purple dress with little pink flowers intertwined into the lace. “Alexis will look so adorable in this.”
“That little girl is going to get so spoiled. Here, look at this one.” Diane said holding up another one. “Let’s get them both.” They both added their contributions to the growing pile in the cart.
“Izzy” Diane said softly. “Hmmm?” Isabel responded.
“What’s your real mother like?” Isabel dropped another outfit into the cart, turned to face her mother then walked her over to a bench where they sat down. Isabel took Diane’s hands in hers and said,
“Let me give you a little history first. When her children and their significant others perished in the attack, she went into seclusion with the thought that not only had she lost her family but that we, her engineered children, endured the same fate. She was a broken woman. At first she grieved for her lost family, but then she and her Protectors began to notice the changing environment and moved deeper into the caves. In time she and her Protectors had delved so deep into the caves that a small underground city began to emerge. Then she brought in some of her most trusted scientists, who were the same ones that created me and the others. They have been searching for an answer to the depleting environment affecting their world. Then the Granolith was activated when Zan went through the portals sparking some hope in her as well as those that served under her.
“When I stepped out of the Granolith, she embraced me as her own, not just some kind of science experiment and shared with me the lives that our other selves lived. She truly loved them just like you and Dad love me and Max. She will never take your place, but she now shares a piece of my heart like you and Dad. It was also nice to be able to understand another side of myself and to get answers to questions I’ve had. I hope one day you’ll be able to meet her, because she’s truly a wonderful woman.”
Diane embraced her daughter. “I hope that one day we shall meet.” Breaking the embrace, she rose and said, “We better get these paid for, get a crib and get back to the house.”
“Yeah. No telling what kind of trouble the boys are finding in decorating Alexis’ room.” They both laughed as Isabel continued, “And Mom, thank you.”
“For what?” she questioned.
“Just for everything”
Evans’ Farm
“I don’t know what you’re talking about Max, I really like that color” Kyle said with his hand on the wall looking at the fluorescent pink wall.
“It’s just too…bright” Max said looking at the four walls.
“Understatement” Maria remarked coming into the room. You should go with neutral colors and allow the colors to come from whatever Isabel and Mrs. Evans bring home.” Maria suggested.
“I don’t know, what about wallpaper?” Nancy suggested entering the room.
“Or wainscoting?” Jeff piped in.
“Or maybe even a mural?” Kyle threw in again.
“Hmmm, I really like that idea” Max said as he laid his hand on the wall. The four walls transformed into a scene he saw in a picture on Dione. It was a picture of the Antarian palace looking up into the day sky. The other four planets, the three moons and Sorin could also be seen up in the sky. “Since she is a little princess, she should at least grow up in a palace.”
“It’s beautiful. What are we looking at?” inquired Nancy.
“The Antarian palace” Mira said in awe as she walked into the room. It had been so long since she had laid eyes on it. “Such a wonderful pictorial.”
“Yes, it is” Liz said walking into the room behind Mira carrying Alexis. “What do you think little one?” Alexis pointed up at Sorin, the giant red sun in the sky and then both Liz and Max saw an image in their heads of Sorin exploding as Alexis said her first words. “Bye- Bye”
Metropolis
Brenda and Zan were on their way home when Brenda’s cell phone began to beep. “Zan, can you get that?” Zan reached for her phone and noticed that she’d received a text message.
“It’s a message from the Smallville group.” He opened it up.
Just to let you know the ‘club’ has grown by one. Alexandria Claudia Evans was born earlier this morning. Look forward to seeing you soon.
“Mom, guess what? Liz had her baby! A little girl and they’ve named her Alexandria Claudia Evans.”
“She had the baby already?” Brenda said with an ounce of shock in her voice. “Wow, that was quick. I suppose you’d like to go and see your little sister.” She said, as they pulled into their driveway.
“Would you mind?”
“Of course not. This is a very special time in your life. Go inside and pack a bag and take off. I want you back for school in the morning though and don’t be late. You’ve missed enough school as it is.” Zan rolled his eyes, but went over to his mother and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Thanks mom.” Then he went inside, got his bag packed and soon he was in the skies above Metropolis making his way to Smallville.
Luthor Mansion
Zod was sitting by the fireplace hearth watching the television when alarms became to go off. Someone had breached the walls of the Luthor Mansion. He turned to the entryway awaiting his guests. His time in the Phantom Zone had made him a more patient individual and being in a strange world, he thought it would be prudent to see who had the nerve to break through the Luthor Mansion’s security. Plus, maybe he could acquire an ally or scapegoat. It wasn’t a very long wait when Khivar, Nicholas, Lonnie and Rath found their way to the room Zod occupied.
Zod stood up to greet his new guests. “Who may I ask has taken the liberty of breeching my perimeter to meet with me?”
“I have General Zod” Khivar bowed in respect, while Lonnie and Rath’s jaws dropped. Nicholas remained indifferent as he bowed his head too.
“And who exactly are you?” Zod said sternly taking a firm step towards the foursome.
“It is I, Khivar. We met in the Phantom Zone.” Zod’s stance relaxed a bit. “Ah yes, I remember you. I see you made it through the portal; of course I must say I’d be on the lookout for a better body.” He said snidely at Khivar’s appearance.
“Yeah, well I grabbed the first humanoid that I came upon. I’m on the lookout for an upgrade, but for now this body will suffice.”
“And who may I ask are these others that have joined you?” Zod remarked.
“This would be Nicholas, my second in command here on Earth. And these are the genetic reproductions of the Royal Four I mention to you in the Phantom Zone. This is Vilandra, but she goes by Lonnie here and her mate Rath.”
“You look familiar” Zod said pointing to Rath. “You look like one of those traitors helping out the son of Jor-El I saw on that screen.” Zod said pointing at the flat screen.
“You must be talking about our dupes” Rath said, taking the initiative and plopping himself down on one of the leather sofas. “By the way, nice digs you’ve got here.”
Ignoring the insolence and curious about the reason they were here, Zod joined Rath and sat in an executive armchair depicting himself in a leadership role as the rest of the group joined him. “What do you mean by dupes?”
The small group then explained their situation and what they thought they had to offer Zod in his quest to find Kal-El. “So, as you can see our nemeses have join forces, so it’s fitting that we join forces so we can be stronger and take them all down.” Khivar finished up their explanation.
Zod sat back to take in this new proposal. An alliance didn’t look bad, considering Fine had been captured with no report of where he was being held. Kal-El had slipped away and had joined up with this group of talented aliens. “I think we can come to some kind of arrangement” Zod said, as they went to work on a plan to exterminate their rivals.
Missile Silo
“Are we ready?” Oliver asked the group. Everyone was in agreement as they entered the elevator.
The ride down into the silo was quiet as each person was anticipating the impending showdown. “Be ready for anything” Michael said, his and Cal’s hands posed for any viable threat. Then the doors opened.
“It’s about time” exclaimed Bart, “I was wondering when the cavalry was going to come.” Then he noticed the hands and cried out “Whoa!! Lower the hands.” Michael and Cal lowered their hands and everyone exited the elevator. “Nothing to report, really. I think the ‘rats’ have scampered off into their little hidey holes.”
“Well, I think it’s time to offer them some cheese and get this over with” exclaimed Michael, who was looking forward to the showdown.
“Bart, I want you to stand guard. As we come upon the inhabitants here, we’ll be sending them your way, conscious and unconscious. Make sure they stay put and we’ll tend to them all at one time.” Oliver instructed as Bart nodded in agreement. “Let’s go.”
“Follow me” Charlie said. As the group was going down the main corridor, they began to branch off. The first team to leave was Cattivo, Victor and Tara as they turned down a hall lending to the central control room. Victor and Cattivo were tasked with downloading all the files the Special Unit had as Tara backed them up.
A.C., Raya and Mirek began to trail off down one of the many corridors branching off the main one, setting up explosives throughout the missile silo.
Charlie continued to lead the rest of the group deeper into the silo, down a bunch of winding tunnels, when they reached a road block. As they turned a corner, there was a group of heavily armed men. A Cheshire grin spread across Michael’s face. “It’s time to party.”
Charlie backed away and let Michael, Cal and Ava take the lead with Oliver and him bringing up the rear. “Those men are the first wave of the Special Unit’s guards” informed Charlie. Oliver prepared his bow by notching the arrow and pulling it taunt.
“Stop where you are!” announced one of the guards. Michael was having none of this. He sent out a short burst of energy from his hand, which knocked the guards off their feet. Oliver sent his arrow to a nearby steam pipe, which sent out a burst of steam, confusing the down guards. Michael and Cal then rushed in as Ava followed behind them opening her mind to them and implanting a prearranged suggestion to go to the conference room near the elevator. The men got up and obeyed the suggestion, leaving their weapons behind. Cal collected the weapons and deposited them in a nearby locker, melting the lock afterwards. They continued on.
On their way to the control room, Cattivo, Victor and Tara didn’t meet any resistance until they reached the actual room and the two guards and technician inside were easily disposed of. Tara, using her speed and strength incapacitated them and removed them to the conference room, while Cattivo and Victor broke into the Special Unit’s database. Victor was amazed at the encryption program they were using and it took him awhile to hack through it, but soon they were able to start downloading the Special Unit’s secrets.
A.C., Raya and Mirek on the other hand were meeting up with spontaneous interventions; everything from technicians and scientists to atypical military personal. They continued on, knocking out their aggressors and planting their explosives. As they cleared a corridor, Raya would gather up the unconscious individuals and deposit them in the conference room. It was slow work, but progressive.
Back in the main corridor, Michael’s group finally reached the end of the tunnel. Ahead of them was the last obstacle before they would reach the prize: Special Agent Davis, who was held up behind a locked stainless steel vault door. These guards actually put forth a fight and must’ve been Agent Davis’ elite force.
“I’ve been hit!” exclaimed Charlie, who was holding his arm, where a bullet had grazed him. Ava went to his aid and tore his sleeve away to see that the bullet had just grazed his upper bicep. “You’re going to be fine, just a flesh wound.” She wrapped the torn sleeve around his arm and joined Michael and Cal.
“These rats just won’t give up” Michael said, as he and Cal continued to send out blasts. The guard’s resistance was weakening but they were putting up a good fight. Ava closed her eyes and tried to enter their minds when she was hit in the shoulder, interrupting her concentration. “Ouch!!” She raised her other hand up to her shoulder, pressing it to her injury. “I’m bleeding”
Michael looked over at Ava and lost his resolve. He pushed forward giving the elite guards everything he had, as Oliver notched another arrow and sent it flying above the men, releasing water from the fire sprinkler system. This caused the guards to lose their focus and Michael went in for the kill.
“Okay, I’m done with the download, do you have the virus?” Victor asked Cattivo. Cattivo pulled the flashdrive from his pocket and handed it to Victor. “I’d like to see them break through this defense. I developed this in my spare time on Antar.” Victor inserted a device similar to a flashdrive into the main computer and saw the computer screen being wiped clean. Then the screen went blank then the Antarian symbol of the Five Planets was displayed in the center screen.
“Impressive” Victor said.
“I got bored. Plus, I had to cover my tracks with Khivar always hanging around.” Victor nodded as they joined Tara in the corridor.
“All done?” she asked.
“Got it, now let’s get out of here” Victor said, as the team moved back towards the elevator.
“I’ve got all my explosives set, how about you two?” A.C. said.
“We’re done. Ready to head back?” Raya said. They agreed and worked their way back to the elevator.
“MICHAEL!! NOOOO!!!” Ava screamed. Cal intercepted Michael before he totally unleashed his power on the guards as Charlie came around and reached for one of the guard’s dropped weapons and shot a round off, then he aim the gun at the guards. “DON’T MOVE”
On their way back through the corridors Raya heard Ava’s screams and the gunfire. Sending Victor and A.C. back to the elevator; she detoured back down the main corridor and met up with Michael’s group. She saw that Charlie was sitting in a corner bleeding and holding his arm where it looked like he’d been shot and aiming a gun at the guards. Ava looked like she’d been hit too and was holding her shoulder as well. Oliver was standing back with his bow notched with an arrow and Cal was restraining Michael, who looked like he was about to lose control.
Michael, after taking a moment to calm down, looked over at Ava and their eyes met. “Are you alright?” he asked in a whispered tone. “I’ll be fine. I’ll have Max look at it and it’ll be back to new.” He nodded and then noticed Raya. “Welcome to the party” he said then closed his eyes briefly to center himself. He had spent a lot of time in the practice field working on his self control. Then he opened them and faced the guards. “If. You. Know. What’s. Good. For. You. You. Will. Open. That. Door. This. Instant.” He annunciated each word.
The guards could see and feel the fury radiating off of Michael. But they were part of Agent Davis’ elite package and they wouldn’t falter to this alien.
“Stand your ground” said one of the guards.
“So be it” Michael said. Then Cal intervened, “let me” he said, reaching his mind out to the guard’s brains picking out a blood vessel, pinching it off slightly with his mind. He didn’t like resorting to this technique because human’s anatomy was slightly different then their own and if he deprived these humans of too much blood and oxygen they would die. Once the guards lost consciousness and fell to the ground, he seized pinching the blood vessel and went over to each of them, removing their weapons and checking their vitals.
“What was that?” Michael questioned.
“A very dangerous technique similar to a wrestling move called a sleeper hold I believe. Protectors learn this technique in the academy and should only be used as a last resort. You have to have a lot of control; otherwise you may end up killing the recipient.”
“Impressive. So, you watch wrestling huh?” Michael commented as Raya transported the guards to the conference room and Ava and Charlie supported each other.
“No, but when I received my assignment to work for the Royal Family it was imperative that we learn all we could about humans, since the Queen and her scientists were in the process of engineering you and your pod mates.”
Raya returned shortly after depositing the last guard. “Everyone’s been evacuated to the conference room and they began transporting some of them up to the surface as well.”
“Well, it looks like we need to look behind door number one for our final prize” Michael said, indicating the secured door that Agent Davis was hiding behind. “Remember that he might have a TAG and if that’s the case it’s up to you Raya to disengage it before Cal, Ava or myself can lend a hand. Oliver, you stand guard out here and watch our backs, we don’t want any surprises.” Michael walked up to the door and laid his hand on the keypad until the indicator light flashed green, opening the steel vault door.