Roswell Fanatics

Hey All !!!

Still here, haven't forgotten about ya'll. Between computer problems, graduations and my daughter's upcoming wedding, I've been sooooo busy. I do have half the chapter written and hope to have it out next week. Hope everyone is well and has a wonderful weekend.

Karin

A/N: Alien Friend, Timelord31 and eric1978 Thanks for the feedback. I do apoligize for the time lapse, but it's been very busy on my end. I know this next chapter is fairly short (by my standards) but thought I should get you something to read before I have the confrontation between Zod, Fine and our alien friends. Yes, Zan is becoming quite the prince, isn't he. Hope you enjoy!!

Chapter 57 - Assessing the Situation

“Where’s Colonel Stevenson?” General Lane questioned in his most intimating voice, bringing the surrounding soldiers to attention as he and Tara entered the battle zone, considering that’s what this downtown sector of Metropolis looked like. None of the soldiers wanted to speak up, plus their attention shifted from the General to the very attractive dark haired woman with piercing blue eyes.

Finally, a soldier stepped forward and saluted the General and reported. “Sir, Col. Stevenson was injured during our confrontation. He has been med-evac’d to Metropolis General.”

Assessing the situation, both Lane and Tara checked out the scene. Zod and Fine were still in the epicenter causing a disturbance and calling out for Kal-El and the boy. There were emergency crews all over the place attending to the injured, putting out the fires and clearing up the streets the best that they could. There were also reporters and cameras from every major network set up just outside of ground zero filming the commotion going on around them.

“This could be a problem,” Tara voiced her concerns as she looked over at the cameras.

“I agree. Is there any way we can pull their plug?” The General inquired, looking around.

“Don’t you have a way to disrupt their signal?” suggested Tara, “because I don’t want them,” she said pointing to Zod and Fine, “to know we’re here until the rest of our team arrives.” Sam nodded his head and turned around.

“Corporal, where’s the command center?” The corporal directed them to a tent set up out of the line of fire.

“Good. Now, I want you all to help the emergency crews and under no circumstances are you to open fire without my orders, is that clear?” The group gave a resounding “Yes Sir” and disbanded to go and help the crews.

Lane and Tara made their way to the command center and as they entered through the flap of the tent, everyone stood at attention. “At ease” The General stated and then said, “Report.”

“Sir” the Major sounded off while looking at Tara, “does she have the proper security clearances to listen in on this debriefing?”

“She’s here with me, isn’t she? Report” commanded Lane. The Major was taken back, but looked over at Tara once more and then started to report.

“The individuals in question look like Lex Luthor and a professor from Metropolis University named Milton Fine. We did background checks on both of them and we have a thick packet on Lex Luthor, but Milton Fine’s dossier only goes back a year. We were unable to track his transgressions before that. It’s like he just materialized out of nowhere.” Tara rolled her eyes. She was just waiting for some new information.

“They each were demonstrating extraordinary abilities.” The Major continued. “How they inherited their abilities is still unclear, but they shot red laser from their eyes, demonstrated extraordinary strength, used some kind of super breath to blow our tanks back as well as displacing cars, people and anything in their paths. They keep calling out for someone named Kal-El and a child. A boy name Zan. When we open fire on them, the bullets just bounce off of them. There seems to be nothing we can do to hinder them.”

“How many of my men were med evacuated?”

“The last report” the Major started, picking up a slip of paper, “confirms that we lost eight soldiers. The morgue has already removed the bodies. We sent another 32, including civilians, to Metropolis General.”

“Damn” The General spat. “What happened to following orders” he demanded and then mumbling to himself he said, “so many lives hurt or lost, because some damn fool decided to take matters into their own hands.”

“Sam” Tara stated, “Our team has arrived.” This didn’t go unnoticed by the Major as she pointed in the direction of the road, where sure enough Max, Clark, Cal, Mirek and Ava were being detained by the military forces keeping the crowd back behind some barriers.

“Sergeant” Lane stated to the closest soldier, “I want you to go down to the line and allow those individuals access and bring them back here.” The soldier acknowledged his orders and left.

“And I want you” he said turning to another soldier, “to go down to the communication’s tent and I don’t care what they’ve gotta do, but I want all those networks off-line. Got it?” The second soldier acknowledged his orders and left as well.

“Kal-El…Zan…I’m bored!! Come and kneel before me. Come and I may spare these measly little human’s lives.”

“Man, that’s what we’re going up against?” Ava stated as they waited in the holding area, listening and watching Zod and Fine as they continued to wreak havoc.

“What’s going on Clark? How much longer do we have to wait?” Max inquired. They had just arrived at the gate, but got placed in this holding area, because according to the soldier there had been too many causalities and he was under strict orders not to allow anyone past the barriers.

Clark listened intently to Tara and Sam’s conversation and answered, “Not long. Tara just acknowledged that we’re here and they’re sending someone out to greet us. It’s better if we go by the book on this one. Too many eyes and ears.” Clark said.

Then they noticed a soldier coming down the street and went up to the Officer in Charge. The next thing they knew they were being escorted to the command center.

“Major, you can stay, but the rest of you need to go down to the barriers and move them back as far as you can, this includes the emergency crews and media, especially the media. Things are about to heat up and I want to prevent any more casualties.” The men followed his orders and left the tent. Once everyone was gone, the Major spoke up.

“Sir, what exactly is going on?” But before he could answer the young major, his civilian alien team had arrived. “Ah Max. Clark. Glad you made it.” The General reached out his hand, in which Max and Clark reciprocated it.

“What’s the situation?” Max asked, as the group gathered in a circle.

“Hang on!” Major Stickney said, “I asked what’s going on?” and then he added “…Sir” realizing he had stepped over the line with the General.

Sam gave him a stern look and then looked over toward Ava and simply said; “I need his expertise in this, but afterwards…” she nodded in understanding.

Before he could give an explanation to the waiting Major, his cell phone rang. Looking down at the caller ID, Lane gave a disgruntled look and said, “I’ve gotta take this.”

“General Lane”

“General Lane, this is Special Agent Davis.”

“Yes, Agent Davis. What can I do for you and make it quick. In case you haven’t noticed Metropolis is set in a war zone and I’m at ground zero.”

“The reason I’m calling. It seems like the root of your problem is extraterrestrial. I’m sending you in some reinforcements to deal with the matter.”

“Perfect. I can’t wait. I’ll be awaiting their arrival.” And then he hung up before the Agent could waste any more of his time.

“Whatever we’re going to do it needs to be done quickly, that was your friends from the FBI and reinforcements have been sent to evaluate the current situation.”

“FBI? What is going on…General” the Major asked again.

“There’s no time for explanations” Max said, “but if you can refrain from asking questions until we are done, all will be explained.”

The Major was taken back, again. Who were these people? He looked towards his commanding officer and then nodded. “What do we need to do?”

“Has the media been taken care of?” Max inquired. Sam nodded his head and said, “And the barriers are being backed up as we speak, to give ya’ll room to do what you need to do.”

“Okay…First of all we are going to give Zod and Fine what they want. Clark and I will go and have a chat with them. Cal, I want you and Mirek to stand ready and when the need arises, I want you two to disrupt Fine’s molecular structure. Tara, I need you to cover the skies above us and make sure Zod doesn’t use that venue as his escape route. Ava, I want you to hang back here and be in charge of crowd control with the Major here, we don’t want any of this getting out of hand any more than it already has.” Everyone nodded as Max turned to Clark.

“Are you ready?” Clark pulled out the black crystalline medallion Raya had given him before they had left Smallville. It was the only thing that would control the Zoners and hopefully Zod. Max nodded, if the medallion didn’t work, he was carrying their back up plan. He pulled out the lead lined box with the concentrated Kryptonite within. “Are you sure you want me to use this?” Max asked patting the lead box. “Only if you have to, but yes. Zod needs to be dealt with for all the atrocities he’s committed.”

“Well then, let’s not keep them waiting.” Max said as he and Clark made their way to the epicenter.

Chapter 58 – Do Unto Fine

They exited the tent as Tara took flight in front of the gaping Major.

“You should really close your mouth, you’re drooling and it’s not very attractive” Ava whispered into the Major’s ear.

“H-H-How did she do that?”

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Watch and learn my young apprentice.”

Cal and Mirek began to make their way around the epicenter so they would be able to contain their two foes from behind.

“Ava” Lane stated, “I know you can place suggestions in people’s minds but do you have to be in physical contact with the individuals?”

“What do you mean?” Ava asked as Max and Clark looked on, intrigued by this line of questioning.

“Well, Major Stickney is a Communications Specialist, top in his field, and since this story has been severely leaked out to the public, I was wondering if you think you could tap into the communication link and influence the viewer’s minds.”

Ava sat back and thought about it and then spoke. “I really don’t know if it’s possible. But, maybe if I had Kyle at my side it would work. His gift only affects humans so it’s quite possible that if we combine our gifts it would work, but then once the suggestion is made it’ll affect you and the Major as well unless you’re protected. And we’d want to make sure some of our other human allies aren’t listening in to our suggestions.”

“Human allies?” the Major questioned.

“Yes, human allies. We’re aliens.” Max said to the young Major matter-of-factly as the Major’s jaw dropped and he was rendered speechless again. Max then used a cell phone given to him by Oliver and called Kyle.

“Watchtower” Kyle said using his codename.

“Yeah Kyle, Max here. Was our other team successful?”

“Yes and they’re on their way back to headquarters.”

“Good. I need you down at ground zero ASAP.”

“Do I even want to know?” Kyle asked.

“Probably not” Max said.

“I’ll leave the team a note and I’ll be there in about 15 minutes.” Kyle said, hanging up the phone as he immediately penned out a message. He grabbed his jacket and made his way down in the elevator.

“Kyle is on his way and the other team was successful.” There were sighs of relief from everyone except the Major. Then Max turned to Ava and said, “You can bring Kyle up to date when he gets here.”

“Gotcha” Ava said. “Major, shall we go down to the blockade and meet with Kyle,” she said lightly with a grin on her face and a skip in her walk. The Major was still adjusting to the comment that these individuals were aliens. Was the guy named Max joking or just being sarcastic? He really couldn’t tell, but he did see that woman fly up into the sky and was, he assumed, hovering just above them. Not even realizing it, he followed the perky girl down the walkway to the barriers

“Well, I’m going to hold back here until my ‘reinforcements’ arrive. I suggest you do whatever you need to do quickly” and then Lane retreated back into the tent.

“Well, that’s our cue and it sounds like Zod and Fine are becoming impatient” Max stated overhearing another explosion coming from the direction where the school use to be.

Clark and Max made their way up to Zod and Fine’s location.

“Kal-El must be a coward. I thought you said his major flaw was protecting these human creatures.” Zod commented.

“He’ll be here. He would never pass up an opportunity like this.” Fine said confidently.

In a corner near a bunch of debris, Pam Troy and her cameraman were hunched down, no longer supplying the network a live feed. They were trying to remain undetected while they continued recording the events as they unfolded. This was an opportunity of a lifetime. This would open so many doors for the young junior reporter and her cameraman.

Kyle had just arrived at the school’s location when he looked at what was transpiring. He couldn’t see much, because they had the spectators and media all backed up, but he saw a lot of the destruction that had occurred and his jaw dropped. He worked his way through the crowd to the forefront where he came face to face with one of the military personnel.

“I’m sorry kid, but this is as far as you can go” the military guy said.

“I’m sorry too, but I’m not here for my health, my services were requested.” Kyle countered sarcastically.

The sergeant looked Kyle up and down and responded, “Yeah, right kid. Why don’t you just go home and watch TV to see how things unfold safely from the comforts of your couch.”

“This is bull….” Kyle mumbled. Then taking matters into his own hands, he reached down and found his power and said, “Let me pass.”

Releasing his guard, the sergeant moved the barrier aside and allowed Kyle to pass, to the objections of those present who had tried to get by as well. The sergeant replaced the barrier, oblivious to his previous actions and went back to standing guard.

Kyle walked down the path in the direction where he could see some tents had been erected, when he saw Ava walking with another one of the military guys in his direction.

“So it is Ava, right.” She nodded. “Are you guys really aliens or was Max just being sarcastic?” The Major delicately asked.

“Yep. Well, variations of the sort. I’m what you would call an alien half-breed. Alien DNA mixed with human DNA.” Ava said.

“So…what planet are you from?”

“Why, do you want me to abduct you and take you there sometime?” Fear crossed the Major’s face.

“Kidding” Ava said playfully, giving the Major a little jabbed in the arm. “I was actually born in New York City, but my alien DNA came from the planet Antar and some of my friends are visitors from the planet Krypton. And then there are some humans that have been changed into alien half-breeds, such as my friend Kyle coming up the street.” She said pointing up the path to Kyle. Then she noticed the Major’s horrified face when she said reassuringly, “Don’t worry Major, we come in peace,” which seemed to make the Major feel more at ease. They finally reached Kyle.

“Looks like Zod and Fine have been having a little fun” Kyle said.

“Yeah, they’ve been pretty busy. Kyle, this is Major Stickney. Major, this is Kyle Valenti.” Pleasantries were exchanged when Kyle spoke up.

“So, why am I here?”

The three worked their way down to the communication tent. “The General was wondering if I would be able to use my talents to send out a message through the airways to the viewers who are watching the coverage of the school’s disappearance. The upcoming confrontation is something we really don’t want to be televised, but I’m not sure if I can accomplish this alone. But with your help, it might be possible.”

Kyle then looked over at the Major and asked cryptically, “so has he been fully inducted into the club?”

“Not fully. It’s more like learning as we go.”

“What club?” The Major asked as he pulled the flap up on the communication tent.

“I know an a…” started Kyle, until he realized the tent was full of military personal and then turning to Ava he said, “I’m going to assume not the whole army battalion knows our secret.” She shook her head no.

“Sir” a young Captain saluted and addressed the Major. The Major saluted back and said, “Report.”

The Captain gave the Major a full report of all the happenings, while looking over the Major’s shoulders at the two strangers. “Very good. Now, I need everyone to clear out of the tent and go back to the barriers and help with crowd control.” The Captain was taken aback, but he ordered his men to leave as he stayed behind. Once everyone had left he turned towards the Major and said, “What’s going on and who are these teenagers?”

Not having the patience to deal with answering another person’s inquiries into their current situation, Kyle stepped up and reached for his power and said, “Go and join your men down at the blockade.” The Captain turned around and without another word left the tent.

“What just happened?”

“Let’s just say it’s an alien thing” Kyle said with a grin on his face and then he got serious. “So, how are we going to break into the airways?”

The Major took control of the situation as Kyle, Ava and he went to work.

‘Liz, can you hear me?’ Max communicated as he and Clark moved into position.

‘Yes Max, I’m always here. What’s up?’

‘I need you to get in touch with any of our humans allies and keep them away from any media device while Kyle and Ava work on that problem.’

‘Got it and you be careful’

‘I will. Love you Liz.’

‘Love you to Max’ and they terminated their conversation.

“I just communicated with Liz and she’s going to get in touch with our human friends and make sure they’re nowhere near any media device as Ava and Kyle attempt to manipulate the airways.”

Clark nodded as he opened up the gate leading into the playground area where the school used to sit. All that was before them was a dirt filled impression.

“Hey Zod, I heard you’ve been looking for me. All you had to do is stop by the farm where we could’ve worked out our differences. Fine knows the place, since he’s made it his duty to be a thorn in my side. But no, you had to go and kidnap an innocent school and involve these humans in our, shall I say, disagreements.” Clark taunted the Kryptonian General as he and Max closed the distance between the two sets of aliens.

“It’s General Zod to you Kal-El. Now, come and kneel before me and swear your allegiance to me and I may consider releasing those not so innocent humans you spoke about.”

“Hmm…”Clark contemplated. “I don’t think so Zod. Why would I kneel before you? What’s the point? You have no control over me. And speaking of the ‘not so innocent humans’, what have they done to captivate your attention?”

“Insolence” Fine admonished. “You will address him as General Zod.”

“No, Fine” Max said, “I don’t think you realize this, but when you kidnapped my son, you meddled with an opportunity you should’ve left alone.”

“Oh, and speaking about your son, Zan is it? I do wonder where he is.” Fine taunted.

“Safe with his mother, if you must ask. I spoke with him just before coming up here to ‘talk’ with you.” Max informed the duo, as Fine’s demeanor changed from one of confidence to one of questioning. Zod looked over at his Brian Interactive and questioned,

“I thought you said he was in the school.”

“He was” Fine answered.

Off in their little corner Pam Troy spoke up, “Oh my God, that’s Max Evans!” Then she questioned her cameraman, “Are you getting all of this?”

“Yeah, but I need to get another tape, this one is full.” She handed him over a blank tape as she took the other tape and secured it in her purse. He activated the camera again as they listened in.

“Sorry to disrupt this little dispute, but I can assure you Zan is safe.” Clark said, “And your leverage against us is nonexistent.”

“Are you considering the lives of the school’s occupants as nonexistent?” Fine stated, “I thought you had more compassion for these measly little humans.”

“Oh, I do Fine, but what you don’t realize is that you no longer have that leverage to hold over us, because we have just acquired possession of the bottled school.”

“You’re bluffing” Fine stated. There was no way they could get through his defenses. But how would Clark know he had bottled the school?

“Bluffing or not, we feel you are no longer a threat to us and we have you thoroughly surrounded, so you two might as well give up” Max boldly stated. Pleasantries switched over to action as Fine made an attempt to leave the area to check to see if his ship had actually be infiltrated, but as he prepared to leave, he was caught off guard from behind by Cal and Mirek, who attacked him by disrupting his molecular structure.

“AAAAAHHHHHH” Fine screamed out in pain, as his molecular particles were whirling around in a vortex.

“What the heck?” Todd said, hitting the side of his camera. His batteries just drained instantaneously leaving him with a blank screen. “My batteries were fully charge. Hand me those backups” he said to Pam as the scene continued to unfold before the petite blonde’s eyes. She handed over the batteries to Todd, and after inserting them and turning the camera on, it did the same thing. “Damn” he said. “I think the rest of this is going to be word of mouth.”

“Nobody will believe this if we don’t have the pictures to back the story up” she said defeated. They continued to cower in the rubble as the scene unfolded in front of them.

“I can take some stills, but no digitals” suggested Todd taking out his 35mm camera.

“Fine, do it. It’s better than nothing.”

Zod looked over at his Brian Interactive and voiced, “What are you doing to him?”

“Nothing he doesn’t deserve” Max stated, “Now, are you going to come easily?”

Without answering he took to the sky, but he was instantly attacked by Tara who kicked him unexpectedly in the jaw, knocking him back down to the ground. She followed him down and came to rest standing at Clark’s side.

“Who the heck?” Zod said recovering from the blow he had just received from Tara. Then he checked out the surrounding areas using his x-ray vision and noticed the pile of debris that Pam and her cameraman were hiding behind and smiled.

“I wouldn’t be smiling if I was you Zod and the name is Tara. Tara Lor-Van”

“Ah, the sister of Lara-El” he said still smiling and then turning his attention to the pile of debris, his eyes flared up and he aimed his red laser beams at the gas tanks. Realizing this Zod person was looking directly at them and they were probably going to be his next target, Pam and Todd sprinted from their hiding place but not before an explosion occurred. Both Tara and Clark reacted quickly enough to cover up the cameraman and his reporter before the flames enveloped them and then removed them to the communication tent.

“So, I see Kal-El has left you to defend yourself” Zod spouted off and then flew hard at Max, his fist clinched in a straight arm, but Max was prepared and had his shield enhancer strapped to his hand. He aimed the royal seal at Zod and produced his shield as he watched the Kryptonian General bounce off the invisible wall landing him back where he started. “What are you?”

“Not so different from you Zod. Of course you’re just a General, but I on the other hand happen to be a King, so if anyone needs to bow down, that would be you and your screaming little friend over there.” Max said looking over at the screaming molecular tornado.

Incensed, Zod tried some other tactics against the self proclaimed King. But as he got close to Max, he opened up the lead lined box containing the refined Kryptonite, causing the Kryptonian General to retreat as he fought the Antarian King from a distance.

Meanwhile inside the communication tent Major Stickney had interrupted the service to all the major networks as well as the local networks and linked everyone to the one small camera pointing at Ava and Kyle. “Okay, I guess that’s as far as I can take it.”

Ava handed the Major some headphones and asked him to turn around. The Major took the ear protection and did as he was told. Then Kyle and Ava sat down in front of the camera. She closed her eyes and concentrated hard as Kyle joined hands with her forming a connection, and he looked into the camera and spoke:

The Metropolis Middle School is currently in a hostage situation, but there have been no reports of any injuries or causalities in regards to this situation. The military and police are working together to negotiate the release of those held captive. For the safety of all those involved, stay clear of the school until all has been resolved. And then he continued, covering up for whatever the media may have already leaked to the public. On another note, there have been no reports of alien activity or destruction of private or public property in relation to the school hostage situation. Any injuries or causalities reported were caused by a leaky gas line that exploded underneath the streets near the area of the school.

Stopping the camera from recording, Kyle got the Major’s attention as he took over and looped the tape and replayed the message over the airways. Turning off the sound and taking off his ear protection he asked, “Do you think it worked?”

“Only time will tell” Kyle said as Clark and Tara brought in the reporter and cameraman.

“We just found these two lurking in the wreckage and they would have been obliterated by Zod if we hadn’t rescued them. Modify their memories and take any evidence they may have obtained and send them away.” Clark commanded as he and Tara left the tent to regroup with Max.

“There’s no way you’re going to, what did he say, modify our memory. Haven’t you heard of the First Amendment? This is an…”

“Oh, just shut up already” Kyle said. Her mouth was moving, but nothing was coming out. The Major tried to say something, but he was affected too.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” He said to the Major and then turned to Ava. “Hurry up and work your magic so I can release the Major.”

“Okay” She closed her eyes and planted the seed in the reporter and cameraman’s mind. When she opened her eyes, she noticed that Kyle had relieved the two of any evidence linking to the story.

“Speak” Kyle said, as Pam asked, “What’s going on, where am I?”

“Oh, you were just on your way back to the station to file a story on the gas explosion that happened near the school.” Ava suggested.

“That’s right, we should get going. Which way is out?” Kyle pointed the two in the right direction and when she came back into the tent the Major asked, “Can I talk now?”

“Sounds like it.” Ava smiled. “Why don’t you watch over these feeds, just don’t listen to them, or you may be affected by their message too. Kyle and I will go down to the blockade and work our magic on them a little bit too. Major Stickney nodded as Kyle and Ava made their way down to the barriers.

On their flight back to ground zero, Clark and Tara noticed what could only be classified as General Lane’s backup. It was like the Men in Black had arrived in full force. “Tara, you go back and see if you can help out Max, I’m going to see if I can do anything to help out the General.” She nodded as she rejoined Max who was engaged in a fight of his own.

“Need any help?” Tara asked.

“Yeah, where’s Clark?”

“The FBI has arrived, so we need to wrap this up” Tara stated.

“Easier said than done, he’s been literally throwing everything he has at me. And I can tell Cal and Mirek aren’t going to be able to…INCOMING!!” he yelled as he gathered his energy and sent the flying car back at Zod, using his energy shield. “We need to find something to contain Fine in.”

“Okay. I’ll go and see what I can come up with.” She disappeared into the sky, as Max continued to hold off Zod.

“General Lane, your reinforcements are here, see if you can keep them contained in here until everything is done. Tell them it’s too dangerous to approach us and let us fight it out. Just have them stand back and observe. We’ll have Ava alter their minds when we’re done with Zod and Fine.” Clark said. The General acknowledged Clark as he flew back to help out Max.

Tara flew back down with a large plastic circular canister and asked, “Will this work?”

“I hope so” Max said.

“What do you hope?” Clark asked. But then a raging wind hit them, as Zod was using his super breath to blow objects at the trio.

“Hey Zod, you ever hear of a breath mint?” Clark taunted as he and Tara caught some of the items thrown and sent them back at Zod. “Now, what were you hoping?”

“That we can contain Fine in this plastic molded container,”

“Should work. Come on Tara, let’s go and see how Fine likes to be bottled up.”

They flew up and as Tara brought the plastic container down over the molecular vortex, Clark slid the top underneath the vortex, sealing Fine in the see through plastic container. There was no longer a molecular vortex, but an exasperated man lying down in the center of the canister.

Zod noticed the peril in which his Brian Interactive was in and decided to cut his losses now, while their attention was elsewhere. He took to the skies and disappeared. He had underestimated Kal-El and his friends. Next time, that wouldn’t be the case. Clark looked over to where Zod had been and swore internally. But, at least they had Fine, he thought looking back at the beaten Brian Interactive.

“I tried keeping Zod occupied while holding him off ” Max apologized.

“It’s not your fault. At least we got one of them.” Clark responded.

“So, what do you want to do with him?” Max asked. A grin spread across Clark’s face when he thought of all the things he could do to Fine, but then he pulled himself back to reality and said. “We can either hold him captive up at the ‘Fortress’ or within the confines of the training field back at your place.”

“I like the idea of the training field, because nobody knows about it but us and not just anybody can enter. It’s perfect” Max said. “Do you and Tara want to fly him back to his new accommodations?” They agreed, taking to the skies with Fine.

“Now Mirek, Cal how are you two feeling?”

“Drained” was the response Max got from the two.

“I bet. Do you have enough energy to transform this downtown area back to its prior existence?” They both looked at their King astounded at his request. Was he mad?

“Uh” Cal stated, “I don’t think we have enough energy, sire.”

A smile broke across Max’s face. “I’m kidding, you two need to lighten up. I’ll send Ava and Kyle over once they’re done manipulating some memories. And of course I’ll help too.” The two let out the breath they were holding, bowed and then began transforming the downtown area.

Max walked back down to the barriers and found Kyle and Ava and asked, “are you two almost done here?”

“Yep. We just need to relieve Major Stickney from the communication tent. Why?” Ava asked.

“I need you two down at ground zero to help Mirek and Cal transform the downtown area back to the way it was before Zod and Fine raised a little havoc.”

“On it Le Capitan.” Kyle said saluting Max.

“Get going” he laughed. He moved his way towards the General’s tent and the den of the lion, for that was where the FBI was waiting.

Ava and Kyle entered the communication tent and tapped the Major on the shoulder. He took off his ear protection and said, “Did you succeed?”

“Somewhat. We got one of them. Fine, but Zod got away” Ava said. “If you want to turn off your machines, we’ve got some other things to show you, if you’re interested.”

Peeking his interest, the Major shut down the communication tent and followed the two self proclaimed aliens out the flap of the tent down to the battle zone, for that’s what it looked like. There were smoldering piles of debris, glass and blasted out buildings all about them. “Watch and learn” Ava said as she and Kyle joined Cal and Mirek as they began to rebuild this section of Metropolis. Each of them stood with their backs to each other and held out their hands. All of a sudden, there were many vortexes spinning around the area as things began to put themselves right. Major Stickney just sat back in awe at what these people were doing for the good of his community, but nobody would ever know, because their memories were wiped clean of this service they were providing. Fighting the two evil aliens and cleaning up after them. His first impression of life on other planets was askew. Yes, there were evil aliens out there, but there were good ones too. Before long, they were joined by Tara and Clark as they did their part in placing vehicles and such back where they belonged and not on the building’s rooftops.

After they were done, they walked down to the General’s tent so Ava could work on them. As they got closer, the Antarian’s in the group got hit with a blast of energy and when Kyle tried to blast a nearby rock, his suspicions were correct; a TAG had been activated.

A/N: Sorry this is just an author's note to let you know I haven't forgotten about this story. Just got my daughter married off and now I finally have time to sit back and relax as I write I hope to have you another chapter after the weekend and thanks for sticking by me...Karin

A/N: I just wanted to say thank you for your patience. It's been really hectic around my household, but we've finally reached July and I can breathe again. And yes, my daughter had a very beautiful wedding. Thank you so much for the feedback. This is a short chapter by my standards, but thought I needed to start somewhere. Enjoy

Chapter 59 – Loose Ends

Maria threw an onion ring at the computer. “Liz, what exactly are we looking for? All I’m seeing is mumble jumble science stuff. You know I never did well in science.” She said exasperated.

“Yeah Liz, I’m with Maria. Science was never my forte. Can’t you give us more information to look for, in layman’s terms please?” Lois piped in.

“Well, all we know is that it’s a radioactive material, so let’s concentrate on any element with radioactive characteristics in it. If Fine was able to find some on Earth, it’s gotta exist in some form.” Liz said turning back to her periodicals. Lois and Maria gave each other blank looks, when Liz got a communication from Max.

Liz acknowledged the communication and got up and turned off the television.

“Hey, what are you doing?” Jesse asked, as he and Pete have been watching the events unfold on the television.

“I need a favor. Max just contacted me and said that Ava and Kyle are going to try and send some false messages over the airways and we don’t want any of our human allies to be influenced, so could you two go down to the farm and turn off their television and radios and then contact Michael and inform their team of the same thing. Oh, and don’t forget to get a hold of Martha and Lionel at the hospital.”

“Sure” Pete said, “It beats trying to find this mystery element.” Both Pete and Jesse left the farm as Liz returned her attention to the periodicals she was looking through.

Lois and Maria returned to their search as they googled everything and anything that matched their criteria when all three of them felt a sudden rush of a breeze through one of the open windows and they each put down what they were doing to go out and investigate.

In the driveway, they found Tara and Clark holding onto a clear canister that held the Brain Interactive known as Fine. “Hey Liz, do you think you could open up the force field to the training field so we can contain Fine within its boundaries.”

“Sure” she said as they walked down the path to the entrance to the training field. Liz held her hand up and opened up the force field big enough to admit everyone. Mira met them as they came through the opening as Liz closed it up behind them.

“Your Highness” Mira said looking at the containment unit that Tara and Clark were carrying, “What should I do with him?” she inquired.

“Max thought this would be the best place to contain Fine until we decide what to do with him. He’s essentially a computer, so he doesn’t need any extra care, so he can just stay within his little bottle and we’ll see how he likes being contained in this fashion.” Clark stated.

Mira walked over to the canister, holding her staff in her hand. “And what if he tries to escape?”

“He really hates to have his molecular structure messed with, so have fun,” Tara said with a sheepish grin on her face. Mira pointed her staff at her prisoner and said, “Be good and it won’t come to that Fine.”

Fine took a closer look at her staff in awe. Its tip was a smooth golden knob that finished off the staff’s look. “If I may ask” Fine stuttered, still under the influence of Cal and Mirek’s constant attack of his system, “where the Hell did you find that specimen of Illium 349 and who was able to refine it in such a manner?” His voice was muffled a bit due to the fact that he was inside the container and having to shout because of his current status. “I scoured this forsaken place called Earth and could hardly find remnants and nothing as rare and magnificent as that piece.”

Mira noticed that he was referring to the stone at the end of her staff. “Just a family heirloom,” she responded nonchalantly. “You can leave him here with me. I’ll be fine.” She followed them back up the path and before opening the passage she said in a manner that Fine couldn’t hear her, “It seems like this illusive element you’ve been searching for has always been in our possession. Obtain your healing stones, they are made of the same element and you should be able to reverse the process to return the school back to its normal size.” Maria and Lois were excited, research wasn’t really their thing. Liz was also happy. They had accomplished what they were tasked to do. “Thank you Mira” she said as they walked back up the path and Mira closed the opening and returned to Fine. Clark and Tara took to the skies to return to Metropolis.

As Liz, Lois and Maria entered the house they noticed a ripple in the living room and then they saw two figures emerge. Lois gasped at the sight of the alien creature while Maria just looked at the blonde blue eyed girl with disgust.

“Tess, Cattivo, I see you got our message.” Liz said, trying to welcome their new guests.

“Where’s Zan?” questioned Tess, truly worried about her son’s predicament.

“Here, take a seat and I’ll explain what’s going on” offered Liz. “Cattivo, if you could assume your human form, it would be more appropriate during your stay here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” He held up his hand and turned into the most dashing man Lois or Maria had set their eyes on in a long while.

After the transformation was complete the door to the house opened as Pete and Jesse came through. “Everyone has been notified.” Pete announced as they joined the rest in the living room. They were noticing the two additions when all of a sudden Liz went rigid.

“Oh my God Liz, is it time. Are you having your baby?” Maria scampered over to Liz’s side.

“No, it’s not that. I can’t explain it. One minute my connection with Max was fluid and the next it’s like there’s something blocking our continual connectivity. I can still feel him, but can’t communicate with him. Something has gone wrong!” Liz said in a panic. She was bound and determined to make her way to Metropolis at that instant.

“Liz, you can’t go. Max wanted you to stay behind because of the baby. You need to think of your daughter’s health too.” Maria pleaded.

“You don’t understand! He needs me!” pleaded Liz.

“Your Highness” Mira stated, “he’s got enough back up there to take care of any situation, plus it would take us too long to get there, since Clark and Tara have already returned.”

“That’s not necessarily true” Cattivo spoke up. “I’ve modified my portal device to enable it to transport more than one individual as long as someone knows where we’re going, but I have to agree with Mira, she is your Protector and you need to stay behind, because nobody would want to come up against the wrath of King Max if anything happened to you or your baby.

“Liz, I’ll stay behind with you.” Maria said, holding onto Liz’s hand comforting her.

Pete looked at Jesse and with a nod from him he said, “And Jesse and I will stay behind as well.”

“So, who’s going to show us the way?” questioned Tess.

“I will” Lois volunteered. She was ready for something more exciting than hanging back twiddling her thumbs. “What do I need to do?”

“I need you to form a connection with us and think of where we’re going and then we’ll touch the portal, which will transport us to that location. There will be a pulling sensation, so don’t let that frighten you.” Cattivo explained as Lois raised an eyebrow. Not much scared her, surprise her…yes, but not necessarily scare her.

She nodded her head and allowed the two aliens to grasp her hands as they formed a connection. She thought of the location of the school as it entered her mind they touch the portal device and the next thing she knew she was being pulled through a labyrinth of bright colorful lights. The next thing she knew they were standing just outside the school gate.

Inside the Bottled School

It was so quiet inside the school gym in anticipation of the impending rescue attempt. It seemed like everyone was heeding Zan’s warning and had secured themselves to the bleachers, but now it was a sit and wait game. “Are you sure your friends are coming?” Ashley asked clearly nervous of the unknown. Before anyone could answer her question there was a shift in the gym as if they were in an elevator, but on superfast mode. Things that weren’t secured started to bounce around such as book bags, balls and things.

Zan reached down and searched for another one of his father’s unique gifts, held out his hand and produced a green shield which encompassed the entire gym, protecting its occupants from the flying projectiles. Soon, the elevator ride turned into a blur and it felt like they were on the fastest roller coaster ride of their lives, then it stopped.

“Is it over?” Zan heard as he released his shield and collapsed, exhausted from the energy it took to keep the shield up.
Worry crossed the faces of those near Zan. “Is he going to be okay?” Michelle asked.

Mandy opened up her mind and attempted to communicate with Zan. ‘How are you doing?’

‘I’ll live. It took everything I had to keep the shield active without getting sick. Bart needs to slow things down a bit.’

‘I bet’ Mandy communicated. ‘You rest for now and build up your energy again, because I’m afraid we’re not done.’

‘Mandy…Thanks’ Zan communicated and took her advice and rested.

“He’ll be fine. It took a lot out of him to keep up the shield that protected everyone from the flying projectiles.” Mandy said, and then she untied herself from the pole she was attached to and walked to the center of the gym and located the microphone.

“Attention everyone. I’m sure everyone is still recuperating from our little excursion a few moments ago, but we’re not quite done yet. Please remain fixed to whatever object you have attached yourselves to until you’ve been told otherwise. Thank you.” She set the microphone down and returned to her group, binding herself again to the bleachers and allowing Zan to rest his head on her lap.

Oliver Queen’s Penthouse Apartment

Bart was the first to arrive. He carefully took the bottled school and life support system out of his pocket and gingerly placed it on Oliver’s desk. Then he looked around. ‘Where was Kyle’ he thought. Then he noticed a note. Kyle’s services had been requested at ground zero. While waiting, Bart decided to take a better look around Oliver’s apartment. He was quite impressed and was about to turn on the theater size flat screen to see what was going on with the other team when the phone rang. Seeing that Kyle had left headquarters, Bart answered the call.

“Hello”

“Yes, is Oliver Queen there?” came the response.

“Sorry, he’s busy at the moment” came Bart’s response. He felt strange playing secretary.

“Well, this is Pete Ross, one of Clark’s friends, who am I speaking to?”

“This is Bart.”

“Ah, good. I’m supposed to get a message to your team from Max. Don’t turn on any radios or watch the TV because they are going to manipulate the airways somehow and they don’t want those of us that aren’t alien enhanced to be affected by their message.”

“Thanks, I’ll let them know and you can let your group back home know that we’ve accomplished our mission, I’m just waiting for the others to catch up.” They finished up their conversation as Bart hung up the phone. It wasn’t too much longer when he heard the elevator clanging telling him the rest of his team had arrived.

Metropolis Hospital

“So how is he doing?” Martha asked the physician in charge of Bob Chambers.

“He’ll be okay, but what’s really bewildering to me is I just admitted him a couple of weeks ago for some broken ribs and the x-rays I took today showed no signs of them ever being broken.

Lionel eyebrows lifted in surprise as he simply said, “well, I guess stranger things have happened. We do live in Metropolis.” The doctor nodded, not truly convinced.

“When do you think he’ll be released?” Martha asked.

“We’d like to keep him overnight for observation” the doctor stated.

“Can we see him?” Lionel asked.

“Sure, but keep your visit short” the doctor directed. As he led the two to Bob’s room Lionel’s cell phone went off. He took the call outside of the room as Martha continued in.

“Bob, how are you?” she said, sitting in the chair next to the bed.

“I’ve felt better. So, what’s going on down at the school?” Bob said, trying to sit up in his bed to get comfortable. Martha helped him as Lionel came in and joined them.

“Well, that was Jesse and he said we’re supposed to stay clear of the television and any other media outlet, because our group is going to try and put out a message to the ‘human’ population and they don’t want us to be influenced by their message.”

Martha got up and turned off the television and then the two of them brought Bob up to date with what was going on to bring his wife and child back to him.

Chapter 60 – Who’s got who covered?

Luthor Inn
Khivar and Nicholas continued to watch the events unfold on the television in Khivar’s hotel room.

“Sire, if I may ask, whose body does Zod inhabit?” Khivar went into explaining who Lex Luthor was to Nicholas.

“Well, instead of traveling to Metropolis to meet up with those two, wouldn’t you think it would be prudent to just make their acquaintance here in Smallville? I’ve been doing a little research on this town and the Luthors are the main proprietors of this place and one of their estates is right here in Smallville and I believe that is where this Lex Luthor resides. If Zod is using his body, don’t you think he would be enjoying the comforts that he has at his disposal?”

Before Khivar could answer, the television went to static for a moment and then appeared Kyle Valenti and to his side Ava. “Well, this is an interesting development.” Khivar simply stated. Kyle gave his speech and then it was repeated over and over again. “Well, I think it would be pointless to go to Metropolis anyway. Looks like our ‘friends’ are covering their tracks and cleaning up after Zod and Fine.” Then he sat back, “Be available later on this afternoon. We’re going to pay Lex Luthor a visit.”

Metropolis

“Holy Shit!” Lois exclaimed as she appeared before the entrance to the school. “That was some kind of ride!” And then she looked around and noticed the destruction that had occurred at Zod and Fine’s hands and as she looked closer she noticed that the city was putting itself back to normal before her eyes.

“There’s Ava, Mirek, and Kyle…” Tess pointed in total awe towards the group of aliens in the epicenter of the destruction. She was quite impressed with what Kyle was able to accomplish in such a short period of time since coming into his alien tendencies. “Not quite sure who’s helping them though.” She said, talking about Cal.

“That’s Max’s other Royal Protector” piped in Lois, “Cal something from Hollywood.” Then she looked towards the sky and saw something flying through the sky. “And there’s Clark and I believe Tara’s close by.”

“Okay, so where’s my son?” Tess said. Lois had to agree, it sounded ridiculous even to her.

“Oh. Right. Liz never told you” Lois stuttered as Tess and Cattivo looked on. “See, here’s the thing. See that spot over there” she pointed, “well, that’s where Zan’s school used to be. Fine and Zod used some kind of shrinking ray gun thingy and shrank the school and all its occupants, including your son, and stuck them in a bottle.”

“In a bottle!” exclaimed Tess.

“Let me finish” Lois interjected. “Anyways… we sent a team to go and retrieve the bottle and they were successful. My group was supposed to find this illusive element called Illium 349, which is the key element used in this shrinking ray gun to reverse the process. We were successful in a roundabout way. The third team was sent here to deal with Zod and Fine.”

“So… if the team was successful in finding my son, or this bottle, where’s the bottle?” Tess asked, trying to keep her cool.

“I have an idea, but why don’t we ask them?” Lois said, pointing to the cleverly uniformed individuals, as well as Michael and an unfamiliar female with them.

“Is this a joke?” Tess said, looking at the Green Arrow, Aquaman, Cyborg and Impulse walking up the path.

“No, actually it’s not” Lois said, walking up the path to meet them. “Mommy Dearest here wants to know where her son is.”

Michael laughed openly at Lois’ comment. “Nice to see you too Guerin, now where’s my son?” Tess snapped.

“He’s safe at the moment, back at headquarters. We’re here to help the rest of this team with Zod and Fine…” Michael said, “But it looks like they have everything under control.” He noticed that the group was walking down a path to one of the military tents. “Shall we see if our services are needed?” Michael said, taking the lead and following the path to the same tent.

“What’s going on?” Clark asked as he saw Kyle wince when he held his hand out and nothing happened.

“I believe a TAG has been activated, and if that’s the case you and Tara are on your own and Max is in a lot of trouble.” Kyle said.

“What’s a TAG?” Tara questioned.

“It’s a Trithium Amplification Generator, it’s like our kryptonite. It prevents us from being able to use our abilities. Essentially making us human” Mirek stated. Then they noticed the other group coming up the walkway when the TAG engaged them as well.

“Woah!!” Tess and Michael said simultaneously, as they both stumbled a bit.

“What’s going on?” Oliver questioned.

“TAG” they both said at the same time and then sneered at each other. Pulling themselves together they met up with the other group.

“Who activated the TAG and where is Maxwell?” commanded Michael.

“What’s a TAG?” Oliver questioned again.

“A device that makes us just as human as you” Michael answered, “now where’s Maxwell?”

“He’s inside the tent up there and I think that is where this TAG device you mentioned is located too, as well as the FBI” informed Clark.

“Great. So, what’s the plan to get Max out of there?” Kyle asked.

“And my dad” Lois injected.

“Well, I could do some recon” suggested Major Stickney. “Nobody would look at me twice.”

“No, we don’t want to place you in the lion’s den, especially without backup, you don’t know these guys.” Kyle said and then looking at Clark he asked, “Can’t you just do your superspeed thing and retrieve Max.?"

“And my dad” Lois interjected again.

“Yeah, but do we really want to retrieve the General? It might look suspicious” Clark stated.

“Fine” Lois said, “But make sure he’s not being tortured or anything, otherwise I’ll beat the crap out of your alien butt.”

Clark smiled and turned to the group. “I suggest you all retreat and we’ll meet back at headquarters, before I go in and get Max.”

“No!” Michael stated.

“What do you mean no?” Tess stated. “Let Clark go in and get Max out, so we can move onto getting the school restored.”

“I’m tired of running and hiding from these people. We just got situated and I’ll be damned if I’m getting back in that van again. I’m taking back my life, who’s with me?” Michael asked.
Everyone seemed to be in agreement. “Fine, what do we do?” Tess stated sarcastically.

“Clark” Cal stated, “Why don’t you first go in and deactivate the TAG device, so that we are at our full potential before going in.”

“Sure. What does it look like?” Clark asked.

“It’s a black pentagon shaped device with Antarian symbols on it” Tess said, describing the device.

“And it may be beeping too” Michael said. “So just turn it until it stops beeping.”

“So that’s the annoying beeping I keep hearing” Raya said as Tara and Clark agreed with her.

“Okay” Clark nodded as he disappeared. The rest of the group dispersed, trying to stay out of the sights of the encroaching FBI agents, who were scattered all around the school’s boundaries.

Inside the Tent

General Lane was in his tent awaiting Special Agent Davis and his special unit. He had just lit a cigar, opened up the window flap and was staring out at the aliens as they put the city back to the way it was before. Even though he knew their secret and had been let into the ‘club’, it still amazed him at the power these young kids held. His thoughts were interrupted when Agent Davis stepped through the door flap.

“General Lane”

“Agent Davis” Lane said turning around and blowing out a puff of smoke, as he noticed the four other agents that had filed in behind him.

“I see you’ve been keeping yourself busy.”

“Actually, the only thing I’ve been able to do is to maintain crowd and media control. I thought I’d just let the aliens fight amongst themselves, because honestly their abilities are astronomical. I just didn’t want any of my men or civilians injured and seeing as I don’t have the resources available to take on the visitors, I decided to hang back and observe.”

“Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore” and then Agent Davis pulled out a black pentagon device with strange markings on it and set it on the table.

“What is that?” the General inquired, picking up the device and examining it and then placing it back on the table.

“Some alien technology we picked up a few years back. It’s one way of controlling them.”

“Are they all as bad as you’ve depicted to me?” the General questioned. “As I’ve been watching the scene unfold around here, I saw a really bad pair earlier, but the rest of them were fighting the evil pair and now they seem to be helping out, putting this city back to the way it was, not destroying it.”

“They’re just covering their transgression. They aren’t interested in protecting us. They just don’t want their secret to get out.”

“And what secret is that?”

“That they’re here to take over our planet and wipe out the human population along the way.” The Agent said ‘matter of factly’. Not wanting to reveal his alliance with the aliens, General Lane asked,

“So, what do we do?”

“Leave that to us. We’ll capture the one called Max and the rest will follow.” He said walking over to the TAG device, picking it up when Max entered the tent.

Max knew he was entering the lion’s den, but he wasn’t as apprehensive as he would’ve been before they had found his son and Clark Kent. Before, it had only been the six of them traveling around in the van just escaping the grasps of the FBI, but he had made some very influential friends recently, and if anything, it was the Special Unit that had walked into their open trap.

Realizing who had just entered the tent, Agent Davis activated the TAG device, making Max step back a bit as he felt his abilities leave his body. “Grab him” he ordered his men, as they apprehended the tall dark haired man.

Max didn’t put up a fight, but had a wide grin spread across his face, “Ah, you must be Colonel Stevens’ replacement, when will you all learn to just leave us alone?”

“I don’t think you’re in a position to be dictating anything to us. And I wouldn’t be smiling if I were you.”

“Why, you don’t think I’m going to follow you willingly to the white room again, because if you think that, you’re sorely mistaken. Why do you all constantly hound us? Have we ever caused you any harm? No, we haven’t. In fact, as we speak my friends are putting the city back to the way it was before and we’ve located the missing school and will return it as soon as we can.”

“Because you took the school in the first place and caused that war zone!” screamed the Agent.

Max laughed, “Yeah, it was us that decided to come down here, expose ourselves to the likes of you to raise a little hell. Why don’t you just take off those blinders you’re wearing and see what’s really going on, instead of relying on those little magic tricks you’ve caught us doing on your surveillance tape. You’re in way over your head.”

“Magic tricks! Magic tricks! One of your ‘people’ took out Rogers Air Force Base as well as
killing some very good men and women. What do you say to that?” Agent Davis practically screamed into Max’s face, pointing his index finger into his chest.

“I’d have to say that if you were more open minded to the possibility of life on other planets, we might’ve been acquaintances, but when you decided to dissect a ship to gain any alien technology you could, as well as holding its passenger hostage, then you and your people deserved what you got. You do know my son was on that ship and his mother was only protecting her offspring. Wouldn’t you have done the same thing if it was your child?”

“You’re not human!”

“No, I’m not. I’m an alien human hybrid, but you know that already from the wonderful tests your predecessor performed on me previously. Just like you know I’m not able to defend myself because you turned on that device, but if you think that’s all there is to containing me, you have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“And who exactly would that be?” the Agent said, crossing his hands in front of his chest. About that moment, there was a quick blast of air and Max noticed the TAG device had been deactivated. He could feel the power surge back into his being as he felt Liz enter his mind again in a panic.

‘I’m okay Liz. I’ve gotta go, I’m dealing with the Special Unit right now’ he communicated, as he was also thanking Clark internally as well. The General also noted the breeze and figure the cavalry was on its way and was thankful he had chosen to back the right side of this disagreement.

“I’m not only Max Evans, from Roswell, New Mexico, but I’m also the King over the Whirlwind Galaxy of Five Planets.” Max said proudly as a wide grin spread over Agent Davis’ face. Not only had he captured an alien, he captured a royal alien. He was surely going to get promoted. The other four guys that were restraining Max, knew they were in the alien hunting business, but they thought they were going after ‘Little Green Guys’. Max looked just as human as them and they were wondering if their commanding officer was off his rocker, but the young man confirmed everything and even had self proclaimed himself a King of another galaxy. To say the least, they were in awe, but they continued to hold onto their prisoner, it was their job.

“Oh, I’m sorry Your Highness” Agent Davis bowed sarcastically and then turned to his men. “Put him in a straight jacket and take him out to the van, I’ll be right out.” The men dutifully obeyed him and placed Max in a straight jacket, without much trouble from Max, who seemed to be having fun with the Special Unit now. They were going to be sorry that they ever messed with his family when they got done with them. Max sat in the van surrounded by his four guards when he closed his eyes and concentrated on Clark.

‘Clark, Max here. If you can hear me throw something at the white van.’

Clark had reconvened outside with the others. “The TAG has been deactivated. Max seems to be enjoying himself though, because he’s not doing anything, but egging this Special Unit guy on. I’ve been listening in on his conversation and he’s being a lot more cordial than I would be. They’re strapping him into a straight jacket and are going to move him to a different location.”

“And there are groups of Men In Black all over the place” Bart said.

“Well then, it’s time to act” Michael said, ready to take on the Special Unit.

“Hold on” Clark said holding up his hand and then he bent over and picked up a pebble and threw it lightly at the white van on the other side of the tent.

“What’s going on?” Tess asked.

The guards jumped when they heard a loud ping on the side of the van. One guy got up and went outside the van to see what was going on, but all he saw was an indentation and a small pebble on the ground. Shaking his head he entered the van again. “I don’t know what it was?” he announced.

‘Good. I want you all to let them take me back to their base and then we’ll take down their whole organization. I’m tired of being their guinea pig.’

Clark picked up another pebble and threw it at the van and then turned to the group and relayed his message.

“I don’t think so. He’s not going in there alone!” Michael stated, ready to go in after him.

“I agree, but I don’t think it would be wise to get ourselves captured, especially any of the Antarians among us since they know how to control you all. I’m going to follow closely behind them so we know where they take him.” Clark stated. “When I learn their location, I’ll fly back and then we can set up our plan of attack.”

“We’ll be awaiting your return” Kyle said.

“In the meantime, do whatever you have to, to get the school restored back to normal. We need to get those families reunited.” Clark said.

“We’re on it” Oliver said. “And here, take this” he handed over a small device. “It’s a tracking device, same kind we installed inside of Fine’s ship. That way we’ll know exactly where you are in case we lose track of you or you get captured.”

“Thanks” Clark said, sticking the device in the pocket of his jeans. “Okay, well here goes nothing. Hopefully they don’t know anything about Kryptonite.” And then Clark super sped to a vacant tent next to the van and waited for the Special Unit to drive away with its prisoner.

Chapter 61: Principal Anderson

Clark hid within the darkness of the vacant tent and allowed the van to pull away. He discretely moved out of his hiding spot and proceeded to follow them. Meanwhile, Major Stickney entered the General’s tent and debriefed the General of the current plan. They continued their effort of maintaining the façade of a gas leak and kept the civilians and media back behind the barriers, until the school could be returned to its permanent status. Special Agent Davis gave the order for the Men in Black personnel to vacate the facility. Seeing that he had his prize, Max Evans, self proclaimed King of another galaxy in his possession, he saw no reason to stick around. When the scene was safe, Oliver and his crew plus Michael, Lois, Tess, Raya, Tara, Mirek and Cal made their way back to Oliver’s apartment.

Inside the Bottled School

“Mandy, how is he doing,” Brenda whispered, trying not to wake Zan, who was resting to regain the energy he had depleted when he protected the inhabitants of the bottled school from the flying projectiles.

“Still sleeping, we won’t know until he wakes up,” she whispered back brushing his hair back from his eyes. He still had his head lying in her lap and she protectively held him as he slept.

“I wonder what’s going on out there” Ashley said, looking up toward the top of the bottle. “It’s been awfully quiet lately.”

“Too quiet, just like the calm before the storm and we’re in the eye of the hurricane. You know it’s coming, just not when.” Michelle said.

Chloe raised her eyebrow at Michelle’s comment. Maybe there was an inspiring reporter in Michelle too, she was quite insightful. It was as if they were in the eye of the hurricane and she knew soon or later it would get worse before it got better.

As time went by in the school gym, the occupants began to get anxious. How long were they going to have to be bound to the school’s bleachers? What was really going on? And the biggest question was how were the group seated at the end of the school gym, including Brett, involved? The volume in the gym began to rise as all the individual groups began speculating on their current situation. Then the Principal made a decision and released himself from his restraints and walked over to Brett’s group.

“Uh-oh” Chloe said looking over at the principal. “Mandy, I think you should wake up Zan.” Mandy responded by opening up her line of communication with Zan and gently shaking him out of his slumber.

“Zan. Zan. You need to get up.”

“What” he responded groggily, not opening his eyes.

“Zan, I think the Principal would like to have some words with you. He’s on his way over.”

“Ugh! Isn’t it enough that I saved their sorry asses?” he moaned.

“Zan!” Mandy replied.

“I know. I know. I’m getting up.”

“You’re not much of a morning person, are you?” She thought sarcastically.

“No, I’m not. How much time do I have?”

“Could I please have a word with Brett?” the Principal asked.

“Time’s up,” Mandy thought. “He’s sleeping sir, couldn’t this wait until later?” Mandy asked. She already knew the answer; she could read his thoughts and knew this was going to be an interesting conversation.

“No, I’ve got a gym full of students, parents and staff who I’m responsible for and I’ve got to be able to answer their speculative questions, but I have no answers. It seems you all that have this pertinent information and I want to know. Now please, wake him up” the Principal said in a commanding voice.

“I’m awake” Zan said opening his eyes and lifting himself off of Mandy’s lap as he turned to address the Principal. “But even if I tell you what’s going on, first, you won’t believe me and second, they won’t believe you either. So, I really don’t know what I should tell you. Why can’t you just let it lie and let me handle it?”

The Principal looked towards Brenda and gave her an incredulous look and then he turned back to Zan.

“You’re a kid, not an adult” he said astounded.“What exactly do you mean let you handle it anyway?”

Zan sighed, as Chloe turned towards him and nodded her head. “Fine, what do you want to know?”

“No Brett” Brenda said, “you don’t have to do this.” The Principal gave her another incredulous look.

“It’s okay mom. It was bound to come out anyways. Maybe it will alleviate some of the questions going around, but I doubt it. I’ll let the Principal decide for himself what to do with the information.” Brenda sighed as well and nodded.

“Good Luck Zan” Mandy thought, squeezing his hand. He squeezed back.

“Okay, you want to know what’s going on,” Zan took a deep breath and then spoke again. “First of all, I’ve got to get something from you first.” The Principal looked at him like he was crazy. He was after all just a kid.

“What do you want?”

“I want your promise not to interrupt me until I’m done telling you my story and that you keep an open mind. This is all I ask of you.”

The Principal contemplated his answer and then nodded his head and sat down on the bleacher.

“I would bind yourself to the bleachers, because I don’t know when we’ll be moved again” Zan said. The Principal nodded and attached himself to the bleachers with his belt and looked towards Zan. “Okay, what is your story?”

Where to start? That was the question. After another sigh Zan spoke. “As you know I was adopted by the Chambers. Well, just recently, my biological father and his family found me. No, they weren’t killed in an accident. Well, that’s not true, my father thought my mother had died in an unfortunate accident, but anyways, he put me up for a closed adoption when I was just a baby, hoping that I would be able to live a normal life. Well, life for me isn’t normal. I’m about seven months old.” The Principal’s jaw dropped and a small gasp left his mouth.

“That is impossible,” he said in disbelief.

“If you keep interrupting, we’ll never get to the end of my story, but I will answer your question. You see,” he sighed again, “I wasn’t born here. In fact I was born in a totally different galaxy. My parents are alien-human hybrids and I’m their offspring.” Zan noticed the look on the Principal’s face and paused his explanation. “Principal Anderson, you need to breathe. Are you alright?” Then Zan looked towards Mandy.

“He’s just in shock. Give him a moment”

“What is he thinking?”

“He doesn’t believe you. He keeps saying over and over again in his head that you’re just a human boy, a kid.”

“Principal Anderson to answer your question, I am not just a human boy, a kid. I’m an alien human hybrid.”

The principal looked up at him astounded, wondering if he was reading his mind.

“And what has happened to us is partially my fault.”

“No it isn’t!” Chloe spoke up. “Don’t ever think this is your fault.”

Chloe turned to the principal, “Sir, you’ve probably have many questions, but what’s going on here is not his fault. A couple bad aliens have come to Earth and they have set their sights on Zan or as you know him, Brett, and they’ve basically used some alien technology to miniaturize us and place us in a bottle.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” the Principal stated. Zan nodded. “We’re really stuck in a bottle?” he said looking around.

“Yes we are, but my family and some friends are working on restoring us back to normal. We were originally placed on a spaceship, but some friends of mine rescued us and moved us to a safe location. That is why we’re all restrained to the bleachers; otherwise we would’ve been tossed around in this bottle and if it wasn’t for the shield I produced, there would’ve been more injuries from the loose items like books and balls.”

“You expect me to believe that you’re an…an alien and that you’ve got certain…powers?”

“An alien-human hybrid and yes, I do have certain abilities” Zan corrected.

“I told you, you wouldn’t believe me.”

“But, this is so…I don’t know…” the Principal placed his head down in his hands, trying to collect his thoughts. After a few moments of consideration he looked up and said, “So I’m taking it that you, your family and friends are the good guys?”

“Yes. We’re not here to cause any harm and have been living among you for a while. But as Chloe said, there are some bad ones out there, just like there are some bad humans and we’re trying to contain them before they cause anymore harm or damage” Zan explained.

“Um Zan, our reinforcements have just arrived. You should go up and talk to them so we know what the plan is.” Mandy communicated, hearing the thoughts of those that had just entered Oliver’s apartment.

“Thanks” Zan communicated. “Well, I hate to cut this short, but I’ve gotta go. Chloe, I believe we’re needed up top.”

Chloe got up and pulled out her medallion as Zan joined her side.

“Principal Anderson, we’ll continue this conversation later, but duty calls” and then the two of them disappeared just before there was a whoosh of wind as Zan picked up Chloe and flew her to the top.

“Where did they go?” Principal Anderson asked. Mandy just pointed up as the Principal’s jaws dropped, yet again. What was he going to tell the occupants of the bottled school?

I wanted to thank everyone who has posted feedback and bumped this story. I haven't forgotten ya'll, life just got in the way, but I hope things are back to normal... But what's so great about being normal? The fact that I get more updates out for you Take care and until next time...

Chapter 62 – Return of MMS

After negotiating the bottle top, Zan flew Chloe over to Oliver’s desk. The team members that were at the school had made their way back to Oliver’s apartment and were coming up the elevator.

“Wow, I’m impressed with Mandy’s abilities, they must be getting stronger,” Chloe commented at the fact that Mandy could sense their friends, even if they weren’t even in the same room, especially in her current condition.

“I think we’re all getting stronger” Zan replied. The elevator doors lifted and out stepped its occupants.

“Mom?” Zan said surprise in his voice when he saw Tess exit the elevator.

“Zan?” Tess said questionably, thinking she heard her son’s voice.

“Where?” a few members of the group stated, looking around the apartment, when Tara spoke up. “Over here” she said walking over to Oliver’s desk. They all walked over to the desk when Tara said, “Hello Zan, Chloe.”

“Chloe’s down there?” Bart asked staring down at the miniaturized beings.

“How is it you can hear them?” Michael questioned of Tess walking over to the desk.

“It must be her Kryptonian side coming out, because I can hear them too” Ava said.
Noticing the group hovering over the desk Zan asked, “So what’s the status on getting us back to normal?”

The question was repeated to the group by Tara.

“Well, we did our part and located Fine’s ship and tagged it, recovering the device that was used in shrinking the school and we also found a box of refined rocks that we believe to be the element we need to return to the school to normal.” Oliver explained.

“And our group dealt with Zod and Fine. Unfortunately, Zod got away, but Fine has been captured and is being contained in the training field back in Smallville” informed Tara.

“And the group back in Smallville learned from Fine and Mira that this Illium 349 is actually the same stone as the ‘healing stones’. I assume someone knows what those are, because Liz seemed excited about learning we already have them” Lois added.

“Yes, we do have the healing stones; there are actually five of them. I don’t think we’ll need them though since we recovered this stash from the ship, but it’s good to know, because I’m sure we can use them later on in our fight against these guys.” Michael said with a slight smile spreading across his face. He was ready to go up against these guys, still wishing he could’ve tagged along with Clark.

“Well, how should we test out this theory of returning you to normal?” Ava asked.

Chloe finally spoke up. “Zan is needed back in the bottle, but I’m not. See if you can return me to normal size and if it works, then you can move the school back to its permanent location and return it and its occupants back to normal and then Ava and Tess can do their thing and mind thingy them.” Tara repeated Chloe’s suggestion, which they agreed upon until Victor brought up a good point.

“You’re already out of the bottle Chloe and if this works great, but how do we get the occupants out of the bottle without breaking the glass before returning them?”

“Maybe this will help” Bart said, pulling out some of the other attachments he had gathered while in the ship that were near the bottle. One piece looked like a clear hose attachment that secured to the end of the shrinking device and the other end over the bottle. Bart was showing his theory to the group, but held up the other piece and stated, “I don’t know where this one goes though.”

“In theory, wouldn’t you just attach it to the other end of the shrinking device and point it at the spot where you want the school to materialize?” offered Tess.

“So, you’re thinking the shrinking device is a conduit and the occupants essentially have to go through it to be resized?” Oliver asked.

“In theory, yes. Basically you’re messing with their molecular structure.” Michael stated. “But where do the rocks go?”

Mirek went over to the box of rocks and pulled a rock out and commented, “These really are unrefined. The ones on Asterie are much more…polished, not quite as raw. I believe we will need to use the full contents of this box. It is lucky that you thought to pick this up when you did.” A broad smile flashed across Bart’s face. Mirek took a couple of stones out and walked over to the shrinking device. He looked over the device and asked for his wife’s assistance. “Tara, you can read Kryptonian, can you see where we put these?” She walked over and looked the machine over and read some of the symbols on the side of the machine and slid her finger down its side as a compartment opened up. Mirek inserted the rocks as Tara closed the compartment.

“Zan, can you fly Chloe over by the couch?” Tara asked. Zan did as he was requested and returned to the desk.

“Cross your fingers” Chloe said aloud as she closed her eyes Tara placed the tubing over her miniaturized body. She then activated the device to the enlargement setting, while Mirek pointed the other attachment over towards the elevator. Soon there was a bright yellow light as Chloe’s body began to break down into its individual molecular structure, shifting her through the device and materializing her on the other side. She was back to normal.
She jumped up and down and hugged the first person close to her, Bart. He had a very huge grin across his face. “Eat your heart out Clark”

“Oh God, Clark. Where’s Clark?” she panicked.

Oliver went over by his computer and located Clark on his GPS locater; of course it was still a blur, because he was still following Max in the van. “He’s right there. Max decided to deal with the Special Unit, so Clark’s following him and wearing one of my tracking devices. We’ll help him out as soon as we take care of our little problem here.” Then turning towards the desk, he said, “Zan, I need you to go back inside the bottle and get ready for another ride.”

“Good Luck” Chloe whispered. Zan took off and returned to the bottle, re-corking it in the process and flew down as inconspicuous as he could and ran to his mother’s side, hoping nobody saw him.

“Zan! You’re back” Brenda said, hugging her son. “Where’s Chloe?”

“They did it mom! They actually did it. Chloe’s been returned to normal size, she’s so brave. She volunteered to be a guinea pig and it worked. They’re going to return us back to normal too.” Zan was excited. For once, things seem to be going right for them. Mandy came over and hugged him.

‘I missed you’ she communicated.

‘I missed you too’ he thought back and then he pulled away from her slightly, lifted her chin, and leaned in and kissed her.

“Brett Alexander Chambers!” Brenda stated, but with a huge grin on her face. “Don’t you think we should inform Principal Anderson about the upcoming events?”

Zan rolled his eyes, as he pulled away from Mandy, ‘Later’.

‘Later’ she communicated.

“You’re right mom. I’ll be right back” Zan got up and walked over to Principal Anderson. Tapping him on his shoulder, for he was talking to one of the other teachers, he asked; “Sir, may I have a word with you?”

“Brett, you’re back” he said aloud and then realizing his error he corrected himself, “Were you able to find your book bag?”

The other teacher gave them a quizzical look. “Yes sir. It was just where I left it.” Zan said.

“Good, good.” He turned to the other teacher and said, “Brett left his book bag in his mother’s classroom and he had some medicine in it, so I gave him permission to go and retrieve it.” She gave an understanding nod and Principal Anderson unbounded himself from the railing and walked with Brett to a secluded area.

“Where is your friend, Chloe is it?”

“Yes, and she has already been returned to normal. My ‘friends’ are going to be relocating us back to the school’s site and return us to normal. We need to prepare people for the move and then I need everyone to remain in the gym until my friends have given me the all clear.” Basically he wanted Ava and his mother to mindwarp them, but he wasn’t going to let the Principal know that.

“Very well, do you want to make the announcement or can I?” The Principal commented, remembering how Zan took control of the situation earlier.

“You can” Zan said smiling and moved back over towards his family and friends.

“Do you have enough energy to hold up your shield?” Mandy asked.

“It’ll have to be” Zan said.

‘I’ll lend you whatever I can’ Mandy thought.

‘Thanks’ Zan communicated as he reached for her hand.

The Principal went up to the microphone again and informed everyone to prepare for another tumultuous event. The gym escalated with the voices of the excited, yet nervous group. Zan’s group followed suit as they buckled down. Zan took his place on the top corner seat of the bleachers so he had a good overview of the gym, to better protect them with his shield. Mandy sat at his side holding his hand when she announced, “they’re ready.” Zan nodded as he lifted his hand and projected his shield, to the astonishment of his classmates and teachers, as they realized where the bright green light was coming from.

Outside the bottle, Bart carefully reached for the bottle and placed it gently in his pocket. “Hasta la vista baby” Bart said as he exited the apartment at high speed. “Time to move out” Oliver said as he and the rest of the group made their way back downtown. Inside the bottle, it was truly a whirlwind of activity going on, with stuff flying all over the place. But the occupants where safe, as Zan combined his and Mandy’s abilities, strengthening the green shield that encompassed the gym’s entirety. Then all of a sudden it stopped as Zan and Mandy reclined against the back wall of the bleachers exhausted.

“Is it over?”

“Can we go home?”

“What’s really going on?”

“What was that green light?”

“Who is Brett Chambers?”

These were just a few thoughts that were either vocalized or going their minds and people began to get antsy. The principal removed his restraints and climbed to bleacher’s top steps and moved his way towards Zan.

“Are you two alright?” he questioned of the two exhausted teens.

They both looked up and nodded.

“Is it safe to unbind ourselves from the stands?”

‘Mandy, do you have enough energy to see what Bart’s thinking?’

Mandy closed her eyes and concentrated, as Zan lent her what strength he had and then her mind reached outside the bottle and entered Bart’s thoughts.

He wasn’t thinking about anything in particular, such a strange mind to inhabit. Thoughts were buzzing around at a high rate of speed, but she was able to ascertain that he was downtown on the school’s property, awaiting the ‘slowpokes’ as he referred to the others to arrive. She withdrew from his mind and looked up at the principal.

"I don’t believe we will be moving anymore, but I would make sure everyone stays within the confines of the gym until we are returned to our normal size.” The principal nodded and went to go and make his announcement. After his announcement, everyone’s eyes went towards Zan and Mandy.

Bart stood in the parking lot of the school, waiting for the other’s to arrive when Tara flew in and stood at his side. “I may be able to run like lightning, but to be able to fly…now that’s just cool” Bart remarked. Soon they were joined by General Lane and Major Stickney.

“So, what’s the status?” General Lane asked. Bart and Tara informed the General and Major of their accomplishments.

“Well, the last of the FBI have left and I still have my men covering the barriers.”

“How’s the cover up going?” questioned Bart.

“Well, the seed was planted by Kyle and Ava, but I don’t know how many people were influenced. Time will tell I’m sure.” The Major inputted. “Is that the school?” he inquired of the bottle that Bart held gingerly in his hand.

“Yeah, we’re just waiting for the rest of the team to show up.”

“Have you heard from Max or Clark?” General Lane asked.

“No, but we’ve been keeping tabs on their location” Tara said. “They seem to be heading north.”

The General nodded as the rest of their group made it to the school’s parking lot.

“Okay, I guess it’s time to extract the school. Where should I set up this contraption?” Michael said, carrying the attachments over his shoulders, while A.C. carried over the actual device.

Oliver walked through the gate separating the parking lot from the playground and asked, “How about right here, and then we can point the machine in that direction and set the bottle on the picnic table here.” They all nodded and began to prepare Fine’s contraption.

Inside the bottle, Mandy was concentrating on the minds outside the bottle, waiting for some indication that they were ready, when she intercepted Chloe’s thoughts. ‘Everyone’s here and they’re getting things set up’ she communicated to Zan.

He nodded, squeezed her hand and lifted himself off the bleachers and made his way to the microphone. “Attention everyone” he said. The gym went silent, as Zan continued. “This should be the last time we’re going to have to secure ourselves, but afterwards you will be able to go home, so just hold on for a little bit longer.” As he placed the microphone back in its position, one of the older boys named Billy stood up and surrounded by his cronies advanced upon Zan.

“Who do you think you are?” He poked Zan in the chest. “What have you done to us? What was that green light and why the Hell are we even listening to you?” Now Zan was surrounded by Billy and his friends and nobody was moving to stick up for him, because these kids were vocalizing exactly what many in the gym were wondering.

“Not now” Zan stated and tried to push his way past the boys, but they weren’t budging. Finally, Mandy wasn’t going to take it anymore. She stood up and made her way down the stairs, to the protests of her sister and her friends. “Leave him alone Billy!” she said.

“Oh, now you’ve got your girlfriend sticking up for you, huh?” Billy antagonized.

“Oh, trust me…he doesn’t need my help. He can kick your asses blindfolded” Mandy stated back.

‘Mandy, let it go. I can handle them’ Zan communicated, but Mandy just smiled maliciously and continued her way down the steps.

Principal Anderson, as well as Brenda both got up and worked their way towards the group of boys. Principal Anderson didn’t need anything else to add to his list of explanations he was going to have to give and Brenda was going to protect her son the best way she could.

“Break it up boys” the Principal stated.

“No!” Billy spat. “He knows what’s going on and so do you, but we’re supposed to sit back and listen to ya’ll. This is wrong.”

“Keep it up young man and you’re going to be spending some time with me in detention, now break it up” Principal Anderson spoke with authority.

“The kid’s got a point” one of the parents stated, lifting himself from his seat and making his way down to the group as well. “We’ve been responsive and listened to you all, but he’s right. We’re all involved and should know what’s really going on around here and I for one am not going to listen to a word you say until we are let in on this little secret you seem to be harboring.”

‘Zan, we’ve gotta hurry up, they’re almost ready to transform us back to normal’

‘I know, but I’m I supposed to do?’

‘Why not the truth? They won’t believe you anyways and once your mom and Ava wipe their minds, it won’t matter.’ Zan sighed. Could it get any worse?

“Does it really matter?” Brenda stated, moving forward and addressing the group and gym at large? “What matters is that you’re safe and alive and soon will be reunited with your families. Do you really need to know the reasoning behind it?”

“Yes. I want to know what has been going on. We’ve been cooped up in this gym and I was on the little expedition outside the gym and things just aren’t right. The world outside of this school is gone. I don’t know where we are or what’s going on and I want some answers,” the vocal father said. The gym erupted in applauses at the father’s speech.

Brenda looked at her son and nodded, nonverbally telling him she would support whatever he chose to do.

Zan stepped forward and took the microphone again, turned to the small group in the middle of gym, sighed and said, “I’ll explain what’s going on, only if you go back to your seats and secure yourselves one more time.” They were reluctant, but complied and found their seats.

Brenda and Mandy stayed behind and stood by his side as the many eyes bore into Zan.

“Okay… I’ve gotta make this short and sweet, because my family and friends are currently preparing to set things straight. First of all, as you know I was adopted by the Chambers. My biological father and his family recently found me and we’ve been reunited and I’ve just learned that I’m…unique. Okay…your first question was who do I think I am? Well, I’m an alien-human hybrid.” There were of course gasps and oohing and aahing going on, but Zan continued on. “Being what I am comes with some benefit or abilities, which is how I was able to produce the green shield that protected you all from flying projectiles and it’s how I’ve been communicating with my family on the outside. Now, as to what has happened here, you probably won’t believe me, but we’re stuck in a bottle. There are a couple of bad aliens out there with attitudes and I’m their prime target. My family and friends have had their battles, retrieved the bottled school off a spaceship and found a way to extract us from this bottle, which leads me to our next round of fun. So, there you have it. I’m an alien and you’re stuck in a bottle.” Zan put down the microphone as he, Brenda and Mandy made their way back to their seats, with every eye staring at Zan.

‘Well, at least it’s quiet’ Zan communicated.

‘Easy for you to say, you can’t read minds!’ Mandy replied. ‘I’m going to need a high dosage of Tylenol when we’re done here.’ Zan let a laugh escape his lips as Mandy playfully hit him on the shoulder. Then she stiffened. She heard Chloe’s thoughts and said “they’re ready.”

Zan held out his hand as he produced his green energy shield to the astonishment of the onlookers. Soon the room was filled not only with the green light from Zan’s shield, but a yellow light projected itself throughout the gym as well. Then everyone began to feel lightheaded and dizzy, as their molecular structure broke down and then they were moving through the attachments, as if they were on a tube ride at an amusement park. Finally they were back in the gym again, where they started. The yellow light gone as Zan retracted his shield as well. Then everyone looked towards Zan, wanting to know if it was over, when the doors to the gym opened up.

Thanks you'll for all the wonderful feedback and bumps Onto the next chapter and I hope you enjoy it. Karin

Chapter 63 - Phazing

Sitting inside the van, Max sat back and relaxed. He closed his eyes and communicated with his wife. He let her know what he was up to and reassured her that he was doing this to make sure their daughter wouldn’t have to worry about living in a world always on the run from the Special Unit. As they continued having their silent communication, Max’s thoughts were interrupted.

“Is it really true you’re an alien?”one of the armed soldiers asked.

“Stand down Corporal” said one of Max’s other captors, whom he assumed to be the ranking individual in the back.

Max opened his eyes and looked directly at the Corporal and responded. “I’m actually an alien-human hybrid”

“What does that mean?” said one of his other four guards. Even the one in charge seemed intrigued with the line of questioning and figured he’d allow the questioning to continue as long as the prisoner talked. Maybe they’d be able to collect some useful intel for their superiors.

“Basically it means I’m different than you and because I have certain gifts, our government is out to exploit those gifts for their own agenda. Plus, I think they’re scared we’re here to eradicate the Earth, which is totally unwarranted.”

“You said ‘our government’ but didn’t you say you’re some kind of alien king? If so, who are you really loyal too, Earth or your own planet?”

Max contemplated his answer for a moment. “I have nothing against Earth. I was born here and raised here as any normal human. We, my family and myself, knew we were different as we grew up, but we didn’t really learn the full extent of our differences until just recently and since we made it onto your superior’s radar, they’ve been hunting us down. We’ve done nothing to warrant the attention that has been given to us, but we did what any other person would do to survive.

On our journey to discover our heritage we learned where we came from and our role in the Universe. Yes, I am a King, over the planet Antar as well as the Whirlwind Galaxy. If it came between Earth and the galaxy I rule over, I would have to say my loyalty would have to remain with the Whirlwind Galaxy, since I’m ultimately responsible for their existence and prosperity, but this doesn’t mean I’m out to take over Earth. In fact, we’ve been trying to take care of an intergalactic situation which occurred in Metropolis when you gentlemen decided to interrupt. Now, your superiors are taking me someplace where there’s a little white room to torture me in again.”

“Again? What do you mean again?”

“Let’s just say Agent Davis and his predecessors have their own agenda and they answer to no one. They’ve captured me before and placed me in this white room. They conducted all kinds of torturous tests on me that I wouldn’t ever wish upon my worst enemy.”

“You don’t seem too concerned about going back to this ‘white room’”

Max smiled. He knew Clark was running just outside the van listening in on their conversation. He wasn’t going in blind this time. He now had an arsenal of friends and family who had his back and even if he ended up back in the white room, he’d be able to withstand any torturous activity they dealt him, since he knew this would be the last time they messed with him or his friends and family. “I know what to expect this time around and fear is based on the unknown. Plus, I just don’t think we’re going to make it to our final destination. Agent Davis is under the assumption that he’s dealing with a group of teenagers, and that is his downfall. Since our last meeting, I’ve made many new influential friends and I can guarantee you that your boss is not going to be very happy when we’re done with him.”

Max looked around at his captors. “You all seem to be pretty level headed and I don’t want any harm to come to you, so when we get to wherever you’re taking me, I strongly suggest you hightail it out of there, unless you want to be on the receiving end of our wrath.”

The four guards looked at Max ominously and then one guard spoke up. “You’re asking us to go against our commanding officers orders, why should we believe you? What was really happening in Metropolis? What was this intergalactic situation you were taking care of?”

“I’m not asking you to go against your commanding officer’s orders. You’re supposed to deliver me to wherever we’re going. I’m simply saying that once I’m in your superior’s custody it would be prudent of you to get out of there. Now, as far as what was going on in Metropolis, I’ll keep most of that situation to myself, but I’ll let you know that as you know not all humans are good, that goes for aliens too. There are a few evil ones out there and we’re trying to contain them and the things they’re doing, but it’s not always easy.”

The van began to slow and the group became silent again, as they thought of what the self-proclaimed alien king had disclosed to them. Clark slowed up alongside the van and stopped short of the gate leading into a small fenced off area with only a small brick building in its center. This was another abandoned missile silo. He stayed back as Agent Davis exited the front cab of the van and went around back and unlatched the doors. Max exited the back of the van followed by his four guards and they escorted him to the gate, where Agent Davis unlocked and relocked the gate after everyone entered. He then used the keypad outside the door and keyed in his password as the door opened up to an elevator. The group filed into the elevator as the door closed and moved them down into the Earth. Clark took to the skies on his way back to Metropolis.


Metropolis Middle School

The gym doors to Metropolis Middle School opened and Oliver stepped over the threshold followed closely by the rest of the group. Zan, Mandy, and Brenda made their way to the group, followed closely by Principal Anderson.

“Are these your friends?” he queried as he looked at the group of diversified individuals. Some of them were even in costumes. Zan nodded.

“Zan!” Tess said, opening up her arms in a welcoming stance. Zan went over to her and hugged her. “Hey mom, what are you doing here?”

“I got a message from Liz saying that you were in trouble, so I took the first portal here.”

“Liz called you” he said surprised, knowing his mother wasn’t on Liz’s list of favorite people. She nodded as Principal Anderson addressed the group.

“Is it safe to leave the gym yet?”

“Give me a second to confer with my friends” Zan said. Zan quietly moved his group of friends off to the side to confer with them in private. Zan looked toward Ava and Tess, “I need you two to alter the minds of the gym’s occupants. Can you do that?”

“Sure, no problem” Ava said.

“Any exceptions?” Tess asked.

“Yeah, my sister” Mandy said.

‘What about her friends?’ Zan communicated to Mandy.

‘I trust Missy to keep our secret, because she’s kept my secret for so long but I’m not so sure about her friends. They’re great and all, but this is such a huge thing to keep under wraps.’

‘I agree, but I just wanted to make sure. Go and get your sister.’

“Okay, Mandy is going to get Missy. I want her and the rest of us to leave the gym while Ava and Tess alter their minds. Oliver, I need you and your crew to make yourselves scarce, so nobody sees you, because you’ll really stick out."

“What, you don’t like our stylish outfits?” Bart commented.

“Oh, I like them, but I don’t think we need to be so conspicuous. We can meet you back at your office and you can check on Clark’s progress too. The rest of us can help the occupants get reunited with their families.”

Everyone agreed, most of the group turned around and left. The Principal caught Zan and pulled him towards him and asked, “What’s going on? Is it clear or not to leave? Why are your friends leaving?”

“Calm down Principal Anderson. My friends are just clearing up a few things outside. This is my biological mother Tess and my Aunt Ava. They are going to stay and watch over ya’ll until we tie up a few loose ends outside. You’ll be able to leave very soon.” Zan turned to walk out the door while the Principal tried to hold him back. Ava decided to take control.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you” she voiced, as he pulled his hand back startled. “We’re here to help, so let’s get the party started so everyone can go home.” She looped her hand through his arm and directed him back to the center of the gym. They directed the Principal to be seated and once he was seated they conferred with each other over the story they were going to place in their memory, which was the same story Ava and Kyle had hopefully instilled in the local public. After agreeing on their approach they closed their eyes and joined hands. Watching them were the scared and confused faces of the crowd who had just learned that Zan was an alien and these two women were probably aliens and they didn’t know if they were going to be abducted into their spaceship or allowed to leave to rejoin their families.

It didn’t take long before Tess and Ava were done manipulating their memories and replacing them with their own version of what happened. Soon they opened up the doors to the gym and the occupants moved forward and left. All anyone could remember was that they were being held hostage, but nobody could identify their captives. Nobody was visibly harmed and all anyone wanted to do was rejoin their loved ones. The rest of Zan’s group helped to clear out the gym and school, before meeting the rest at Oliver’s residence. Even Principal Anderson was at a lost for words and his thoughts were just as fuzzy as to what had truly happened. He hung around to make sure everyone was reunited with their families and then he dismissed his teachers.

Brenda made her way to her vehicle followed closely by Zan, Mandy and Melissa. Melissa had called her parents to let them know that she and Mandy were catching a ride home with Brenda and that they were alright. When she closed her cell phone she looked towards her sister and Zan and simply asked, “What’s up? Why doesn’t anyone know what’s going on?”

“Missy” Mandy started, “as you know, we’re different.” Missy nodded. “Well, the two women that stayed behind have the ability to alter memories and everyone’s memories were altered, except for those of us that stepped outside the gym.”

“So, Ashley and Michelle?”

“Won’t remember a thing. You can’t tell anyone. I know you’ve kept my secret of being able to read minds and I really want to be able to share this with you too. That’s why we decided to include you in our special club, because I need you. I need to be able to confide in someone besides Zan, and you are more than my sister. You’re my best friend.” Melissa brought her sister close to her and gave her a hug as a tear fell down her cheek. “I’ll always be here for you sis and your secrets are safe with me.”

“We’re here” Brenda said as she pulled into the girl’s driveway.

“I’ll talk to ya later” Zan said.

“Keep me informed on what’s going on” Mandy said as she got out of the vehicle.

“I’ll contact you tonight”

“Okay”

The girls walked up the driveway, up the sidewalk and entered their house. Brenda pulled out of the driveway and made her way to the hospital to check in on her husband.

Roswell, New Mexico

Jim Valenti was working at his desk, finishing up some paperwork from the day’s activities. All day long he had been suffering from a massive headache, which kept coming and going and he couldn’t put his finger on what was causing this penetrating throbbing in his temples. He had never had a migraine before but this was probably very comparable.
Another attack was coming on and Jim rubbed his temples and closed his eyes. He then started feeling dizzy. What was going on? He opened his eyes and to his astonishment, he was in Smallville, sitting in the kitchen of the Evan’s farmhouse.

“Hello?” he voiced. Again he asked himself what was going on, but still no answers came to mind. “Hello, is anyone here? Or am I just going crazy?” he silently whispered the second part.

“Valenti?” Liz asked as she came out of her room. “What happened?” she gasped as she looked at the ghost like body of Valenti.

“Woah, that’s messed up!” exclaimed Maria who had made her way out to the kitchen.

“You can hear and see me?” Valenti asked.

“Well, yeah” Maria stated, “but I wouldn’t say we can see all of you. You look more like a ghost or something. What’s going on?”

“I don’t know. I was just sitting at my desk, recovering from another headache attack and now I’m here.”

“I wonder if you’re body is still back in Roswell? Hmmm. Maria, could you go out and get Mira.”

“Sure” and then Maria left the farmhouse.

“So, how are you doing Liz?” Jim asked.

Liz’s hand went to her belly and said, “Shouldn’t be too much longer.”

“Wow, alien pregnancies don’t take very long, do they?”

“Doesn’t look like it, but I would’ve liked a little more time to adjust to this.” She pointed down to her stomach. “We’ve got so much going on right now and I don’t even have the baby’s room done or anything to welcome her into the world properly. This just happened so fast.”

“Everything will work out. You don’t need to worry about anything. Things seem to work out for you all. This is your life. I don’t think you’d want it any other way and you and Max will make wonderful parents for your little… girl, is it?”

“Yeah” Liz said rubbing her belly as her baby girl kicked her. The front door opened as Mira and Maria entered.

“Well, this is interesting” Mira said. “Not unheard of, but interesting. I believe that Mr. Valenti has finally entered our society.”

“What do you mean?” Jim asked.

“What she’s trying to say is you’re now a little green around the gills. You’ve finally become a transformed alien human hybrid.

If Jim’s transparent self could turn green, he would’ve. As it was he was close to fainting, if it was even possible. “Okay” he took a deep breath, “so, I’m one of you. What is it that I’m doing?”

“We call it phazing. You can be in two different places at once. Your body back in Roswell is in a sedated state and is utilizing your full corporeal body. This spirit body can go wherever you wish it to go. You can use it to communicate with whoever and wherever you need to. There are no boundaries to this ability. If you wish to go to the Whirlwind Galaxy, you would be able to. Also, let’s say you’d like your corporeal body to follow you to where your spirit body is you can teleport yourself to this new location just by committing yourself.”

“No way!” exclaimed Jim. “Do you mean I can come here anytime I want too, without going through the Granolith?”

“Yes. If you would like to, you can try it out now” suggested Mira. “All you have to do is commit yourself to the activity and then your corporeal body will follow.”

“Okay, let me try.” Jim closed his eyes and concentrated and then he felt a strange sensation as if his body was being pulled through an invisible tube and then when he opened his eyes, he was standing full flesh in the Evans kitchen. “Well, that was creepy. So, my body back at the station?”

“Is no longer there.”

“Oh my God, what if someone saw me disappear.”

“That is something to worry about. You need to be careful on where you activate this gift, so you aren’t detected.”

Jim nodded and just as he was going to phaze back to Roswell, Liz let out a scream and her water broke.

TBC

Sorry for the cliffie. I know, I'm evil. I just wanted to take this opportunity to dedicate this chapter to Nancy. She's the brians behind Jim's new found ability, which should work out so nicely in my story, allowing Jim to be more of a liason between Roswell and Smallville. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, and again thanks Nancy!!

Chapter 64 – Labor Pains

“Oh my God!” exclaimed Maria as she looked at the pool of liquid at Liz’s feet. Then Liz reached for her belly as the first of many contractions commenced.

“Owww,” she screamed as she lost her footing. Jim caught her and helped her to the sofa. “Where’s Max?” he said looking around.

“He’s in Metropolis right now going up against the Special Unit,” supplied Jesse who’d just entered the room. “What’s going on?” and then he saw the state Liz was in and asked, “Is it time?” Jim nodded as he grimaced. Max should be here.

“Let’s get Her Majesty more comfortable,” suggested Mira. Jim and Jesse supported Liz as she walked back to her room and sat on the edge of her bed.

“Maria, can you help her get more comfortable and ready for the birthing process?” Maria nodded. “Jesse, can you gather up all the towels you can and get us a bowl of ice and water?” He nodded. “I will also need you to sterilize some items.”

“On it,” Jesse said, happy to be leaving the room to obtain the items on his list.

“Breathe Liz…hee hee hoo, hee hee hoo…” Maria encouraged as another contracted ripped through Liz’s body.

“Jim, I need to see if you can use your new found gift to alert their parents of the upcoming birth and bring them through the portal.” He agreed. “But first, I need you to contact the group in Metropolis and inform them Liz has gone into labor and we need His Majesty back now.” Mira instructed, putting emphasis on the word ‘now’.

“Jim, Max said… to tell them…to…get him…the hell out of…there… now. They’ll…take care of…the Special Unit…later,” Liz sputtered out in between each stifled breath.

Jim nodded and left Liz’s room, went out to the sofa, closed his eyes and concentrated on Michael and then phazed himself to Metropolis.

The remaining group in Smallville surrounded Liz and tried to comfort her, the best they could as she closed her eyes and continued her silent communication with her husband.

Inside the Missile Silo

Max was surrounded by his guards including Special Agent Davis. They were inside an elevator on its way down underground when something within his and Liz’s connection exploded all at once.

‘Liz, what’s going on? Are you okay?’ he questioned in a strangled ‘voice’ as he felt a wash of anxiety and panic cross through their connection.

‘My…my water broke’

‘Nonononono…this can’t be happening now’

‘Sorry dear, but I don’t think our daughter agrees with you’ she said sarcastically. ‘Owwwwww’

‘Son… of… a… biatch! What the hell was that?’ Max communicated after experiencing serious cramping in his abdomen area. It took everything within his power to not let it be known he was seriously hurting.

‘Hee hee hoo. Welcome. Hee hee hoo. To. Hee hee hoo. Childbirth. Hee hee hoo. Alien Style. Hee hee hoo.’

‘NOT AGAIN…Ooww!’ Again Max was feeling the oncoming contractions. He knew he wouldn’t be able to withstand this silent internal battle without his captors detecting his painful grimaces and moans that were sure to come.

He’d expected to be there when their daughter was born, but it never crossed his mind he’d have to go through the same painful experience as Liz. But here they were separated and at the most inopportune time and he wasn’t at his wife’s side and she was in a lot of pain. ‘Oh no!!’

‘What?’

‘If I’m experiencing what you’re going through, then whatever the Special Unit has up its sleeves for me will be transferred to you. No. No. No. No. No. I will not subject you to their torturous techniques. Tell them to get me the hell out of here now and we’ll come back for the Special Unit later. Oh no! Not another one!! These are too close for comfort.’

‘Hee hee hoo. Hee hee hoo. I’ll inform them. Hurry home love.’

“He’s looking really green,” one of the guards noted of Max, who had his eyes closed, holding back the screams he wanted to exhale from the intense cramping he was feeling. “Are you okay?”

“Just…remember…what…I…said. Get…out” Max muttered out in an exasperated voice.

“No talking to the prisoner,” Agent Davis scolded his men as the elevator doors opened and they escorted Max to a padded white cell. He sat in the corner on the floor and concentrated on soothing Liz as they continued to share the birth of their daughter. Max silently prayed to whatever entity was out there listening for his safe return, and that Liz wouldn’t have to endure whatever was coming his way. What was he thinking baiting the Special Unit into taking him?

Oliver’s Penthouse

Clark flew into the clock tower apartment and landed beside Chloe.

“Clark!” Chloe screeched reaching up and wrapping her arms around Clark, giving him a very passionate welcome back kiss.

“Uh-hum,” coughed Bart, “unless you’re willing to share,” he said raising his eyebrows in a suggestive gesture, “then I think we need to plan on how we’re going to take down this Special Unit group and get Max out of there.”

“Change of plans,” Jim’s materialized body said scaring the heck out of Michael. Luckily nobody got blasted when Jim materialized at his side.

“Where the hell did you come from? And what do you mean change of plans?” Michael exclaimed.

“Let’s just say my green gills have developed. What’s more important right now is Liz is in labor and Max wants ya’ll to get him out of there so he can be at her side. He said the Special Unit can wait until later to be dealt with.” Michael and Kyle gasped at the same time. “This isn’t good,” Michael stated the obvious.

“Well, I don’t think we should forego dealing with the Special Unit,” Oliver stated. “There are enough of us to deal with them. I suggest we go in and retrieve Max and get him back to Liz and then the rest of us can go in and take siege of the silo and hold Max’s captors until a time when Max can come back and deal with them.”

A grin crossed Michael’s face. What he could do to these people that had literally uprooted his life and family. “I’m in,” he stated to no one in particular.

“How many people are we dealing with Clark?”

“I only know of the four guards that were in the back of the van and the Special Agent in Charge. I wasn’t able to look below the surface because it’s lead-lined.”

“Okay, Clark you take Bart just in case there’s any kryptonite in your path. Incapacitate as many of the captors as you can and we’ll follow up in my jet and take care of the rest. Once you get Max out, you should fly him home to Liz while Bart hangs back and waits for us,” Oliver advised and the group agreed. “Clark, how do we get there?” Clark spent the next couple of moments drawing a map for the group and then he and Bart took off on foot.

Chloe drove Lois and Tess back to Smallville, while the rest boarded Oliver’s jet.

Roswell

Jim rematerialized in his body back at the sheriff’s department and noticed he was surrounded by the local deputies.

“Jim! Jim! Are you alright?” one of the deputies was shaking him.

“What happened?” Jim said waking up groggily, trying to play off his ‘absence’.

“I think you passed out,” Sheriff Hanson said. “I was about ready to call the paramedics.”

“I think I’m fine,” Jim stated.

“That may be, but I think you should take the rest of the day off. We’re not overly busy today.”

“I think I’ll take you up on that,” Jim said gathering his jacket and lunch pail. He left the building and made his way to the Crash Down.

Inside the Crash Down, Jeff was working in the back at the grill as his new hires worked out front. It wasn’t a very busy afternoon. Jim entered the café and took a seat at the counter and ordered a coffee and requested to speak to Jim or Nancy.

A Crash Down waitress named Rachel bounced back into the kitchen to retrieve Jeff and bounded back up front to refill the sugar containers. She was one of the liveliest teenagers Jim had seen in awhile, with a smile broadly crossing her face. She reminded him of Liz and Maria’s carefree attitudes, until the aliens overtook their small town. This thought just reminded him of his newly inherited gifts. Ugh…he was an alien hybrid. Guess it could be worse, he thought to himself as he took another sip of his coffee, not really noticing that he had added Tabasco sauce to it.

“So, what’s up Jim?” Jeff asked.

“It’s time. I’m supposed to take you to them.”

“Already?” Jeff said shocked, “It hasn’t even been a month.”

“I know, but it’s imperative we leave as quickly as possible.” Jeff shook his head in disbelief. “Give me time to take care of this place and get Nancy.”

“I’ll meet you at my place. I’ve got to go let the others know as well.”

Jeff nodded and went back into the kitchen to clean up his area and prepared to close the café for a family emergency. Jim left out the door he came in and made his way to the Evans’ house.

The waitress, Rachel was totally lost, because what she gathered from the conversation was so vague. She didn’t hear anything dealing with a family emergency or whatnot. Just that it was time and the Sheriff was going to have to pick up the others.

She had heard the stories that had been spread throughout her school about the Class of 2002, and how a group of aliens had been part of that particular graduating class. She thought it’d be really cool to meet a bona fide alien, and it was rumored that this was the place they hung out at, which was pretty comical, since the establishment’s motif was aliens.

She was finishing up with her last table when she was asked to take a couple of days off. So, she went into the back, took off her apron and antennas, placed them in her locker and left out the back. Then a thought crossed her mind, what if… what if the Parker’s were involved with aliens? What would it hurt for her to follow them and see where they went? So, she waited in her vehicle until she noticed Jeff and Nancy coming out the back loaded down with a couple of suitcases, as they got into their vehicle. She followed them discretely to the Sheriff’s place.

Jim drove into the Evans’ driveway and bounded up the driveway, but was surprised when Diane opened the door, her bags packed and ready to go. “Phil will meet us at your house. I packed for him. Wow, I can’t believe it’s time already.”

Jim helped her with her bags as she spoke nonstop. “Nancy called me right after Jeff told her. I hope I packed warm enough. How cold does it get in Kansas this time of year?”

“Nancy, calm down. You’re not the one having a baby. There are more serious things going on, as well as the baby’s arrival, but the important thing right now is to get ya’ll to Smallville.”

“Right, sorry. I’m just so excited.”

“I understand” Jim said pulling into his driveway. Jeff and Nancy were close behind them and Phil’s vehicle was already parked alongside the road. They all met Jim at the door as he opened and allowed them entry. “I’ve gotta get a few things too. We’ll be taking the portal,” He said nonchalantly. “I hope ya’ll are wearing comfortable shoes.” Both women went back to their vehicles where their luggage was waiting and retrieved their tennis shoes. It didn’t take long for Jim to pack and help transfer all the bags into Jim’s vehicle. They climbed in and made their way to the edge of Frazier Woods.

Rachel followed closely behind. This was getting very interesting.

Smallville

“How are you doing girlfriend?” Maria asked.

“About as well as can be expected,” Liz replied. Maria lifted up a glass of ice water so Liz could take a sip and then she wiped Liz’s brow with a cool cloth. She wasn’t sure if she was helping anything, but she just wanted to be there to comfort her best friend.

“Max is feeling everything that I am,” Liz said.

“No freakin way?” Maria responded. “All the contractions? Everything?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh my God, Michael would literally die. How is Max holding up?”

“So far he’s able to control his outer emotions, but I know he’s hurting internally. He’s afraid to scream out, so he’s got the worse part of this. Oh no, here comes another one.” Liz gripped the blankets in a tight fist as the contraction came and went.

Inside the Missile Silo

“Has he done anything?” Agent Davis asked one of his men as they looked at Max cowered in the corner of the white padded room with his eyes closed and his fists clenched.

“No Sir. He’s just been sitting in that corner the whole time. The only thing I’ve noticed is he seems to tense up every once in a while, but we haven’t touched him or communicated with him.”

“Very well,” Agent Davis said and depressed the intercom button.

“Hello, Max.”

Max cautiously opened his eyes and looked up.

“Ah, you’re awake. I have a few questions for you.”

“What exactly do you want to know that you or your predecessors haven’t already retrieved from me or those before me? You already know I’m not human. You know how to incapacitate us. What more do you need to know?”

“What is your home planet or galaxy?” All of a sudden another contraction ripped through both his and Liz’s bodies. He held up a finger, hoping the agent would wait, but that was wishful thinking.

“Sir, I already gave my report on what the prisoner said to us back in the van, including where he comes from and how he and his family aren’t here to take over the Earth. What’s with this line of questioning.” Stated Agent Davis’ second in command.

“Stand down. You don’t know what these things are really capable of. They’ve been raising havoc since they landed here back in ’47. Many people have died at their hands and now because you’ve talked to one of them you want to believe everything he tells you. He probably entered your mind and scrambled your brain.

“I don’t understand. The TAG was activated so how could he enter my mind, sir? You’re just looking for excuses to advocate what you’re doing. This is wrong, there’s no way around it.”

Agent Davis turned to the other guards in the room and addressed them. “I’m placing Agent Jones in custody. Take him to a detention cell.” They acknowledged his orders by pulling out their guns and directing Agent Jones to the door.

“What you’re doing is wrong” Agent Jones yelled as he was directed down the hall.

Once the door was closed, Agent Davis continued his interrogation. “So Max, are you going to tell me what the name of your home planet or galaxy is?”

Max continued to fight his internal battle.

“Fine. You don’t want to cooperate.” At this declaration Agent Davis depressed a button and a group of men in white hazardous material suits came charging through the door and picked up Max and secured him to a stainless steel table. Then one of the men jammed an IV needle in his arm and soon an inhibiting liquid began to flow through his body, totally relaxing him.

Max began to stutter out. “I was co..op…er…at…ing. I’m from the plan…et Annntar. In the…the…Whirl…Whirlwind…galaxy.” Then Max withdrew due to the effects of the drugs they gave him.

‘Liz, are you okay?’

Back in Smallville

“Can’t you give her anything for the pain?” Maria asked Mira.

“I’m afraid not,” Mira said and then she noticed Liz demeanor go from tense to sluggish. “Your Highness, are you alright?”

“Huh,” Liz said groggily.

“What did you do?” Maria asked.

“Nothing,” Mira said, checking over Liz.

“No, No, No. She didn’t do anything.” Liz waved her hand sluggishly. “It’s only Max,” and then she giggled. “They gave him some kind of drug.” She giggled again.

“Dang, we need to market this concoction the Special Unit has devised to incapacitate ya’ll. I wonder how it’d work on a human.”

Inside the Missile Silo

“Tom. Rob. You both know he’s crazy. You heard the alien for yourselves and you both bought into his story. He said to get out of here before his friends come after him. Don’t restrict me to a detention cell. Let’s just get out of here.” Agent Jones stated his case as his close coworkers led him down the hall to the detention cell. They were met up by Todd, the other agent that was in the back of the van. “What’s going on and why are you pointing your guns at Charlie? This wasn’t part of the plan?”

“It is now” Tom said holstering his gun, redirecting the group past the detention cells towards the elevator. “Agent Davis has clearly lost his mind and I for one am not sticking around to see the outcome. Everyone is on their own once we reach the surface.”

Charlie was just a bit confused, “When had the group planned this escape from the silo?” he thought as the elevator doors open.

Outside the Missile Silo

“I’m still the faster of the two of us,” Bart bragged.

“Yeah, but can you fly?” Clark said, a grin appearing across his face. He went up to the gate and took the lock in his hands and crushed it, allowing the pieces to fall to the ground and then opened the gate.

“Well, that’s a nifty trick, but how do you plan on getting us inside?”

Clark went up to the keypad and entered the password. “I overhead the entry code,” he said as the elevator door opened and they stepped inside. “Now, I don’t know where we go from here except down, so be alert.”

When the elevator doors open they were greeted by four members of the Special Unit. Tom and Rob raised their weapons and had them aimed at Clark and Bart.

“Whoa amigo,” Bart stated. “We come in peace.”

“We do?” Clark said. “I thought we came to get Max out of here?”

“Well, I’m not the one that’s bullet proof.”

“Um, excuse me, but what the hell are you doing here?” Tom asked, still aiming his gun at the unaffected duo in the elevator.

“Didn’t my friend already tell you our purpose? We’re here to spring Max and if you’d be so kind as to point us in the right direction that would be appreciated.”

“Are you two aliens too?” Rob asked, lowering his gun slightly.

“Are you kidding? Do I look like an alien?”

“I don’t know Bart, look at you in your spiffy costume. You could definitely pass as alien.”

“Um, I don’t mean to interrupt this bantering going on between you two, but I’d rather just get out of this hole in the ground,” Todd said.

“Where’s Max?” Clark asked.

“You all go up above,” Charlie said. “I’ll take these two to their friend. No need for the lot of us to get in trouble. Since I’m already looking at dismissal, I might as well go out big.” The three shook hands with Charlie and then switched places with Clark and Bart who were leery about the situation.

Once the doors closed and the three were on their way up to the surface, Clark turned on Charlie. “Why are you helping us? You weren’t so convinced in the van.”

“You heard us? How?” Charlie whispered to himself.

“Yes I heard you, but back to my question. Why are you helping us out now?” Clark asked again.

“Let’s talk on our way,” Charlie said leading the way down the hall. In a whisper he continued. “After listening to Max speak of all the atrocities he and his family have had to endure at the hands of this organization I decided this isn’t what I signed up for. I’m not a bad man. I have a wife and family and I don’t want any harm to come to them or myself due to my ties to this organization and if it means helping you out, then that’s what I plan on doing.” Then he held his fingers to his mouth in a sh-ing sign and crouched down. Clark and Bart followed suit.

“Your friend is through those doors, but they’re heavily guarded. I’ll have to access it so you can get by but we’ve got to wait until there isn’t anyone around.”

“We can’t wait all day. Think about Liz. We need to get Max out of there,” Bart said.

“I agree. Charlie how many people work down here?”

“Well, we work in shifts, but on any given shift there are between 20 to 30 people working down here.”

“No problemo. We can take them and leave the scraps for our back up,” Bart stated.

“Calm down Bart. Our goal is to get Max reunited with Liz. Plus, we’ve got to leave something for Michael to do down here; otherwise you’d have to answer to his wrath.”

“Point taken. So, what’s the plan?”

Outside the Granolith Cave

“Wow, that’s quite the trek,” Diane huffed out as they reached the cave.

“Yeah, it’s about a two mile hike up here,” Jim stated. He went around to the rock’s side and waved his hand over its surface until a silver handprint materialized. He then placed his hand in its center causing a door to slide open.

“How’d you do that? I thought only those of the alien persuasion could do that,” Phil asked as they entered the cave.

The door shut behind them and Jim turned on his flashlight and led them to the Granolith entrance. “As you know I was shot and healed by Max, well my transformation has taken place and I’ve joined the ranks of being a human-alien hybrid.” Jim lifted his hands to the wall, but nothing happened. He tried again, but again nothing happened. “I don’t know what’s going on; I’ve done this a few times now. The door should open.” Jim tried again with the same result. Suddenly the group felt an energy surge, the door slid open and there stood Isabel in the opening. “Isabel?”

“Valenti” Then she saw Jeff, Nancy and her parents. She strode passed Jim and embraced her parents. She then pulled away and asked, “What’s going on?”

“Liz is in labor and Max is in Metropolis.”

“What is my dimwit brother doing in Metropolis when his wife is back in Smallville having a baby? Come on, let’s get a move on,” she said ushering everyone into the Granolith. She then activated it while instructing them of what would happen and then they were on their way through the portal to the Kewatchee caves.

“That was…different,” Jeff said as they exited the caves. “I take it we’re in Smallville now.”

“Yeah, follow me and I’ll show you our new home,” Isabel said as they walked towards the Kent farm.

“So how was your trip?” Jim inquired.

“Fabulous! It was so nice to finally meet my biological mother and she was able to answer so many questions I had about myself and our existence. It was definitely a worthwhile experience. Nothing against what you and dad did for me here, because you all mean everything to me, but to finally have some answers fulfilled me as a person.”

“Oh honey, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get to know your biological family and I hope you and your biological mother form as close of a relationship as we have,” Diane said pulling her daughter in for an embrace. “By the way, I was wondering what is her name?”

“Ankaa.”

“Such as lovely name,” Nancy submitted.

“Well, this is the Kent farm, where Clark and his mom live. Our farm is just down the road.”

“How far are we talking? The women decided to bring everything but the kitchen sink,” asked Phil.

“I’ll phaze over to the farm and get Pete’s car.” Before anyone could question him, Jim disappeared.

Back at the Missile Silo

“Go,” Bart said as Clark ran to the entrance and conked the two guard’s heads against each other and removed their slumped bodies to a supply closet. Afterwards, Charlie entered the scene and opened the doors as Bart and Clark flashed through, all this done to the amazement of Charlie. He was glad he chose the right side. He disappeared into a vacant room as Clark and Bart went to rescue Max.

They both sped to the room Charlie mapped out and Clark immobilized a couple more guards as Bart zipped in and took the cameras offline. He went over to Max who was strapped to the stainless steel table and released the straps. Clark joined them and soon the both of them had Max.

“Man, I never thought you’d get here?” Max said through gritted teeth. “Oh, not another one,” he stated grabbing his stomach.

“What’s wrong?” What did they do to you?” Clark asked, all the while x-raying his body to see if he could see the cause of his pain.

“Nothing, it’s just another contraction. The injection they gave me must be wearing off because I’m able to feel them again. This connection thing Liz and I have has gone to a whole new level. I’ll probably be the first guy to have to go through the birthing process. There’s one for the medical books. Awwww!!!”

“Let’s get him out of here,” Bart said. Bart and Clark took a side of Max and moved him through the corridors. Of course when the cameras went offline, this alerted Agent Davis so time was crucial. Charlie saw the trio coming down the hall. He left the vacant room and opened up the door just in time for them to move through the doors. They then quickly navigated to the elevator doors just to meet a half dozen men guarding their escape route.

“Clark, this is your party now. How about you immobilize these guys so we can get out of here. Remember to leave some fun for the others.” Clark left Max’s side as Charlie took his place.

Clark walked towards the guards, who raised their weapons, prepared to shoot him if the order was given. “You’re not going anywhere with our prisoner,” Agent Davis stated. Then he got a closer look at Clark and said. “You’re one of them too, aren’t you? Well, there’s nothing you can do. We’ve got a TAG activated and you’re thoroughly surrounded. The only way out is through us, so I suggest you surrender.”

“Well, I do believe you’ve got it wrong. I may be, as you put it, one of them, just not from the same planet, so your little TAG device doesn’t work on me. So I think we’ll be taking our leave now.” And then in a micro second everyone was knocked unconscious.

“Whoa,” Charlie said as he helped Bart carry Max into the elevator Clark had opened. Clark depressed the up button and they rode the elevator up. When the doors opened the rest of the group was there to meet them.

“Who are your friends?” Charlie asked.

“Remember when Max said he had essentially an arsenal of friends that had his back, well meet the arsenal. Good thing you decided to get out when you did,” Clark stated, and then he turned towards Oliver. “I’m going to fly Max home. Good luck here.” He picked up Max and took to the skies as Charlie’s jaw dropped.

By the time they reached Smallville Max was almost fully coherent and felt the contractions getting closer and closer. He stumbled into the house and went back to their bedroom. There he found Liz lying on the bed on her side using the breathing technique she learned on the Internet while she was searching for information on pregnancies.

“How is she?” he said going to her side.

“Max, thank God you’re back. I don’t think it’ll be much longer before your daughter enters the world,” Maria stated as she rubbed Liz’s back. “You could definitely tell when she came off that high they gave you. She was handling things well, now it’s just crazy.”

“Liz, I’m here darling”

“I know,” she said as another contraction ripped through the couple’s bodies.

Mira took a peek and notice Liz was almost fully dilated. “I believe it’s time. Was Jesse able to sterilize those items I asked him for?”

“Yes, they’re right here,” Maria said unrolling a clean white towel with a pair of scissors, a razor blade, salad tongs and a couple of sharp knives. There was also a stack of towels, a bowl, as well as a warm blanket for the baby when she came out.

Max looked over at the utensils and if the alien hybrids could turn green, Max was there. “What’re you going to use those for? Never mind, I don’t even want to know. Oh my, not another one and this one is…owwww.”

“Maxwell, the Mighty King, Evans you better be here or there will be Hell to pay.” Isabel entered the house screaming out her warning. “I’m sure I could give you nightmares that would keep you up all day and night, trust me.” And then she was at the couple’s door.

“Oh, you’re sooo lucky little brother. How are you Liz?”

“Welcome home Izzy, glad to see you too,” Max said as Isabel took a wet cloth and wiped Liz’s brow.

“Both of your parents are out in the living room. They came to welcome the little one into the world.”

“My mom is here?” Liz questioned through staggered breaths.

“Yes, would you like me to go and get her?”

“Yes!”

Isabel left as Nancy entered the room, taking up Isabel’s spot. “Oh Liz, how are you doing?”

“Been better Mom”

“It’s time. The baby’s head is cresting. Liz, it’s time to push,” Mira said.

Another fifteen minutes went by, which seemed like a lifetime to both Liz and Max, their daughter was born.

Max cut the umbilical cord and took his daughter over to the basin. He cleaned her up and wrapped her in a warm pink blanket before laying her in his wife’s hands.

“She should really have a name. Don’t you think?”

Max nodded and slid in beside her in their bed and reached for their bundle of joy’s tiny hand. When their fingers touched a bright blue light shone in the room and the same curious symbol they had seen in Dione was shining on the ceiling and then it was gone. “Well that was interesting little one,” Max stated and then he looked at his wife. “Well, did you have any thoughts for a name?”

“Well, since Alex’s death, I’ve wanted to name my child after him.”

“Then we will. How about Alexandria? And since you and your grandmother were really close, how about using Claudia for her middle name?” Max suggested.

“Welcome to our worlds, Alexandria Claudia Evans.”