Pod Squad-Kryptonian (SV,XO,CC,Mature) Ch66, 9/22/09 [WIP]

[sdcheesehead]

The Pod Squad – Kryptonian Adventure
sdcheesehead aka Karin

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Roswell, Smallville or DC Comics. The characters of “Roswell” belong to Jason Katims, Melinda Metz, WB, and UPN. The characters of “Smallville” are based on the WB TV Series based on the DC Comics Character "Superman" created by Jerry Seigel and Joe Shuster. Smallville and its characters are copyright of Warner Bros. & DC Comics. They are not mine and no infringements of these rights are intended.
Category: Crossover/Roswell. Smallville
Couples: Clark/Chloe, Liz/Max, Michael/Maria, Isabel/Jesse, Kyle/Lois, Ava/Pete
Rating: Mature
Summary: This starts in Season 5 of Smallville, after the “Oracle” episode. It also starts 3 months after The Pod Squad graduated and left Roswell. Liz has a vision that Max’s son Zan is in trouble, so the group is on their way to Metropolis, to rescue Zan, where they, by chance, meet up with Clark. Their adventure starts here, and both sets of aliens learn that their destinies intertwine with each other. It’s going to take the combine efforts of the Pod Squad and Clark to combat the evil doings of Zod & Khivar.
A/N: I would like to thank Lauren for all her help & advice in the editing department since the beginning, as well as Adele and Jennifer, who helped along the way. Thanks!!

The Pod Squad -Kryptonian Adventure

Prologue

Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, Isabel & Kyle are traveling east on I-70 in Colorado, about 10 miles from the Kansas state border.

It’s been three months since we’ve left our homes behind in Roswell. Max and I were married in a quiet little church in the mountains. The ceremony was really sweet; I just wish I could’ve shared it with my family. We haven’t had any contact with anyone back in Roswell since we left for fear that the Special Unit has them under surveillance except for my journal, which I sent by Fed Ex to my father. My journal explains everything that has happened to me, since I was shot three years ago at the CrashDown. Max saved me that day, by laying his hand on my wound and healing me. After that fateful day, I learned that there was more truth to the 1947 Roswell crash than I originally believed.

Max, Isabel, Michael & Tess survived that crash, and were transported to what we refer to as the pod chamber. Here, they laid in incubation until they hatched, yes hatched around 1990. When they hatched they looked like they were 5 or 6 years old. They would later be known as the Royal Four, and are half-breeds, part human part alien (from Antar). Max is considered the rightful King of Antar. Isabel is his sister and considered a Princess on Antar. Michael is Max’s second in command. He was bonded to Isabel on Antar, but that’ll never happen in this world. Tess was the bride to Zan (Max) on Antar, but after she tricked Max into consummating their relationship where she became pregnant and then killed Alex, our best friend, she high-tailed it to Antar in the Granolith. Max has realized that whatever destiny was written in that alien book wasn’t going to happen here on Earth. When Tess returned to Earth with the baby whom she named Zan, running from the military she sacrificed herself to save her son and the rest of the group. This sacrifice left the remaining Royal Four wondering if they’ll be able to pull their remaining powers together to eventually defeat Khivar when the time comes. Tess mentioned to Max that the reason she had to come back to Earth was because Antar had rejected Zan because he was human. Because of this development and Tess’ death Max gave his son up for adoption so he could live a normal life without the alien chaos we live with everyday.

During the last three years we have been running from the FBI’s Special Unit, the Skins (another alien race) and Khivar (the present ruler of Antar). All of this is documented in my journal and I asked my father to read it and pass it on to my mother and Amy (Maria’s mom) and then after they were all aware of the truth they were suppose to go out to the area where the pod chamber was and burn the book. We told them that we loved them and that everything would be all right, but will it ever be? My powers have also been developing more and more each day. I’m able to do most of the same things as the others except I’ve been given the ability to see the future, which is very weird but it has saved us many times on our little road trip. Well, I might as well try to keep Max up. He’s been driving most of the night, and everyone else is sleeping in the back of the van.

“So, how are you doing? Are you tired yet?”

“Not too bad,” Max said “I think we’re going to have to stop for gas soon” sticking his hand outside the van and touching the side of the van “and a color change wouldn’t hurt either” he said changing the color of the van from white to royal blue. Sliding up beside him, Liz reached down and laid her hand on his thigh and rested her head on his shoulder, “So, where are we off to now?”

“I’m thinking we should head cross country since the Special Unit has tracked us to this area of the country maybe we can work our way towards Boston and look up Jesse for Isabel’s sake, she’s been looking really miserable.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Liz said tiredly, as she drifted off to sleep.

Metropolis – In a small rural housing development.

Brett was sleeping in his bed surrounded by his adoptive parents Bob and Brenda Chambers. They were the perfect couple to ever ask for an adoptive baby. They were unable to have children and when they got the call in the middle of the night three months ago saying there was an infant ready to adopt they jumped at the opportunity. Now, standing there above their son’s bed they were beginning to have doubts. Brett should look like a typical six-month-old baby but the child sleeping in his bed could’ve easily passed as a six year old. Since he was also very intelligent, already able to read and surpass most first graders, Bob and Brenda decided to take him to Summerholt Institute and have him tested. Summerholt Institute was a research facility they had heard dealt with abnormal situations, like Brett’s condition. Their appointment was today and they really didn’t know what to expect. Summerholt was located on the outskirts of Metropolis and the Chambers were hoping they would come away with some answers to their child’s increased growth and intelligence.

Smallville – Kent Farm

Clark had been up since three a.m. doing chores on the farm. He found it so much easier to do them in the dark, away from prying eyes. This particular morning he was thinking about what he was going to do with his life. Just recently, he had learned that a Kryptonian villain named Zod was coming after him. Clark was wondering what that held for him because since his Earth bound father’s death, Clark had taken on the duties of keeping the farm going, in doing so putting his college life on hold and now having the added pressures of worrying about Zod. His mother was also stepping up and doing what she thought she had to do to keep the family going. She’d recently took over the Senate seat that her late husband Jonathon had just been elected to, before his untimely death, so she was rarely around but today she was home.

Clark walked into the Kent’s kitchen to the smell of pancakes and sausage. Martha had always had meals on the table for her men and today was no exception. Clark walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed the milk carton, drinking directly from it.

“Clark Kent, how many times must I remind you to use a glass. I thought I raised you better than that” Mrs. Kent said smiling at Clark, “where did you learn your manners?”

Clark’s response was always the same for this daily routine “On a farm mom, on a farm” grabbing the glass.

“So, are you off to some kind of Senate engagement today?” he said pouring his self a glass of milk.

“Yes, I have a meeting at the Summerholt Institute about some of their recent discoveries. They’re looking for more funding from the state, so I guess they think they can wine and dine me but I’ll never forget what they did to you and Ryan. They’ve got to be pretty convincing for me to even consider dropping any funding into their organization but I guess this is part of my job,” Martha informed Clark.

Summerholt Institute had held both Clark and Ryan, a child that had special abilities too, against their will. The Institute ran unconventional test on both of them and almost killed each of them, in separate incidents. Ryan was able to read people’s minds, all except Clark’s. His father used him and his abilities to commit crimes, such as robberies. Ryan ran away and ended up on the Kent’s doorstep, after Martha hit him with a car. Ryan eventually learned of Clark’s secret and even saw his spacecraft. Eventually, social services found an aunt of his who he went to live with, but things didn’t work out well there and his aunt was convinced by Summerholt to turn over responsibility of Ryan to them. They ran tests on him again and discovered a tumor on his brain. He ended up calling Clark for help, who broke him out of Summerholt. Unfortunately, the tumor was deadly and Ryan passed away.

“Do you want me to go with you because I really don’t trust that place?” Clark offered.

“Well, Lionel said he would pick me up and take me there so I don’t think you need to come but keep your cell phone handy just in case. I don’t trust that place either.”

“Charged and ready, call me if you need me and I’ll be there in a flash” Clark grinned.

Lionel Luthor had known about Clark’s secret since he had touched the black ‘transference’ stone, where he was downloaded with all the knowledge of Krypton, including Clark’s true identity as Kal-El. This was about the same time that the second meteor shower hit Smallville. He had kept it a secret from everyone for over a year including Clark, but on the day of the Senate Election he decided to tell Jonathon about what he knew. Jonathon didn’t trust Lionel Luthor and from a heated fight in the barn that night Jonathon suffered a heart attack, taking his life and ultimately making it Lionel’s fault for provoking this in the first place. Recently, the Kent’s have learned of Lionel’s knowledge and how Jor-El, Clark’s biological father, had been using Lionel’s body as a vessel to communicate with Clark. They were also informed of his part in the death of Jonathon Kent. Clark still doesn’t trust Lionel, completely, but what choice does he have? From what he’s learned General Zod is coming.

Zod was a Kryptonian General who was banished to the Phantom Zone by Jor-El for crimes that eventually resulted in the destruction of Krypton. The Phantom Zone is a floating black square, which is used as an intergalactic prison where its inmates are held captive to travel through space for eternity. So he has bigger fish to worry about than Lionel Luthor.

[sdcheesehead]

Chapter 1: Summerholt Institute

Liz was walking into a tall multi-storied glass building, with a black marble slab in front of it with “Summerholt Institute” inscribed in it. She was wearing a white lab coat, as if she worked there, going about her normal routine. She notices an apprehensive couple at the front counter holding the hand of a young man, couldn’t be much older than six years old. This boy looked so familiar to her, with his dark hair and his soulful dark eyes, but she brushes it off and continues to go through the double doors into her lab. Realizing that she was dreaming, Liz takes this opportunity to look at what her life might be like if she had been accepted at Harvard and pursued her dream to become a molecular biologist. Than her dream shifts into the future and she sees this same little boy strapped to a table with all these needles and tubes attached to his body. In the background, she sees the young man’s x-ray and a blown up picture of his blood cells. The blood cells look just like Max’s. Then all of a sudden, the young man can’t take any more poking and prodding; he sits up and uncontrollably sends out white energy blasts from his hands destroying the lab.

Liz, with her head on her husband’s shoulder, shoots straight up out of her slumber and shouts a single word “Zan”.

Summerholt Institute

“Mom, why are you taking me to this place, I’m not sick, am I?” Brett questioned his mother.

“No honey, you’re a very special intelligent young man and these doctors would like to talk with you to see how smart our young man really is?” Brenda comforted her son. There was also an exchanged glance between herself and her husband, which clearly stated, “Are we doing the right thing?”

They entered the Institute and registered at the front counter and then sat in the waiting room filling out the mounds of paperwork the receptionist gave them.

Lionel had Senator Kent picked up by helicopter from the Kent farm, transporting her to his Metropolis building where he had a limo waiting for them. When they arrived at the Institute, Lionel escorted Senator Kent through the double doors where Dr. Madison was waiting for them.

“Senator Martha Kent, it’s an honor to meet you. My name is Dr. Lisa Madison and I’ll be your tour guide for the day.” Lisa offered her hand to Martha with a big smile on her face. “Will Mr. Luthor be accompanying us today and if so I will need to get the appropriate security clearance for him?” she asked nervously.

“Yes he will, is there a problem?”

“Oh no, I just need to get him checked in. Can I get you anything while you’re waiting?” she asked, while escorting them towards the waiting room.

“No thank you, we’re fine,” Martha said as she and Lionel worked their way over to the waiting room.

In the waiting room, Martha noticed a young boy playing with some blocks in the corner. She couldn’t help herself; she’d always had a heart for kids since she was unable to have children of her own. Luckily, Clark literally dropped into their laps during the first meteor shower and they were able to raise him as their son. Martha stood up and walked over to the young man.

“Hi, my name’s Martha, what’s yours?”

With an approval nod from his parents he said “Brett”

“Do you enjoy playing with blocks” Martha was smiling and then help Brett build a little house

“It’s okay,” he said.

“How old are you?” At this point, Bob spoke up and said “6”, he wasn’t lying he was after all six months old. Martha went over and introduced herself to the Chambers.

“So, what’s a bright young man like Brett doing here?” Martha questioned. Lionel was sitting in the background, looking through some of the science journals, all the while keeping his ears tuned to the conversation.

“Well, you hit the nail on the head. Brett is a very bright boy and we wanted to have his intelligence tested to see what kind of program to start him in at school” Brenda lied. How could she tell a total stranger that her six-month-old baby was growing too rapidly and was too intelligent?

A nurse came out of the back office, “Brett, are you ready to come back?” All three of the Chambers rose to go back, but the nurse stopped Bob and Brenda. “We just want to talk to Brett alone, you understand, don’t you?”

No, they didn’t understand, but they were so new to this that they both just nodded in agreement. They each gave Brett a hug and a kiss and told him everything would be okay and sent him back with the nurse.

Martha was sitting back with a worried look on her face; this was Ryan all over again and she had a bad feeling about it.

Just as Martha was going to continue her conversation with the Chambers, Dr. Madison was standing before her.

“Well, Senator Kent, Mr. Luthor are you two ready to go?” handing them each a visitor pass.

Turning towards the Chambers, Martha Kent said “It was very nice to meet each of you and I hope you’re able to find out what you need, regarding Brett. If you ever need anything please feel free to call my office.” She handed them each her business card.

“Thank you very much, Senator Kent” Bob said.

“You can call me Martha and I hope you two have a nice day” and with that she turned and followed Dr. Madison and Lionel through the double doors.

Back on the Road- Somewhere in Colorado

Max abruptly hit the breaks, bringing everyone out of their slumber.

“Whoa, what the heck” Michael & Kyle exclaimed simultaneously.

“What happen Liz? Did you have a flash? Are you okay? What’s this about Zan?” Max started firing away questions at Liz.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, what’s going on?” Maria piped up, lifting her head off of Michael’s lap.

“Yeah, I was having a great dream at Hugh Hefner’s place” commented Kyle, which gave him a deserved disgusted look from Isabel.

“Calm down everyone” Max insisted and turned his attention back towards Liz, who seemed to still be in shock. “Liz, you did have flash didn’t you?”

Liz nodded; “It’s your son, Zan, he’s in danger” started Liz. “He’s being held at the Summerholt Institute against his will and he’s a half breed like you.”

“How do you know this? Tess said that Zan was rejected by the citizens of Antar because of his human status?” Max commented, clearly confused.

“Well, it wouldn’t be the first time Tess lied to us” Michael mentioned.

“Can you give us more details from your vision?” Max continued.

“Well, like I said he’s being held at the Summerholt Institute, wherever that is. He was strapped to a table with x-rays and blood work displayed behind him, which clearly showed the green alien cells. The last thing I remember was Zan sitting up and projecting white energy blasts from his hand. Oh, and it looks like he’s aging faster than humans. He looks like he is about five or six years old.” Everyone in the van sat back, absorbing this new information. Finally, Max spoke up.

“We need to find out where this Summerholt Institute is located. We’re coming upon a town called Burlington. Isabel and Kyle, I’m going to find a library and I want you two to go inside and use their computers to look up the location and everything you can on the Summerholt Institute. I’ll be back to pick you up after we go and get some gas” Max directed.

“Michael, I need you to convert some more ones into fives and twenties so we can fill up on gas and also change our license plates to Kansas.” He continued.

“After we pick up Isabel and Kyle, we’ll have to sit down to eat and go over our options and set forth a plan to save Zan.” Everyone was in agreement; it was like giving the group a purpose in life instead of just running from the Special Unit and in the process they would be able to reunite Max with his son.

Max turned to Liz and asked tenderly, “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine; I just want to help out your son. He doesn’t know what’s happening to him and he’s scared.”

Back at the Summerholt Institute

Brett had been escorted to a small doctor’s office. The nurse took all of his vitals, such as his weight, temperature and blood pressure. Everything checked out to be perfectly normal. She had Brett change into a hospital gown, so they could continue with the routine steps of blood work and x-rays.

Dr. Whitmore was the doctor placed in charge of Brett’s case. He had just returned from visiting with this remarkable young man. He could hardly believe he was only six months old and they hadn’t even begun to subject him to their intelligence test. He had just looked at his x-rays and everything seemed perfectly normal for a young man, who was approximately six years old, but this wasn’t the case. Then there was a knock on his door.

“Dr. Whitmore,” the lab technician said.

“Yes, please come in,” instructed the doctor.

“Dr. Higgins would like a word with you back in the lab about the Chambers boy” stated the lab tech.

“Very well, I’m on my way” Dr. Whitmore said. Standing up, he followed the lab tech back to the lab. Once they were in the lab, the technician went back to work and Dr. Whitmore knocked on Dr. Higgins door.

“Jim, you wanted to see me?”

“Yes Chris, we’re running the blood work on the Chambers boy and there’s no way we can tell anything from the blood that we drew” he stated with such a blank look on his face.

“What do you mean?” Whitmore asked with a confused look on his face.

“Well, take a look for yourself,” Higgins directed him to the microscope, which was already prepped with Brett’s blood sample. Dr. Whitmore walked over to the microscope and looked through the eyepiece. He stood there motionless for about a minute before he looked up at Higgins and asked, “How can this be? It’s green and it isn’t even human.”

“Do you think the boy was exposed to the second meteor shower which hit Smallville last May? Maybe it could be meteor rock contamination.” Dr. Higgins questioned.

“Well, first of all, the boy in question wasn’t even born at the time of the last meteor shower. But maybe his mother was exposed during her pregnancy, which may explain the reason it’s green, but the sample isn’t even human,” remarked Dr. Whitmore.

“Wait a minute, the boy this was taken from was about six years old, did we get our samples from the wrong subject?” questioned Higgins.

“No, that’s one of the reasons his parents brought him in, excessive growth and intelligence. The patient is only six months old. Also, I’m not sure who his biological parents are because the Chambers adopted him three months ago in a closed adoption,” stated Dr. Whitmore.

“I think you need to quarantine the boy until you are able to locate his biological parents” suggested Dr. Higgins.

“I think your right, I’m going to move him into a permanent room and send his parents home until we are able to determine what’s going on with this boy. I also need to contact the FBI; maybe they can help me locate the biological parents of this child.” Dr. Whitmore agreed. “Well, I’ve got some bad news to give to some people. I hope your day goes better than mine, see you around” and with that Dr. Whitmore left the lab.

First, Dr. Whitmore stopped by the nurse’s station and instructed them to take Brett to his new accommodations. He also instructed them on some follow-up test he wanted to run on the young boy. Then he worked his way to the waiting room.

“Mr. and Mrs. Chambers, may I have a word with you” asked Dr. Whitmore of the Chambers.

After sitting in the waiting room for almost three hours with no word of what was going on with their son, the Chambers were already pretty upset. They both got out of their seats and walked in the direction of the doctor and follow him to a small conference room.

After everyone was seated, Dr. Whitmore started talking.

“We have run some routine lab work on your son in which everything turned out normal, except for his blood work. We’re afraid that Brett was exposed, possibly in his mother’s womb, to the second meteor shower that hit Smallville last May, which may have given him a rare case of meteor rock contamination. Until we are able to locate his biological parents, in particular his mother, we are forced to quarantine your son from any contact with the outside world” Dr. Whitmore broke the news to the worrisome parents.

“Are you telling us, we can’t see our son?” exclaimed Bob Chambers.

“Yes, he is being set up under quarantine conditions as we speak and until we are able to locate his biological parents, there will be no contact from the outside world.” Dr. Whitmore stated again.

“That’s not acceptable,” stated Bob, “I demand you give us the chance to see him, before you just usher us out of your facility. That’s our son in there and if anyone has been exposed, it’s been us since we’ve been caring for him since his adoption.”

“I’m afraid that is our policy here at the Summerholt Institute and it’s clearly stated in the paperwork, which you signed upon his admission. It says,” reading from the document, “ …if it is determined that the subject needs to be quarantine than the subject will be directed to a closed and secured part of the facility until the situation is determined to be safe and the subject no longer requires to be under quarantine conditions.”

“We will even take the extra precautions needed to able to see him,” pleaded Brenda.

“I’m very sorry Mrs. Chambers, but that is our policy. I promise to keep you both inform of our process, but I’m afraid I’m not allowed to let you in to see him.” Dr. Whitmore stood up and ushered them to the door.

Bob looked dumbfounded and Brenda just burst into tears. What were they to do? Reluctantly they stood up to leave with tears in their eyes and a broken heart. Why did they even bring Brett here in the first place?

Meanwhile, Brett was being directed into another room where they wanted to run another test. The nurse told him they were going to strap him down to a table, so he didn’t move during the test and then slide him into this tube where he would hear a bunch of clicking noises. The nurse promised that this wouldn’t hurt, but Brett wasn’t convinced. He had already giving them a pint of blood, he thought, and they had taken x-rays and stuck him with so many needles that he had reached his boiling point. As they were strapping him to the table, Brett instinctively sat up and held out his palm. At that instance a flash of a bright white light emerged from his hand and hit the opposite wall creating a giant hole. Without thinking, Brett jumped down from the table, ripping out all of the tubes and keeping his hand in front of him, blasting whatever got in his way, for he was going to get out of this place.

Martha Kent was still on her tour, when she heard all the commotion. She moved away to a side cubicle, grabbed her cell phone and dialed Clark’s number. “Clark, I need you here, now!!” exclaimed Martha. No sooner than she spoke these words, Clark was standing at her side. “So, what’s up?” he said. Surprised, she turned around and looked up at her son, hanging up her cell phone, “I will never get used to that”, she exclaimed. “I don’t know, but it sounds like a huge explosion just went off,” just then a few more explosions could be heard going off. Clark sped off to investigate the situation.

As Bob & Brenda were leaving the Summerholt Institute, crying and clutching each other for comfort, they each heard a thundering explosion. They each turned to face the wall behind them by the receptionist desk and the double doors, where they had last seen their son before the Institute took him away from them. When all of sudden, the wall exploded outwards, catching them in the blast, burying each of them beneath the debris. They were both knocked unconscious.

When Clark entered the hallway of the last explosion, he was shocked when he came face to face with a six-year-old boy. Could he be the one that was causing all of this destruction, Clark wondered, but his question was soon answered when the boy aimed his hand at him.

“Whoa kid, what’s going on? Clark asked.

“I’m getting out of here. I don’t want to be here and there’s nothing anyone can do about it!” the boy stated flatly.

“I have no problems with that, do you need any help?” Clark suggested.

Brett looked up at Clark, seeing the urgent need to get out this place. Clark’s expression was one of extreme fear and uneasiness of their current situation, but since this guy was offering to help him, Brett took him up on his offer. He figure once he found his parents, they could put this place behind them and go home.

“Sure, what’s your plan?” asked Brett.

“Come with me, by the way, my name’s Clark and you are?”

“Brett”

“Okay Brett, let’s get you out of here.” Clark took Brett’s hand and led him through the hole in the wall that he had just blasted open, which allowed them to enter the waiting room.

At that moment, Brett broke free from Clark and ran to his parent’s aide. They were buried beneath some of the debris from the blasted out wall and were suffering from many cuts and bruises. Clark joined Brett and after glancing around he lifted the wall debris off of the Chambers.

“How are you able to do that?” Brett questioned Clark, with the look of shock on his face.

“Well, you’re not the only one around here that has “special” talents,” Clark said. He continued moving the Chambers to a safer location, when Martha and Lionel came rushing through the damaged doors. They looked like they were a little shaken by their experience. Clark went over to his mother’s side to see how she was doing, when she noticed Brett.

“Oh my god, are you all right?” she ran towards Brett.

“I’m fine, but my parent’s aren’t doing so well,” Brett said as he used his torn gown to wipe the blood from his mother’s head.

Martha called Clark over and with a knowing looked asked “Can you “see” how hurt they are”?

Scanning them both with his x-ray vision, he noticed that Bob had a couple of broken ribs and was probably suffering from some internal bleeding. Brenda had a broken leg and probably a concussion. “They are both suffering from some broken bones, and he looks like he’s got some internal bleeding,” Clark responded. “They both need to be seen by a doctor”.

Again, Brett looked quizzically at Clark and asked, “How do you know that”? Clark just smiled and said simply “Just another one of my “gifts”.

“Where will I go? And don’t tell me back in there,” Brett pointed to the blasted out wall, “Because I’m not going back in there” Brett firmly stated.

Lionel, who was sitting back observing what was transpiring spoke up, “Why doesn’t Clark take the boy back to the farm and we can take care of his parents. I can have an ambulance here in a matter of minutes and have them seen by the best doctors that Metropolis has to offer?” Since nobody spoke up he continued, “The Senator and myself can follow the ambulance to the hospital and once we are aware of their condition we can call Clark & Brett and tell them. As soon as they are able to leave the hospital, we can reunite your family back on the Kent’s farm.”

“How does that sound to you Brett?” Martha asked the young boy.

“I guess it’s better than staying here, but where do you live?” questioned Brett.

“We live in Smallville, which isn’t too far from here,” Clark said. Giving his mother another knowing look and nodding at Lionel, Clark scooped up the boy and sped off to the Kent’s farm. He figured there would be some explaining to do, but after seeing the young boy blast apart a concrete wall, there was a little explaining Brett would be doing too. When Clark arrived safely at home, he phoned his mother to let her know they made it safely. She told Clark the ambulance had just arrived and to keep the boy occupied until she got home.

[sdcheesehead]

dreamerfrvep3 - Thanks so much for the feedback. The Pod Squad, well at least Max, will be meeting up with Clark in the next chapter. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well.

A/N: I would like to thank Lauren, for all her help & advice in the editing department, Again, I look forward to hearing what you think. Clark & Max will be meeting in the next chapter, so there's something to look forward too.


Chapter 2 – Escape from Summerholt

Burlington, Colorado

Max was cruising up and down the streets of Burlington, trying to locate the public library. Finally, they came upon a blue road marker, pointing them in the right direction. Max dropped Kyle and Isabel off, and drove off to find the gas station, which they passed on the main road. Michael was busy in the back, transforming ones into fives and twenties. When they reached the convenience store, Max filled the tank up with gas, as Michael changed the license tags from Colorado plates to Kansas, since the border was just 15 miles away. Finally, they were back on the road, on their way back to the library, to pick up Kyle and Isabel.

Inside the Burlington Public Library

“Kyle, lets go over here, it looks like they have a computer lab, which is available to the public”, Isabel motioned to a room, which had 10 computer stations.

When they entered the computer lab, they took the farthest station from viewing eyes, and proceeded to look up the Summerholt Institute. To their amazement, they were closer to the Institute than they thought. According to the Summerholt web page, it was located in Metropolis, which was only an hour and a half from their location. The Summerholt Institute was known for their research work in the neurological area. It didn’t look like they took on patients though; it was more like a scientific lab instead. This wouldn’t make Max comfortable. The last thing he would want to do is subject anyone to another “White Room” situation, especially his son. After printing off as much information as they could, Isabel placed her hand on the computer, and after a brief glow from the palm of her hand she wiped the computer clean. Then they left the library, to meet up with Max and the others.

Max pulled up to the library, just as Isabel & Kyle were leaving the building. They both jumped into the van, and Max drove down the road a little bit, and pulled into an abandon parking lot and parked the van in the corner of the lot, that had a little bit of shade. Turning around, he addressed Isabel & Kyle.

“So, what did you find out”?

“Well, it looks like Summerholt is located in Metropolis, and if we leave now, we could be there in an hour and a half” Isabel informed the group.

“Oh, there’s another thing Max”, Kyle cautiously said, “Summerholt is known for their research in neurology, and they aren’t a hospital, which takes on patients, so if Zan is there, he’s probably being held against his will.”

“Well, I guess we need to get moving” Max said, excited to get on the road.

“Before we continue on our little adventure, I believe we need to stop and get something to eat, we haven’t had anything since last night and I need to recharge my body” Michael mentioned, stomach growling, “we should pick up some Tabasco sauce too.”

“Okay, I’ll pull into a fast food restaurant, and everyone has 10 minutes to get what they want, and then we’re off to Metropolis,” stated Max.


Outside the Summerholt Institute

Lionel and Martha have just emerged from the damaged building. The ambulance has just left with Mr. & Mrs. Chambers, en route to Metropolis General Hospital.

“What do you think happened Martha?” Lionel questioned her.

“You know that young man, Brett?” Lionel nodded, “Well, it looks like he wasn’t very pleased with the service he was getting”, Martha stated.

“Oh, so who is Brett, and why is Summerholt so interested in him anyways?” Lionel asked.

“I’m not sure, do you think you could find anything out about him or his family? I’m sure his parents will be worried sick about him, once they wake up” Martha said with a worried expression on her face.

Lionel agreed. “Martha, I’ll take you back to my office, and you can use my helicopter to get back to Smallville quicker, so you can be close to Brett and I’ll have my men search for some information on the boy’s family”, Lionel offered, “After I drop you off, I’ll go to the hospital and wait for his parents to wake up, so I can explain what is going on with Brett, and we can regroup later.”

“That would be great, thanks.” Martha accepted.

“Anything for you Senator Kent” Lionel smiled, “So, did you catch the boy last name or his parent’s name?”

“The only thing I now is the boy’s name is Brett, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a last name and I didn’t catch his parent’s name either”

“That’s alright, I’m sure I’ll be able to get the information you requested, I am after all, Lionel Luther, and I do have my resources” Lionel smiled again at Martha.

They both got into Lionel’s limo, and rode off to Lionel’s Metropolis office.


Kent farm, in the Barn Loft

Brett and Clark were up in the Barn Loft. Clark was standing by his telescope, which was pointing off towards the cosmos, while Brett sat on the overstuffed couch with a blank look on his face. Neither had said anything to each other, since Clark had brought them back to the farm.

“So, Brett… how are you feeling?” Clark asked, concern in his eyes.

“I miss my parents. When the nurse took me back to run those test on me, they wouldn’t let my parents come back with me, and then they started sticking me with all these needles…” Brett was on the verge of crying, “they wouldn’t stop, and then they told me I couldn’t see my parent’s because of some stupid test results. Why did I have to stay with them, why couldn’t I just go home with my parents?” Not able to take it anymore, Brett broke down and cried. Clark moved in, and held him in a brotherly hug, trying to console the young man.

“Clark, how did we get here so quick?” Brett finally realizing where they were “and how did you get me out of there?” pulling away from Clark, so he could look him in the eye.

“Well, let me ask you the same question, how were you able to blast apart those walls back there?” Clark reverted the question.

“I don’t know, I was just laying on that table, and they started strapping me down, and I got scared, and something inside of me woke up, and all of a sudden all my frustrations came flowing out of the palm of my hand.” Brett recounted the events in the lab.

“Have you ever been to Smallville?” Clark asked.

“I don’t think so, I was born only 6 months ago, and was adopted when I was about 3 months, and as far as I remember, I always lived in Metropolis. Why do you ask?” Brett said.

“Well, there was another meteor shower last May in Smallville, and I was wondering if you could’ve been exposed to… wait a minute, did you just say you’re 6 months old? Clark looked on, in amazement. Something like this happened to him before, Lana and him found a baby in Evan’s field, whose mother was affected by the 2nd meteor shower, and the baby was a by-product of that contamination. His mother passed away, along with his father, from an unfortunate accident. Evan, the name Lana and Clark gave the baby also grew quite fast, and eventually died from his contamination. Clark was hoping this wasn’t the case with this young man, he didn’t think he could handle losing another person he got close too.

Brett nodded, “That’s why my parent’s brought me to that place, to have me tested. I think they were afraid of my situation, since I’ve been developing really fast, along with being pretty smart, they thought it was best to have it checked out. I know they cared for me, but just didn’t know how to handle the situation.”

“I thought things were beginning to level off, at least as far as my development. That was until I started blasting things with my hands. Now, coming back to my original question, since I’ve been telling you about all my misfortunes, tell me, how did you manage to get us out of there.” Brett questioned again.

“Well, that’s a long story, but let’s just say I have some special gifts too, maybe when we have more time, I’ll tell you about it.” Clark said, trying to satisfy the boy’s curiosity. “Now, Brett, what are your parent’s names, so we can let the hospital officials know who their patients are.”

“Bob and Brenda Chambers”

Clark wrote down this information, on a piece of paper next to the couch. He would call the hospital, later on, to inform them of the Chamber’s identity, for now he thought he would just sit back and talk to Brett, until his mom returned from Metropolis.

[sdcheesehead]

Chapter 3 – Max and Clark Meet

Driving on the outskirts of Metropolis, Max finally sees his exit.

“Isabel, here’s our exit, where do I go from here”? Max questions.

Isabel looks at the map she printed off, back in Burlington, “After you exit up the ramp, you need to take a right, and follow this road downtown. The Summerholt Institute is located on this road, so we’ll just have to keep our eyes open.”

Max takes the exit, and turns right. Driving in the city was a whole new experience, with all the people, buildings & traffic. Everyone in the van was peering out their windows, taking in all the sights, all the while looking for this building. All of a sudden, Liz has another flash…

Liz is standing in the waiting room, of what use to be the Summerholt Institute. There is damage all around, and she sees Zan standing over a young couple. They seem to be badly injured. She turns around and she sees an attractive man with the brightest blue eyes and dark hair. He is wearing a pair of jeans, a royal blue shirt and a red jacket. There’s an older couple in the background too, both dressed in black business suits, when all of a sudden, the young, dark haired man, scoops Zan up and disappears, leaving the older and younger couple there.
“Liz, are you all right? Did you have another flash?” Max asked.

“Yeah, I don’t think Zan is there anymore. It looks like the building has been damaged, and someone came and took Zan away. I think he was trying to help him. It’s funny, one minute I could see Zan and that man, and than it was like they disappeared. There was two other couples there too, a younger couple, which could’ve been his adoptive parents and an older couple.” Liz tried to explain her vision.

Maria suddenly shouts, “There it is!” startling everyone in the van. Max pulls the van over to the side of the street, and Michael gets out of the vehicle, and lays his hands on the parking meter. After a brief glow, they were able to park for an hour. Everyone else jumped out of the vehicle, and headed towards the building, but they were shocked to see the damage to the front of the building.

The damage seemed to be centrally located, towards the front of the building, and possibly just the first two floors were affected. There was broken glass and debris all over the place. As they got closer, they noticed many of the employees surveying the scene from the parking lot and an ambulance pulling up to the front doors. The paramedics hurriedly jumped out, and opened up the back doors, pulling out the gurney, and grabbing all their needed equipment, and proceeded to rush into the building. Martha Kent and Lionel Luther were assisting the paramedics, by directing them over to Brett’s parents. Liz recognized them and took Max aside.

“Max, I think that was the older couple I saw in my flash”. Liz informed Max.

“We need to get closer. I need to find out what happened and where they took Zan,” exclaimed Max, rushing towards the broken out doors.

Michael hurriedly passed the others, and grabbed Max. “Max, Stop”, Max looked at him with determination in his eyes. “What do you mean stop, I have to find my son”!

“I know, but nobody, including Zan, knows about us…or you being his father. Do you think they are going to divulge any information to a complete stranger”? Not very often did Michael come across as the sensible one, but this time he was right. “Then, what am I supposed to do? I just can’t sit back and watch, I’m too close to finding him again.”

While Max and Michael were debating what should be done, Liz decided to take matters into her own hands. This was so uncharacteristic of her, but she needed to find out what her vision was telling her. She walked passed all the evacuated employees, crossed over the line set up by the Metropolis police department and walked right up to the older couple, from her flash.

Extending her hand Liz addressed the woman, “Hi, my name is Liz, and I was wondering if I could have a word with you, please.”

“Sure, just give me a second”, after shaking the young woman’s hand, she turned towards Lionel. “Do you think they’ll be okay?” looking off towards the ambulance, which was just pulling out into the streets.

“Yes, now if you're ready, we can go back to my office, and you can take the helicopter back to Smallville, and I’ll go onto the hospital to check on the boy’s parents.” Lionel said.

“Sure, let me talk to this young woman first, and I’ll meet you over by your car”. Lionel nodded his head and turned and walked away towards the parking lot, to the awaiting limo. Martha turned her attention back towards the young woman.

“Hi, sorry about that, things have been pretty crazy, since the building started to fall down on us. Now, you said your name is Liz, I’m Martha Kent, what can I do for you”?

“Well”, Liz started, “this is going to sound really strange and I hope I don’t scare you off, but I believe I know what happened here, and I really need your help in locating the boy that disappeared with a young man with dark hair, wearing a blue shirt and red jacket. It really imperative, because my husband Max”, Liz pointed over to her little group, “believes the boy is his biological son, but since this little accident, I’m afraid we have lost all hope in locating him again”.

Martha looked at the young woman awkwardly. “What, exactly, do you think happened here”?

Liz stood there for a minute, wondering what she should tell this woman. She looked over at her husband, who just noticed that she had gone missing from the group, and with her finger, directed him to come to her. Max obliged, and walked over to Liz and the woman. Max looked at Liz, with concern in his eyes. She took his hand, and than she addressed Martha Kent.

“Mrs. Kent, this is my husband Max”, “Max, this is Martha Kent”. Each party shook the other party’s hand. Martha took in Max’s appearance and notice that this man looked very much like a older version of Brett. He had the dark hair and the deep soulful eyes.

“Now, what I’m going to tell you, may not make sense, but you need to trust me, because we need to find the boy”, she continued. “You asked me what I know about this “accident”, well, let’s just say the boy was brought here, by what I’m assuming were his adoptive parents”.

Martha nodded her head yes. “They were the young couple that was taken to the hospital in the ambulance”.

Liz continued, “Well, once they took him back and began running some test on him, I believe he got a little agitated, and took matters into his own hands, and he is the reason the building is damaged the way that it is”.

“How can a boy, his age, do this much damage?” Martha questioned. This is something Clark could do, at that age, but could there possibly be another Kryptonian out there, like Clark, Martha thought.

“For the moment, can we just say he’s a very special boy, and we need to see him, so something like this doesn’t happen again? The boy needs to be made aware of certain “gifts” he has acquired, and we can help. Do you know where the young man disappeared to with the boy?”

Now it was Martha’s turn to take a moment to contemplate her next move. Max looked so much like the young man she met earlier that day, and how did this young woman have so much knowledge about what had happened. Down in her heart, she realized that these two people were connected to Brett somehow, so she decided that she’d introduce them.

“Brett, that’s the boy’s name, has been taken to my farm in Smallville.” Scribbling directions on a piece of paper and handing it to Liz. “Here are the directions to get there; it’s about a two hour drive. I’m on my way there right now, by helicopter, if one of you would like to accompany me that would be fine.”

Max looked at Liz, “I need to see him and make sure he’s all right”.

“I understand, I’ll go back to the group, and we’ll meet you in Smallville.” She leaned over and kissed him. Flashes between the two erupted. They rarely were ever separated, but to give Max the chance to reunite with his son was one gift Liz wanted to give to her husband. Breaking apart from each other, Liz walked back to the group, with the directions in hand.

Max went in the opposite direction with Martha Kent, towards the awaiting black limo.

As Liz got closer to the group she simply stated, “It looks like we’re going to Smallville”.

“What’s in Smallville?” Kyle asked.

Handing him the directions, she said just one word “Zan”.

Once the group was in the van, Liz explained to them what was going on and how Max was going to meet them there. Kyle took the helm, and pulled out onto the streets of Metropolis, and began their trek to Smallville.


*************************************************************

Max walked alongside Mrs. Kent, towards an awaiting black limo. The chauffeur got out of the vehicle, and proceeded to open the back door. “Senator Kent” he said, helping Mrs. Kent into the limo, “Sir” addressing Max to enter the limo too. After both of his patrons were seated in the back, he closed the door.

“Senator Kent”, Max looked at the woman. Fear was already starting to run through Max’s mind. Somehow this woman was involved with the government, what was Liz thinking?

“Yes, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you and your wife didn’t know. I haven’t held the position very long; it still takes some getting use too. Oh, Max this is Lionel Luther, and Lionel, this is Max. I’m sorry Max; I never caught your last name”.

“Max Evans”, Max stretched out his hand towards Lionel and shook his hand. Who was this man anyways? He looked really important, but Max wasn’t able to decipher how he fit into the picture.

Addressing Lionel, Martha informed him of the situation. “It seems like Max may be Brett’s biological father and he may also hold the answers to what happened at Summerholt. I’m going to take him back to the farm with me. Once Brett’s adoptive parents are able to, you can bring them to the farm, and we can collectively figure out where we can go from here”.

Nodding, Lionel said “Very well, Senator. We are almost to my corporate office, I’ve already phoned ahead, and they are waiting for you on the roof, I’ll drop you two off, and continue on to the hospital”.

Lionel didn’t know what to make of this situation. How could this young man’s biological father happen to show up at the Institute, at the same time the building started coming down around them? Also, how was he able to convince Martha of his status of being the boy’s biological father? Furthermore, why were they bringing this guy to the farm? But, Lionel decided to put these questions to the backburner, he trusted Martha’s intuition, so he figured he’d get the answers eventually.

The limo pulled into the underground garage, right up to the elevator that led directly to the roof. The chauffer got out and opened the door for Senator Kent and Max, and directed them to the elevator. They said their goodbyes, and Martha and Max stepped into the elevator, and rode to the top. Once they were on the roof, they exited the elevator to the hum of the helicopter blades.

Max had never traveled in a helicopter and was somewhat leery of getting on this contraption, but if it brought him closer to his son, he was willing to do anything. So, following the Senator’s lead, he got on board the helicopter, put his seat belt on, and headphones, and before they knew it, they were airborne.

Seeing the city from the bird’s eye view of the helicopter was an amazing experience for Max, being able to see all the lights, cars and buildings, as nightfall was creeping upon them. Then all of a sudden, the landscape stretched out and all a person could see was farmland. Rows and rows of cornfields could be seen for miles, and except for a farmhouse here and there, there wasn’t much more to see. The sunset, off in the west, was absolutely stunning. The desert had beautiful sunsets too, but being up in the sky, surrounded by the different landscape made this sunset memorable. He was wishing that Liz were here, able to share this moment with him. They had been in the air for about a half hour, when he noticed they were descending. He noticed a farmstead, and figured that was their final destination.

*************************************************************

Back in the Kent’s Barn Loft

Clark & Brett were still up in the barn, talking among themselves, getting to know each other, when all of a sudden, the two could hear the distance sound of a helicopter in the distance. Brett begins to freak out, because he thinks the men, back at the lab, are after him, and he starts aiming his hand at the helicopter.

Clark looked up at Brett, and noticed Brett’s hand emulating a bright white glow, and noticed he was aiming his “weapon” at the incoming helicopter.

“Nooooo Brett, that’s my mother!” Clark screamed, jumping up to intercept the blast that was projected out of the boy’s hand. Hitting Clark flat in the chest, and throwing him out of the barn loft window onto the ground below. Barely phased, from his position on the ground, Clark jumped back into the barn loft, and apprehended Brett, before he was able to send another blast in the direction of the helicopter. “What were you thinking?” remarked Clark, “you need to learn to control your abilities, that’s my mother returning from Metropolis.”

“Your mother has her own helicopter?” exclaimed Brett.

“No, but I’m assuming it belongs to Lionel Luthor, who’s a “friend” of our family”, Clark said, saying the word friend, all the while gritting his teeth. “He was also the guy that was helping us out back at Summerholt, now, would you like to go down with me to see her?” asked Clark, “but, if I take you down there, it would be nice if you didn’t blast her” Clark grinned.

“Well, it looks like you’ve got some more explaining to do, because I hit you straight on with that blast, and you shot out of that window, onto the ground, and then you just got up, and jumped back up here. That was amazing! But yeah, let’s go down and see your mom, and I promise to behave, but just know, I would like some answers about what’s going on with you too. “ Brett responded.

*************************************************************
At that the same time - On the Helicopter

As Max and Martha are approaching the Kent farm in the helicopter, Max witnesses a young boy that looked like he could be his son. Then, all of a sudden he saw a bright flash of light emulating from the barn, confirming his suspicions, but it hit a man in the chest, throwing him from the barn loft onto the ground below. He was worried for the man and slightly impressed by the abilities of his 6-month-old son, but the man that was hit was up so quickly and back in the barn loft within a blink of the eye. “Whoa, what was that!” was all that Max could say.

“All in due time, let’s get off this contraption, and get up to the house”, Martha addressed Max. Turning towards the pilot, she told him “Thank you” and both Max and Martha worked their way up to the farmhouse.

The Kent’s farm was really quite cute. The house was painted yellow with white trim, and there we’re flowers and plants leading up the walkway to the door. To the left was the barn, where Max had noticed the flash of light. They walked up the steps, and entered the house. Stepping into the kitchen, Martha placed her purse down on the table, and called out Clark’s name.

There wasn’t an immediate answer, but than the kitchen door opened again, and in stepped Clark and Brett. Walking over to his mother, Clark kisses her on the cheek.

“I see you two made it back all right?” looking at Clark and Brett.

“Yeah, no problems there, but our young man here almost blasted you out of the sky”, Clark said, looking down at Brett with a smile on his face, “but I convinced him he wouldn’t want to rid the world of an excellent cook like you”, smiling back at his mother.

All of a sudden, Clark noticed Max standing to the side. “Oh, I didn’t know we had some additional company”, Clark stated, looking worrisome at his mother.

“It’s all right Clark, this is Max Evans, and Max, this is my son Clark”. They each nodded to each other. “and this is Brett”. Max and Brett looked at each other, and there was this instant connection between the two. They stood there for a couple of seconds, before Max extended his hand to Brett, “nice to meet you”. When Brett took his hand, all these flashes started exchanging between the two, and a blue light emulated from their hands into the royal Antar “V” symbol which was displayed on the ceiling of the kitchen. After about a minute, the two separated.

“What was that all about”, Clark said.

“I think we need to sit down, and talk, because I saw some things too, that I’m not able to explain either, such as how you were able to take an energy blast in the chest, which threw you out of the barn loft window, and you were able to get back up to that window in a matter of seconds”, exclaimed Max.

“Okay, let’s just sit down around the kitchen table, and let’s see where it takes us” Martha suggested.

So they each took a place at the table.

[sdcheesehead]

Jennifer24 - Glad to see you back, I was hoping I didn't scare you away. Thanks a lot for the feedback. I'm currently working on Chp 6 and Brett/Zan is going to be doing some exploring of the farm and I may even put him to work.

TessHardingEvans - Thanks for the feedback. I hope I can continue doing the Pod Squad justice.

Forensicschic - I just loved your feedback. If you haven't figure it out, I'm also a big Clark fan too. I hope I can continue doing both sets of aliens justice.

A/N - I would like to thank Lauren, for all her help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback.


Chapter 4 – Secrets Revealed

Here they were, sitting at the Kent’s kitchen table in silence, Martha, Clark, Brett and Max. They each were wondering who should go first, and what should be revealed to the others.

Martha spoke up first. “I can tell this is going to be very awkward, for each of us, but it seems like we have no choice than to trust each other. We’ve been brought together, in order to protect Brett, so maybe if we can start at the beginning of our story, like what really happened at the Summerholt Institute, and go from there”.

Max was still leery about the whole situation, and with Mrs. Kent being a Senator, he had to address those issues first, before divulging anything dealing with the alien abyss, called his life.

“Senator Kent” Max started. “I really want to be honest with you, about some personal things, but with you being a member of the government, I need to know that whatever I tell you, will not be related to anyone in the government, especially the FBI. My family has been on the run from this organization all of our lives, and after I tell you about my family, you’ll understand, but if I can’t get your word that things between us remain here, than I’m afraid I’ll will not be able to “enlighten” you of what is going on.

Martha looked at Max, than to Clark, and than back to Max. “Max, first of all you can call me Martha. I only took the Senatorial seat, after my husband passed away. He was a good man, who only wanted what was best for the people around him. I don’t care much for the government either, but if I can make a difference, than that’s what I’m going to do. We also have a few secrets of our own, that I’m afraid will have to be brought up too, that we hope don’t go beyond the walls of this farmhouse.”

“Tell me about it”, piped up Brett, grinning at Clark.

Clark grinned back at Brett, “Well, I’m sure all things will be revealed, so who’s going to start”?

“I guess I can”, Brett spoke up, “I was born about 6 month ago”, Clark and Martha looked at each other with amazed faces, but Max just stared on, “3 months ago, I was adopted by Bob & Brenda Chambers”.

Looking at Max, Martha asked “Is it true, he’s only 6 months old”?

No better time than now to introduce these people to the alien abyss. Max began, with a sigh, “First of all, I don’t know if Brett knows it, but I’m his biological father”, started Max. “I was tricked into consummating a relationship with his mother. After we learned that she was pregnant, it was determined that she couldn’t remain here to have the baby”. Realizing that he was going to lose these people, Max thought he should explain more about himself. “You see, I’m not from around here”.

“Where are you from?” questioned Clark. Max just pointed his finger up. They were looking up at him with confused looks on their faces, so Max continued. “I’m not from this world, I come from a planet called Antar, and I’m a member of the Royal Four. The Royal Four consisted of me, my sister Isabel, my second in command Michael, and Tess, your mother, before she died of course. Isabel, Michael, Tess, and I are considered alien half-breeds. We look like humans, but we have the essence of our royal Antar selves imbedded in our genetic makeup”. He stop briefly, just to let them take in what he had just told them, and Clark and Martha didn’t look surprised at all, which set Max back a little bit, than Brett spoke up.

“Does that mean I’m an alien?”

“Wow, that’s not like getting right to the point”, Max stated, “but, yeah, you are. Tess took the Granolith, our only means of transportation, back to Antar, and had you. After she had you, she said the people of Antar didn’t accept you, because of your human status, and your mother escaped with you, and returned to Earth. Shortly, after she arrived, the FBI special unit branch located us, and she sacrificed herself to save the rest of us, taking out a military base in the process. The government was knocking on our doors continuously, and since, according to your mother, you were all human, I wanted to give you every opportunity to live a normal life. I had my adoptive father, who’s a lawyer, place you up for adoption, so that you could lead a normal life, instead living in the alien chaos we lived with everyday.”

“Is that why I was able to shoot that wall apart with my hand?” questioned Brett.

“Yeah, each of us is able to change the molecular structure of items, among other things, but it seems we each have our own unique “gifts” too. I’m able to heal things with just a touch of my hand. Isabel is able to dream walk people, which has come in handy in the past, Michael is an excellent strategist and very powerful, when it comes to blowing things up, Tess was able to mind warp people into believing whatever she put into their minds. Liz, my wife, is a different story, which I’ll explain later, but she receives these flashes and is able to predict future events”.

“Is that how she knew what had happened at the Summerholt Institute and was able to describe what Clark looked like?” Martha asked.

Max nodded, “We were in Colorado, when Liz got a flash, which showed that Zan was in danger, so we traveled as fast as we could to get there”.

“Who’s Zan”, Clark asked.

“Oh, I’m sorry, that’s what Tess named Brett as a baby. It’s also my Antarian name.”

“Am I royalty too?” Brett wondered.

“Yes, you would be considered a Prince on Antar, since I’m considered to be their rightful King. When I took your hand earlier, and a blue light showed a symbol on the ceiling, well that’s the royal Antar symbol, and I am the only one that can carry that sign, since I’m the their rightful ruler, and upon my death, that right would be passed down to you.” Everyone was sitting back in awe. Max continued.

“So Brett, could you tell us what happened at the Summerholt Institute, from your point of view?”

“Well, my adoptive parents were worried about my growth rate and intelligence, since I didn’t look like a normal 6 month old boy, so they made an appointment at this research place to have me tested. When we got there, I met you”, he said pointing towards Martha, “and we talked a little bit, than the nurse called me back. They ran some test on me, including x-rays and blood work, and everything seemed to be going ok, and then the doctor came back and told me they were keeping me for awhile, to do some more tests”, Brett started to get upset, and Max saw his hand beginning to glow white.

Getting up from the table, Max went over to Brett, and placed his hand on his son’s hand and formed another connection, which allowed Max to see what had happened next. He tried to soothe his son’s emotions down, and turned back to the Kents.

“It seems the Institute discovered a little bit of our genetic makeup. X-rays and body parts are all normal, as far as human standards, but when they did blood work on Brett, his blood cells probably turned up a little green and different. That’s the reason they wanted to keep him longer, so they could study him some more”, now Max was getting excited, reliving his experience of the “White Room”. “It looks like Brett didn’t like the idea of being a human pincushion, so a little bit of his alien self emerged, and he knocked a few holes in the wall”, he smiled over at his son, “but seriously, we need to get those lab samples back, otherwise, Brett will never be able to live a normal life”.

“No problem, I can get them for you”, Clark said.

Max just looked at Clark, when Clark spoke, “seeing as you and I have a lot in common, I believe it’s time to tell you a little bit about myself, if we’re going to have to work together, to go against Summerholt, and trust me, that place has other agendas, especially making more than a pin cushion out of people like you, Brett and myself.”

Both Brett and Max looked at Clark, he had their attention now. “I’m also not from around here. I was born on the planet Krypton, and since my world was coming to an end, my parents placed me on a spaceship, and sent me through the stars. I landed in a cornfield, back during the 1st meteor shower, and the Kents, my family, found me, and took me in. I also have some abilities too, such as being able to run excessively fast”, Clark said, glancing over at Brett, “which is how I transported you here so quickly. I can look through most things, I have very good hearing, I have heat vision and I’m very strong and basically invulnerable, which made it possible for me to take on the little “alien blast” the youngster dished out earlier today. I’m still developing and learning about my world too. I was also born with a different name too, they called me Kal-El. Only a handful of people know of my existence, and I would enjoy leaving it that way. Of course there are my parents, my best friend Chloe, who happen to find out on her own, a childhood friend, that has moved away, Dr. Swann, who recently passed away, and Lionel Luther, who my biological father, Jor-El, uses as a vessel to communicate with me. Well, I think I hit the highlights, any questions”?

Everyone sat back in their chairs, just soaking in everything that was said, when all of a sudden Chloe comes through the back door, followed by Liz, Isabel, Kyle, Maria and Michael.

“Hey guys, look what I found! They came into the Talon, looking for you all. All these roads look alike at night, so I decided to show them the way out here”, walking over to a chair, and sitting in it.

Liz, seeing Max, rushes over to his side, and gives him a kiss. “So, did ya miss me”?

“Of course”, he kissed her back.

Clark ushers the group into the kitchen, and introduces his little group.

“Hi, my name is Clark Kent, and this is my mother, Martha and my best friend Chloe.”

Now it was Max’s turn. “I’m Max Evans”, he said looking at Chloe, and than he turned to his family, and began with the introductions. “This is my wife Liz, my sister Isabel, my best friend Michael. This is Maria and Kyle. Than he goes over by Brett, “and this is my son, Brett”.

“You can call me Zan, if you like, it is after all the name I was given” Brett/Zan said.

“Are you sure”, questioned Max. Brett/Zan nodded.

Turning back to his son and addressing the group, Max said, “and this is my son Zan”, with the biggest, proudest smile a father could ever muster.

[sdcheesehead]

Forensicschic - I'm going to expand upon Max and Zan's relationship, as well as keeping his adoptive parents in the loop. Lex will also be making his appearance soon (I believe in Chp 7).

Jennifer 24 - I hope you enjoy this chapter too, I had a lot of fun writing it.

Timelord31
TessHardingEvans

Thanks for all the feedback, it's what keeps me going

A/N: I would like to thank Lauren, for all her help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback.

Chapter 5 – Plans to go back to Summerholt

After all the introductions were made, everyone moved into the living room.

Isabel, Kyle, Maria and Michael squeezed onto the large overstuffed couch. Liz sat next to Max on the matching loveseat. Martha chose to sit in her favorite rocking chair, placed strategically next to the fireplace, which was producing a comfortable source of heat. Clark and Chloe sat side by side in a separate love seat, and Zan was sitting, with his back to the fire, on an overstuffed cushion.

“Well, now that the whole gang is here, someone want to tell me what’s going on”? Chloe asked.

“You like to get right to the point, don’t you? But you have a point, we’ve been stuck in that van far too long, and I’m sure we’d like to know what’s going on too?” Michael looked towards Max.

“Yeah Clark, I’m a very busy woman. I just came to Smallville, to visit with Lois, and this group comes into Talon looking for your farm, so I thought I’d be nice, and show them the way up here, but I do need to get back to the “Planet”, gotta earn my paycheck somehow.” responded Chloe, looking towards Clark for some answers.

“The “Planet”, what is that”? Max asked Clark.

“Chloe works for the “Daily Planet”, which is a world renown newspaper, but she’s currently working in the obituaries department, but she’s aspiring to be one of their top reporters, aren’t you Chloe?” Clark said, shooting Chloe one of those Kent charming smiles.

She smiled back, and nodded. “So, you’re a reporter?” Max continued, giving Clark a worrisome look, knowing the topic they were about to embark upon.

“Yeah, she’s a reporter, but she’s also one of my most trusted friends, and her position at the “Planet”, has helped me out many times. I think it’s time we all come clean, before we move on.” Clark stated.

“Okay, so how do you suggest we start?” Max looked towards Clark for some guidance.

“Well, are we in agreement that everyone in this room should be let in on our individual circumstances?” Clark responded, looking at all the newcomers.

Max nodded.

“Well, I suppose I’ll start this off,” addressing everyone, “as I said before I’m Clark Kent and before everyone’s arrival, Max & I learned that we have a lot of things in common with each other. I’m also not from around here. I was born on the planet Krypton and when my planet was on the verge of becoming extinct, my parents sent me off in a spaceship, on a course to Earth. The Kent’s found me when my spaceship crashed back in 1989. Chloe, my mom & Lionel Luther, and now you’ll, are the only ones that are privy to this information.”

Everyone’s attention was focused on Clark, as they each took in everything he said, but they weren’t that shocked, kind of like they expected something like this to happen. Just another notch in their alien abyss lives. Why not add another species to their little club?

Max continued, “and I’m Max Evans, and Isabel, Michael and myself are alien half-breeds from the planet Antar. Zan is my biological son, and it looks like he possesses some of the same “gifts” we have. Liz is my wife, but back a few years ago, I saved her life, and when I healed her, it looks like she was exposed to something in me, and she has also developed some special “gifts” of her own. Maria and Kyle are very close friends of ours, but as of yet, they are both just human.”

“Just human, huh”, Maria quipped.

“Yeah,” Kyle cut in, with humor in his voice “every since we joined the “I know an alien” club, us measly little humans have helped you “pod people” out of more than one alien crisis”.

“That’s not fair Clark, why don’t we have an “I know an “alien” club?” Chloe joined in.

Clark just laughed, “Chloe, if you want to form your own little club, so be it, but I’m sure Max’s crew will allow you to join their little club too. Now, we need to get down to some serious business. Recently, Zan was being held at the Summerholt Institute in Metropolis. They were running some tests on him, at the request of his adoptive parents. Well, let’s just say that after running some routine test, the physicians in charge of Zan’s case were intrigued and decided to hold Zan under quarantine conditions, which didn’t agree with our young man here and he busted out, with some help. Now Max, you said the Summerholt Institute has Zan’s medical records, including his genetic make-up, so it looks like that’ll be our first priority, getting those records out, which shouldn’t be a problem, if we put our abilities together. The problem I do see is the human factor. We need to find out who knows about Zan, because once they, the people behind Summerholt’s research façade, find out, Zan will be a wanted little boy. Our second priority should be to contact Lionel Luthor, and find out how Zan’s adoptive parents are doing. We also need to figure out where they fit into this whole scheme of things, because they are Zan’s legal guardians.

“So Maxwell, what’s the plan on getting your son’s records?” Michael bluntly asked.

Clark spoke up, “I can “run” down there, in a matter of seconds, but to get in undetected is another story”.

“Well, Chloe said she needed to get back to Metropolis tonight and if she wouldn’t mind a couple extra passengers, along for the drive, I thought maybe Clark, Michael & I could tag along. We could formulate our plan in the car, and Chloe could drop us off at the Summerholt Institute, and we can go from there.” Max suggested.

“Hey, I have no problems with this idea, the drive from Smallville to Metropolis gets to be so boring and having some company would be nice,” Chloe commented.

“After we retrieve the records, I could bring them back to the farm, but how will Max & Michael get back?” asked Clark.

“Well, do you think we’d be able to utilize that helicopter again?” Max questioned, looking towards Martha.

“I don’t think Lionel would have a problem with that, what do you have in mind Max?” questioned Martha.

“Well, if you could call Mr. Luthor to see if we could borrow the helicopter again, Michael and I can meet him on the roof of his office building, ” suggested Max.

“and while you’re on the phone, you can asked how “Brett’s” parents are doing,” Clark stated.

“I’ll go do that right now.” Martha said, lifting herself out of her rocking chair and walking towards the adjoining kitchen to make the call.

“Wow, nothing like making the brain cells work overtime, I should’ve grab some Snapple & Tabasco sauce back at the convenience store, when we stopped the last time.” Michael remarked.

Looking at Michael with a confused look on his face, Clark questioned, “Snapple & Tabasco sauce, that’s a very odd combination”.

Isabel spoke up “we like to spice up our food with Tabasco sauce, call it a sweet & spicy thing. You mean to tell me, you don’t have any strange alien quirks”?

“Nope, I’m just a homegrown “meat and potatoes” farm boy” Clark stated.

“But he didn’t mention, he could eat the whole farm, if you let him”, Martha said smiling, walking back in from the kitchen. “Lionel said there would be no problem using the helicopter. He’ll meet you on top of Luther Corporation. He was also able to get in to see the boy’s adoptive parents. Both of them were knock unconscious and have their share of bumps, bruises and broken bones, but nothing serious. Since they’ve arrived at the hospital, they have been awake and aware of what’s going on around them. They’ve been asking frantically for “Brett”, so Lionel took this opportunity to inform them that we have you and are taking good care of you. He thinks they’ll be released later on tonight and if that’s the case, he’ll bring them back with Max & Michael on the helicopter.”

“So, what do you want us to do, while you guys are out doing the cloak & dagger thing?” Maria asked.

“Well, everyone’s welcome to stay here, as long as you need. We’ll have to figure out the sleeping arrangements and we can pick up some pizza from town, so we’ll have something to eat, when you get back,” Martha said, looking over towards Michael, she added with a smile “I’ll even pick up some Tabasco sauce and Snapple too”.

“Sounds good to me, except for the Tabasco sauce, my stomach be growling since we’ve left Colorado” Kyle piped up.

“Well, shall we go?” Chloe said.

Max leaned over and kissed Liz, “See you when I get back”, and lifts himself off of the couch, going over to his son, he kneels down, placing his hands on Zan’s back, “I’m really happy having you back in my life again and I hope that things work out that I can continue to be a part of it”. Max reached out and gave Zan a fatherly hug, than Max lifted himself off the floor, and proceeded to the back door.

At the same time Michael turned towards Maria and quickly gave her a kiss on the cheek. In turn she said “You be careful Spaceboy”.

“What do you mean, I’m always careful,” retorted Michael, with a bad boy smile on his face. Getting up from the couch, he joins Max.

Clark & Chloe together met Max and Michael at the door. They proceeded out the door towards Chloe’s car, for their trip back to Summerholt.

TBC

[sdcheesehead]

TessHardingEvans, Timelord31, Jennifer24 & Forensicschic

Thanks for all the feedback, it really helps me in the direction I want to take this story.

A/N: I borrowed and rephrased some quotes from Smallvilles "Arrival", no infridgement intended. Also, thanks to Lauren and TessHardingEvans for all their help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback.


Chapter 6 - Road Trip Back to Metropolis

“I know it’s not much, but it gets me where I want to go”, Chloe said, as Max, Michael & Clark were walking towards her car. She had a cute little red convertible VW Bug, but there wasn’t a lot of extra space for her three passengers. “Sorry there isn’t enough leg room, but I’ll try to make it a quick trip”.

Clark joined Chloe in the front seats, while Max & Michael squeezed into the back. Chloe made her way to the main road and enter the highway leading them back to Metropolis.

****************
Back at the Kent farm

“Who wants to go with me to town?” Martha questioned.

“I’d like to come along with you, if you don’t mind”, offered Liz. Honestly, she had to keep herself occupied. This was the second time today that Max and her had been separated and she didn’t like it too much. She needed his closeness, just like he needed hers. They were stronger together, but he needed to do this for Zan. She knew and understood this, but this feeling of being separated so long was harder than she thought, so she thought this would be the perfect opportunity to keep her busy until they were reunited again.

“Oh, don’t forget the Snapple & Tabasco sauce for the Pod Squad”, Kyle reminded them.

“Well, aren’t you the considerate one” Maria jabbed at Kyle.

“Just remember that, when I start to snap, crackle and pop” laughed Kyle. Max also healed Kyle, when he was shot a year ago, and he figures it’s just a matter of time before he’ll start to develop alien powers too, like Liz.

“We can unload the van while you’re in town, but we need to know where you would like us to stay?” Isabel asked Martha.

“Clark’s room is upstairs, we can set the Chambers up in there, if they’re released from the hospital. Clark can take the loveseat in the living room, if this happens. There’s another spare bedroom upstairs where two more people can sleep. The couch in the living room folds out into another bed, so two more can sleep there. Max & Liz can sleep in the barn loft, along with Zan, if he wants.” Martha suggested.

Isabel looked at Martha confused. “Are you sure they won’t mind sleeping in the barn?”

“I wouldn’t mind sleeping in the barn, it’s really cool out there! Clark calls it his “Fortress of Solitude”, you should really check it out”, Zan commented.

“When Clark was younger, my husband added the barn loft to the barn, and Clark seems to spend more time out there, than he does in his own room.” Martha said

“Well, if Zan doesn’t have any problems with sleeping in the barn, than I don’t think Max and I will either”, Liz said with a smile, “this would probably be the perfect place and opportunity for Max and Zan to get reacquainted with each other, without keeping the whole household up, plus whoever said aliens needed to sleep all night?” There was some truth to this statement, the pod squad normally didn’t need more than a few hours of sleep a night, and than Liz shifted into scientific mode and she was wondering how different Clark was, in comparison to her family, but this was a bridge she would try to cross later on.

“Oh, and feel free to explore the farm while we’re gone” Martha said grabbing her purse off the kitchen counter, “So, are you ready to go?” Liz nodded and followed Martha out the kitchen door.

Kyle looked towards Isabel and Maria, “Well, you two want to help me unload the van”?

“Sure, Iz and I can take the spare bedroom, and you and Michael can grab the couch, if that’s alright.” Maria suggested.

“Sounds good to me” Isabel agreed, along with a nod from Kyle.

So the three of them went about their duties of unloading the van, while Zan decided to explore the farm. Even though he looks like a typical 6-year-old boy and highly intelligent, for his age, Zan is still a young child, exploring the world around him. The smells and atmosphere associated with a farm was sitting right in front of him, waiting to be explored deeper. He crossed over the fence and decided to explore the open pasture before him.

*****************
Back in Chloe’s car

“So, what’s the plan once we get there?” Michael questioned, once they were on the highway leading towards Metropolis.

“Well, Chloe can let us off a couple of blocks away from the “Institute” and we can try to locate a back entrance” Max stated, “so Clark, how familiar are you with the layout of “Summerholt”?”

“I know there’s a door towards the back of the building, where we can gain access, but getting in without setting off their security system may be a problem” Clark said.

“Looks like that’s where we come in” Michael stated. “Maxwell can open the door, than we can disarm any security measures and cameras that may be in place. All they’ll see is static, than Clark can go in and retrieve Zan’s records.”

“Do you know where to go to get these records Clark?” Chloe added.

“Well, I figure I would go to the lab and radiology departments and retrieve any blood-work and x-rays they may have on file.” Clark answered.

“Don’t forget the doctor’s office for any personal files he might have on Zan” Chloe suggested.

“Does anyone know who his doctor was?” Clark asked, looking behind him at Max and Michael. They really looked uncomfortable in the backseat, with their knees scrunched up to their chins. They both looked at each other and returned their stares to Clark and simply said “No” together.

“Maybe you should call your mother and see if Zan remembers?” suggested Chloe.

“Good idea”, grabbing Chloe’s cell phone, Clark dials the farm’s number.

“Man Chloe, whoever dreamed up the specs for this car, wasn’t thinking of comfort, were they?” Michael stated, squirming in his seat, trying to get comfortable.

”Nah, I think it was the female market they were after, don’t you think it’s such a cute little car” Chloe giggled.

“Little, now that’s an understatement,” complained Michael. “I bet Clark’s spaceship was more comfortable”.

Clark hung up the phone and spoke up.” You should’ve seen my spaceship, thank goodness I was a baby, otherwise I’m sure I would’ve been complaining back then too. There’s was no answer at the farm, I think they may have left to go into town, what now?” Clark asked.

“Who else would know?” Michael asked

They sat in the car, in silence, trying to figure out who would have this information, when all of a sudden a deer jumped out of the cornfield, directly in front of Chloe. Hitting the deer on its back end and catapulting it into the ditch, Chloe brought her little bug to an abrupt halt in the opposite ditch. Clark turned around in his seat to survey the situation and to see how everyone was doing. It seemed like they were in a state of shock, but otherwise they weren’t in any immediate danger. Able to open the car doors, they each moved to get out of the vehicle, when they realized Michael wasn’t able to move. Michael’s legs were caught in the impact and he wasn’t able to straighten them out. He wasn’t sure if he broke anything or if he just strained the muscles, but he wasn’t going anywhere.

Clearly feeling the throbbing pain in his legs, Michael turned towards Max. “Hey Maxwell, do you think you could help me out?” he said, clearly transferring the pain in his leg to his voice.

Max walked around the vehicle and opened the driver’s side door and pulled the seat forward. Chloe and Clark gathered behind Max and watched as Max surveyed Michael’s leg and than laid his hands on the injured leg. A bright green light could be seen and when Max was done, he moved out of Michael’s way allowing Michael to exit the vehicle. “Thanks, it feels much better”.

“Damn, that was awesome! Too bad you can’t do anything about my injured baby”, referring to the front end of her car, “or that deer I hit” Chloe responded.

Clark took his cue and lifted the car out of the ditch and placed it back on the road. Michael, not wanting to be upstaged by Clark, came around to the front end of Chloe’s car and “changed” the molecular structure of the vehicle. “There you go, looks brand new,” commented Michael proudly.

“It is so nice having my own set of superheroes to help me out of these little predicaments”. Chloe stated. She started looking around, “Where’s Max”?

All three of them started looking around and found Max in the opposite ditch. Just as they crossed the road, the deer that Chloe had just hit came springing out of the ditch, leaping into the adjoining cornfield and disappearing from their sites. Max made his way back to the blacktop. He looked totally exhausted and drained. He made his way back to the car and sat in his seat.

It always amazes Michael each time he sees Max healing someone. “It seems like each time Max uses his healing abilities, it drains him, but it doesn’t take him long to join the living again”, explained Michael. “Let’s just give him a little time. Why don’t we get back on the road”, he suggested.

Agreeing with Michael, Clark & Chloe returned to their places in the car and Chloe was on the road again.

“Why didn’t I think of it beforehand”, blurted out Chloe, hitting the steering wheel with her fist, “some investigative reporter I’m going to be”.

“What are you talking about?” Michael retorted.

“Zan’s parent’s, they would know who his doctor was, why couldn’t Clark call Lionel and have him asked them”, Chloe responded, still irritated that she hadn’t thought about it beforehand.

Taking Chloe’s cell phone again, Clark dialed Lionel’s cell phone number.

Metropolis General Hospital

Both Bob & Brenda Chambers are sitting up in their beds listening to the nurse giving them their discharge instructions. Lionel is sitting in a chair by the window in their room. He has convinced them both that their son Brett is all right, and that his good friend Martha Kent is taking care of him, and upon their discharge he would take them to see their son.

All of a sudden, Lionel cell phone rings. Lionel reaches for his phone, hidden in his jacket pocket. “Hello”.

Getting right to the point Clark answers, “Lionel, it’s Clark. We’re on our way back to Metropolis, as you know, and we were discussing the boy’s medical records, but we have no idea who the doctor was that was looking into his case, are you able to ask his parents for us?”

“If you can hold on for a second, I’ll ask them”, Lionel said.

The last thing Clark wanted to do is talk to Lionel Luthor. Why did Jor-El, his biological father, choose Lionel Luther’s body to use as a vessel, opening up Clark’s whole existence to this man? Granted, he has kept Clark’s secret for over a year and has been very protective of his mother, but he is one of two people, the other being Lionel’s son Lex, who Clark never wanted to know his secret. Clark knows he will never truly trust Lionel, but having an acquaintance in his position has been beneficial in the past, he just wished that the man would get on with his life, instead of making the moves on his mother, because that is one relationship that Clark will bring to shrieking stop!

After a brief lapse in time, Lionel returns to the phone. “Sorry about that Clark, they are in the process of being discharged and I had to interrupt them. His doctor’s name is Whitemore or Whitmore, something like that. I hope that helps you in your endeavors.”

“Thanks, I think it will”, Clark responded “We’ll meet you on the roof-top as soon as we can, I’ll phone you when we’re on our way”.

“That will be fine, be careful son” responded Lionel.

Clark could feel the irritation building up inside of him. He just wanted to jump out of the vehicle right at that moment and run to the hospital to put Lionel in his place, but there were more important things at moment he needed to concern himself with.

In a very control voice, Clark stated clearly “I have told you in the past to never refer to me as your son, my father was Jonathon Kent, and you will never be the man that he was. Now, we’ll meet you on top of the roof, as we arranged”, with his response, Clark hung up the phone, and sat back in his seat, trying to cool down.

Back in Chloe’s car

“Man, I can’t stand that guy!” Clark stated. “Zan’s doctor’s name is either Whitemore or Whitmore, should be easy enough to find”

“Are you going to be okay Clark?” Chloe noticed Clark’s agitation towards the end of the conversation.

“I’ll be fine, just want to throw someone out his 30 story building sometimes. He has the audacity to call me his son. He has a son, it’s not my fault he raised him to be the man he is today”, fumed Clark.

“If you dislike this guy so much, why is he so privy to your existence”? Max questioned.

“Basically, about a year ago, I was on a mission to locate these three stones, which when they were brought together formed my “Fortress of Solitude”, a very special place for me. Sometime, when we get back, I’ll give you a tour.”

“Be sure to bring a winter coat, or you’ll freeze to death” Chloe responded, remembering her first trip up there, which landed her in a hospital, where she probably received her medicine by way of dog sleds. This is also where she learned the truth about Clark Kent too.

“Anyways, Lionel and his son Lex were also looking for these stones, for their own greedy purposes. Knowledge is power, and they believe if they had the stones, they would have all the answers to the universe’s questions. Well, in their quest to find the stones, the black “transference” stone was “activated” while Lionel was holding it. He was downloaded with all the information about myself, and my home planet. He also acts as a vessel for my biological father to use, whenever he feels it’s necessary to communicate with me. He’s kept my secret for over a year, but it’s no secret that he has the hots for my mother, which totally irritates me. He was also there, on the night my father died. He may not have been the main reason he died, because my father had a bad heart, but he provoked the incident that led to his death. So, no I really don’t have a lot of love for the man, but what can I do”?

Clark slumped back into his seat, as Max and Michael contemplated all the information about this person named Lionel Luthor. After a while, Max spoke up.

“Should we entrust Mr. Luthor with our special circumstances?”

“That’s totally up to you all. He already knows there’s something odd going on anyways, but if it was me, I’d probably hold off as long as you could with letting him into your little “I know an alien” club”, suggested Clark.

“So, once we retrieve the records, where do we go from there?” Michael asked.

“Well, I can take you to Lionel’s corporate office and see you off in the helicopter, along with the Chambers, it looks like. After I know you’re on your way, I can bring the records back to the farm, so we can start going through them, but what do we do about the people that were working on his case? We can make the records disappear, but people just don’t forget about things like this,” stated Clark.

Max simply commented, “I might have a solution to that problem, but I need to talk to someone first.” Michael gave Max a quizzical look. “What was he talking about” Michael was thinking to himself.

Max was speaking about Liz. During their little road trip after graduation, Liz’s alien half was emerging more and more frequently. She was almost as strong as Max & Isabel in some respects and she had the added gift of being able to see future events, but she also inherited another gift. After Tess had sacrifice herself for her baby’s safety, something happened. They don’t really know how it happened but Tess’ ability to mind-warped other people transferred to Liz. She started developing these headaches, mid-way through the summer and once, when they were stopped at a convenience store, all Liz wanted was some aspirin, but they didn’t have enough money. Up at the counter, she was just thinking how nice it would be if the convenience clerk would just give them a bottle of aspirin, when in the next moment, the clerk left his station and retrieve a bottle of aspirin and placed it in the bag. Both Max and Liz had looked at each other, and since than it’s been their little secret. Liz didn’t want this gift. This was the gift that Tess had used to seduce Max away from her and the same gift that she had used on her best friend Alex, killing him from overexposure. Now, Max wanted to ask her if she was ready, or willing, to use this same gift to change the memories of these people involved in his son case. He wasn’t sure if she would be willing. If she were, she would need to practice a little bit, so she wouldn’t fry their brains, or worse kill them, because he would never forgive himself for subjecting her to anything like that.

Chloe’s little bug had entered Metropolis. The town was lit up like a Christmas tree and traffic was going full stride, it was after all a Friday night, and Metropolis was a town that didn’t sleep. She drove expertly to a parking garage, a few blocks down from the Summerholt Institute and dropped off her “superheroes”.

“Thanks again, for taking care of my baby. Now, you all be careful, and if you need anything, just give me a call” Chloe said, as she waved and pulled away into the city traffic.

[sdcheesehead]

TessHardingEvans - Thanks for the feedback, I hope to continue to bring new ideas to the story.

Timelord31 - I like you way of thinking, I believe I can work with your idea.

A/N: Also, thanks to Lauren and TessHardingEvans for all their help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback.


Chapter 7 – Back at Summerholt Institute

Standing in the parking garage, Michael, Max and Clark watched as Chloe drove off into the city traffic.

“I wanted to thank you two for coming along with me, on this little road trip” started Clark, “it’s been really nice knowing I have you two backing me up in case something goes wrong, which is something I don’t normally have”

“No problem. I really don’t know how you’ve gone so long without having the special unit knocking on your door. Speaking of doors, are we ready to do a little breaking and entering?” Michael asked sarcastically.

Max looked over at Michael and grinned He knew how much Michael enjoyed the Cloak and Dagger routine; it’s part of his genetic make-up. Michael was embedded with the essence of Rath, an Antarian General, who was an excellent strategist along with being the King’s right hand man. Funny how things worked out, because everything was coming full circle, because Michael was Max’s right hand man, and Max was carrying the essence of Zan, the King of Antar.

“Which way do we go?” Max asked, looking towards Clark for some guidance.

“This way, follow me” directed Clark, “and try to act as normal as possible”. They walked directly past the front of the Summerholt Institute. The front windows were replaced by plywood, where Zan had escaped earlier. They noticed there were extra security guards guarding the entrance to the building. As Clark walked past them, he raised his hand, and gave them a friendly wave. “Nice night, wouldn’t you say?”

“What are you doing?” Michael whispered to Clark, surprised that he would want to strike up a conversation with the guards.

“Keeping up appearances”, he whispered back.

“At least it’s not raining; you all have a nice night.” Responded one of the guards.

“You too.” Clark said, continuing their trek past the building. After they reached the next corner, they took a right, and found an alleyway, that led to the back entrance Clark mentioned. Before they reached the door, Clark held up his hand for Michael and Max to stop. Directing his attention towards the two security cameras, pointing at the door, Clark aimed his eyes at each of them, and disabled them by using his heat vision.

“O.K., here we are”, Clark said looking towards Max and Michael, “I need you two to stand guard, while I’m inside, just in case things don’t go as planned”. They both agreed, then Clark continued, “it looks like it’s your turn Max…Open Sesame”.

Moving towards the door, Max laid his hand on the keypad, allowing a green light to emulate from his hand, opening the door in the process. “O.K., there you go, the rest is up to you. We’ll stand guard, you better hurry because I don’t know how long it’ll take the security guards to realize their cameras aren’t working” Max said.

“Give me five minutes, and if I’m not back, just go back to the parking garage, and I’ll meet you there. See you soon”, and with that Clark vanished into the building.

Clark moved his way through the building pretty easily. He reached the radiology and lab departments first. He disabled the security cameras by hitting them with his precision heat vision. He then turned his attention to locating Zan’s files. It took him a moment to find them, because he was looking for “Zan” not “Brett’s” name. But after locating them, he stuffed them in a manila envelope, which was lying on the desk, and moved to locate the doctor’s office. The doctor’s name was Dr. Chris Whitmore, it was written on the x-rays and lab work. He didn’t have any problems locating the doctor’s personal office, and Zan’s files were lying on the doctor’s desk. “I guess the doctor was working a little late tonight,” thought Clark. Retrieving the records and slipping them into the same manila envelope, Clark turned to leave the office, when he came face to face with Lex Luthor.

Back in Smallville

“So, how many pizza’s do you think we’ll need?” Martha asked Liz.

“I don’t know, there are 6 of us, plus you, Clark and Zan, that’s 9, and the Chambers, which is 11. I’d say at least five large ones.”

“I agree. The Pizza Barn is over there; I can go and order the pizzas. The grocery store is over there on the corner, here’s some money”, handing Liz a couple of twenties, “oh and would you mind picking up some Snapple and Tabasco sauce for your friends?” Martha asked.

“Sure, do you need anything else, while I’m there?”

“Well, since we have such a large crowd out at the farm, why don’t you pick up some eggs, bread and bacon for breakfast tomorrow morning”, handing her another twenty.

“After I get the groceries, I’ll put them in the back of your truck and join you at the Pizza Barn to help you with the pizzas” Liz offered.

“That’ll be great”, Martha said. Turning, they each walked towards their destinations.

Back on the Kent farm

“I think we’ve got everything out of the van,” Kyle said “where should I park?”

“Why don’t you park it over in front of the barn, away from any prying eyes,” Isabel suggested.

“Sounds good to me,” Kyle said, jumping into the driver’s seat.

“Where did Zan go?” questioned Maria, looking around.

“I don’t know, I suppose he decided to do a little exploring,” speculated Isabel, “maybe we should allow him some “alone” time, he’s probably suffering from an overload of information, plus where do you think he can go, we’re in the middle of nowhere”.

“You have a point, I’m going to go inside, and set up the beds”

Following Maria into the house, Isabel volunteered to help her out.

Meanwhile, Zan was enjoying himself investigating the farm, by the moonlight. He had crossed the pasture seeing a portion of the livestock the Kent’s had, until he experienced another aspect of farming by stepping in a fresh cow patty. Aggravated, he noticed some rough ground ahead of him, near a shelter, Zan moved closer to it, scraping his shoes along the ground trying to rid them of the cow manure. This area was rougher than the field, and he could clearly see where there used to be a construction site. He sat on a nearby rock and grabbed a stick off the ground, cleaning his shoes the best that he could. Standing up, he moved closer to the fence, which was put up around the construction site, and noticed a small sign that said “No Trespassing. This Property is owned by Luther Corp Industries and the Kansas State Historical Division”. Disregarding the sign, Zan squeezed through an opening in the fence. He came to the entrance of a cave, which was lit up by a generator. Curious, Zan moved forward. For some reason, he felt he was being drawn deeper into the cave. Noticing all the hieroglyphics on the wall, Zan had a strange feeling of familiarity with some of these drawings, not all of them though. Some of the pictures looked like the original settlers drew them. Noticing the scientific stations located throughout the cave, Zan figured someone, at one time, was studying the pictures & hieroglyphics on the walls, but it looked like there was somewhat of a cave in, here and there, because some of the stations were destroyed. Moving deeper into the cave, Zan came upon a wall, which had an octagon shape embedded into it. Surrounding the embedded shape were more familiar hieroglyphics. As if he knew what he was doing, Zan lifted his hand and placed it inside the octagon shape, which acted like a key, opening up a secret chamber. After Zan stepped into the room, the wall closed behind him.

Back at Summerholt

Max and Michael were standing back away from the building’s entrance. They allowed the door to come to a close, so if a guard happened to come by to check on it, there wouldn’t be anything to raise their suspensions. Clark’s five-minute time window had expired and Michael was getting antsy.

“I think we need to make our way back to the parking garage” Max suggested, looking at his clock again.

“I don’t know about you, but I don’t intend on standing around waiting for Clark to come out of there, what if he found some trouble and needs our help?

Michael had a point. “Okay, let’s go see if we can find him, but lets be very careful about it, I don’t want to end up in another “white room” situation.” Max said.

Laying his hand on the keypad again, Max opened the door. They each stepped through the door and cautiously moved their way through the building.

Back in Dr. Whitmore’s office Clark has just turned around to come face to face with Lex.

“Should I even ask why Clark Kent is inside this wonderful facility at this hour,” Lex baited Clark, “or are you just out saving the world again, just to lie to those people closest to you?”

Hurriedly walking past Lex, Clark stuffed the envelope inside his jacket. When he reached the door, he turned around and addressed Lex, “I should be asking you the same question, but of course I’m sure you’d come up with some elaborate excuse to cover up the real reason you’re here.” Clark countered walking into the hallway.

“Don’t think you’re leaving with that envelope, Clark” Lex said, following Clark into the hallway. “I’ve got permission to be back here, but I’m assuming that you don’t, and all it would take is a call to the security desk to have you escorted out of this building. So why don’t you just hand over that envelope.”

Clark finally put the pieces together; Lex was the one looking through Zan’s records, not Dr. Whitmore, but the billion-dollar question is why is Lex interested in them? Seeing Michael & Max creeping up behind Lex, Clark continued to distract Lex.

“I’m thinking that’s not going to happen. So, why would you be interested in the boy, anyways?” Clark questioned.

Creeping up behind Lex, Michael reached up and grabbed Lex in the shoulder, pinching a nerve there, rendering him unconscious.

“So, who is the cue ball I knocked out?” Michael asked.

“That would be Lex Luther, I’ll explain later, but I think we should get out of here, before we have some more guests” Clark said.

“So, what do we do with him?” Max asked.

“I’ll bring him back to Luther Corp, Lionel can take care of him from there. I’m sure Lex will be looking me up, sooner or later, because I’ve got something he wants”, Clark said holding up the envelope, “Shall we get out of here?”

Lifting Lex off of the ground, Clark carried him, followed by Max and Michael, to the exit. Once outside Clark turned towards Max and Michael. “Do you two know your way back to the parking garage?”

“I’m sure we can find our way back there, why?” Max asked.

“Well, I thought I’d “run” Lex over to Luther Corp, and meet you back at the parking garage, so we don’t raise any suspensions carrying an unconscious man down the street”, responded Clark

“You’ve got a point, we’ll see you in a little bit”, Michael said, with that Clark & Lex disappeared into the night.

Back in Smallville

Finishing her grocery shopping, Liz walks up to the Kent’s truck and places the bags in the back, and continues walking towards the Pizza Barn.

Inside the Pizza Barn, Martha is sitting on a bench, located near the counter, waiting for the pizzas to cook. Hearing a bell ding, she turns towards the door, to see Liz walking through it and towards her.

“I think I got everything we’ll need, and here’s the change and receipt” Liz said, handing Martha the change.

“The pizzas should be done shortly, than we can get back to the farm” Martha said, taking the money that Liz offered her.

All of a sudden, Liz starts to receive a flash:

She sees Zan in a dark cave-like room. In the center of the room is an octagon shaped pedestal with a bunch of hieroglyphic symbols on it. All of a sudden, Zan places his hand in the middle of the pedestal illuminated the room with a blue light and then Zan disappears.

Coming out of her flash, she notices Martha’s concerned eyes, as she is holding her. “Are you ok?” she asked Liz, “Luckily, you were sitting down when you passed out”.

“I’m fine, but I need to reach Max, now, but I don’t know how.” The Pod Squad had given up on using cell phones, because the special unit seemed to be only two steps behind them, so why should they help them out.

“What’s going on Liz?”

“Not here, too many prying eyes and ears. I’ll tell you about it in the truck. Do you think Clark has his cell phone on him?

Dialing Clark’s number from her cell phone, Martha responds, “we can try, but I’m not sure if he’ll answer it.” After a few moments, Martha hangs up her phone. “There wasn’t an answer”.

At that moment, Martha’s name was called; their pizzas were ready for pickup. Looking towards Liz, Martha simply stated, “Let’s pick up the pizzas and we can discuss this out in the truck”.

Nodding, Liz followed Martha to the counter. Martha paid for the pizzas and she and Liz left the Pizza Barn. Once they got back in the truck, Liz started to explain what transpired.

“I had a flash, which is one of my special abilities, and I saw Zan in a cave-like place. There was an octagon table in the middle of the room. He placed his hand in the middle, and then he disappeared”, Liz frantically relayed her flash to Martha.

“Oh dear, I think you’re right, we need to get a hold of Max, and Clark, but firsts lets get back to the farm, and make sure Zan is there, and not in any trouble”. Martha put the key in the ignition, started the truck, and pulled onto the road leading them to the farm.

Back on the Kent Farm

Maria and Isabel have deposited everyone’s luggage into their respective guest rooms, except for Max and Liz’s. Kyle, feeling the need to be clean, decided to take this opportunity to take a shower.

“So, you want to investigate the barn with me?” Maria asked Isabel, grabbing Liz’s bags.

“Sure, I’ve got to check out this “Fortress of Solitude” Zan was talking about”, Isabel said, grabbing Max’s bag, “lead the way”.

With that, the girls walked out of the house and down the path to the barn. Entering the barn, it looked like any other barn, with farm implements here and there, and hay piled up in the corners. They located the stairs leading up to the loft, and proceeded to climb the steps. Upon reaching the top, both of them were amazed.

“It looks like a little family room up here”, leaving Max’s bags by the couch, Isabel ventured over to the telescope, set up by the barn loft window, pointed towards the cosmos. Peaking through its lens, Isabel was thinking what could be going through Clark’s mind, each time he looked through the lens, trying to locate a world out there that no longer existed. Then she began to wonder where her world was, and what it was like there.

While Isabel was well absorbed in looking through the telescope, Maria looked around the rest of the loft. In one corner, it looked like a little office, complete with a desk and bookshelves. Clark had an assortment of books, and it looked like he was really interested in the local Native Americans and their customs and languages. Among the other normal things on the desk was a framed picture of a really attractive brunette, probably his girlfriend, thought Maria. She moved over to the middle of the loft, where the couch was located. Clark had it set up like a miniature family room, a coffee table situated on a round beaded rug and a side table with a lamp on it. She could definitely understand why he spent most of his time out here. It was really peaceful.

“So, what are you looking at?” Maria asked, walking over to Isabel.

“Not much to look at except the neighboring farm and the stars, “ stated Isabel, “it is quite nice up here though, not exactly what I had pictured. Think we should get back to the house?”

“Sure, I hope Zan found his way back, because I wouldn’t have the first clue of where to look for him”

“Hey look, I think Liz and Martha are on their way back,” Isabel said, pointing to the oncoming headlights from the road. “Let’s go down and meet them”. They both proceeded down the steps and through the barn, meeting the truck in the driveway.

“Need some help with the pizzas?” offered Maria.

“That would be great,” Liz said, handing over the pizzas to Maria, “Do you know where Zan is?”

“Not sure, he went off exploring the farm. We thought it wouldn’t hurt anything and figured he needed a little “alone” time. I’m sure he hasn’t gone too far,” Isabel said.

“This isn’t good”, Liz said grabbing the grocery bags out of the back of the truck, joined by Isabel and Martha.

“What do you mean, this isn’t good, did you see something Liz?” questioned Isabel.

“Yeah, I had a flash that he was in a cave-like room one moment and then all of a sudden he disappeared.” Liz answered, walking down the path back to the house.

“I can see Max is going to have a real time holding onto that kid” Maria said, trying to lighten the situation a little bit, “did you try to get a hold of Max or Clark?”

“We tried to contact Clark, but he didn’t take his cell phone” Martha said, holding the kitchen door open for her guests.

Inside, Kyle was sitting at the kitchen table, looking through a magazine he found in his bags, when he noticed the girls entering through the back door. “Whoever said Smallville didn’t have pizza delivery” he said, grabbing the pizzas from Maria.

“We can’t eat yet, we need to go out and find Zan. Liz had a flash, and we think he’s in trouble”, interjected Isabel, “Do you know where these caves are Martha?”

“I think we should concentrate our efforts closer to the farm, at least until Clark gets back, because he’s more familiar with the surrounding caves, called the Kawatchee Caves than I am.” Martha suggested. Feeling the need to explain herself further, Martha continued, “He’s been studying the caves for the last three years and I believe he’ll know exactly where Zan is located once he hears Liz’s description, plus I wouldn’t want to be responsible for sending out another search party for the rest of you”.

Not really happy with this idea, but seeing the logic behind it, the group agreed and divided up to search the farm.

Back in Metropolis

Clark, using his super speed, made his way to Lionel’s office, and deposited Lex’s body in one of the black leather sofas. Using Lionel’s office phone, he called Lionel, and told him they were on their way. Lionel was already on the rooftop along with the Chambers. Finishing their brief conversation, Clark hung up the phone and sped back to the parking garage. He figured he’d inform Lionel of Lex’s location, when they met up on the rooftop.

Max and Michael didn’t have any problems working their way back to the parking garage. They didn’t have to wait too long, because before they knew it, Clark was standing beside them.

“So, are you two ready to take a helicopter ride?” Clark asked.

Michael, who is rarely startled, jumped, “Someone needs to put a bell around your neck! You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that, we’ve could’ve blasted you.”

“I think I could handle anything you bring at me,” Clark responded with a grin, “if you want to follow me, we’ll work our way back to Lionel’s office building”.

Following Clark, Max and Michael made their way to another underground parking garage, which didn’t take them long. They walked over to the elevator, and when they arrived Clark pushed the button. After a few seconds, the door opened, and the trio entered the elevator and Clark pushed the Roof Top button. After a few moments, the doors opened, and they exited the elevator. The helicopter hadn’t arrived yet, but Lionel and the Chambers were there to meet them. Brief introductions were made and Clark took Lionel aside to let him know Lex was unconscious in his office.

After a few moments, the helicopter could be seen in the distance, working it’s way to the heli-pad. Upon it’s landing, Clark helped the Chambers get situated in their seats, being very careful of their injuries. Max and Michael hopped in after the Chambers were strapped in. Clark turned towards Lionel, figuring he was going to make the trip too.

“I think I’ll just stay back here. I’ve got some business, back in my office that I need to attend too. If you need anything, just give me a call”, with that Lionel and Clark nodded to each other and Lionel disappeared into the elevator.

“Well, I have a few things to wrap up here, I’ll meet you back at the farm” Clark yelled to the group in the helicopter. The helicopter hadn’t stopped rotating its blades, and Clark’s hair was flying all over the place. Closing the door, Clark step back and waited to make sure they were safely on their way, and then he disappeared, making his way back to Smallville.

In the Kawatchee Cave

Zan was beginning to feel a little bit overwhelmed, but he still felt the needed to continue on this little adventure. One question he was pondering was how he ended up in this secret room by using his hand to open the door. The room was, for the most part dark, except for the mysterious blue light coming from the center of the room. There was just a single stone pedestal about three feet out of the floor. On top of the pedestal laid a stone tablet, with many of the same hieroglyphic symbols that were on the cave walls. In the center of the stone tablet was the same octagon shape embedded into the stone. Looking around the room, seeing no other way out, Zan placed his hand in the center octagon shape and was wisped away from this little town of Smallville. The next moment, he was standing in a brightly lit room. The room was circular, with metal walls rising up diagonally towards the ceiling. In the middle of the room was a three-foot pyramid. The bottom half of the pyramid was made of stone, and had some more hieroglyphic symbols embedded in it. On top of the pyramid base was a crystal prism, where most of the light was coming from in the room. On top of the small pyramid was an extraordinary sight. He was looking at a moving vortex which reached into ceiling and beyond with the tip barely touching the tip of the pyramid. Little did Zan know, but he was standing in the middle of an undiscovered Granolith in Roswell, New Mexico.

TBC

[sdcheesehead]

Jennifer24, Timelord31, & TessHardingEvans: Thanks for your continued support. The Chambers and Max & Liz will sit down and talk in the next chapter (Chpt 9), where I hope I'll answer most of your questions. In this chapter, you'll find out (a little bit on) how Clark and the Pod Squad are linked. I'm not going to devulge to much, yet

A/N: Also, thanks to Lauren and TessHardingEvans for all their help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback

Chapter 8 – The Granolith

The mood inside the helicopter was very awkward as they flew over Metropolis, Bob and Brenda Chambers were trying their hardest to get comfortable in their seats, due to the injuries they had sustained in the accident at Summerholt. Clark was right in his initial observation at the accident sight, Bob had broken two of his ribs, and his chest was bound together with bandages, mainly for protection. He was having trouble breathing, because each time he would breathe in, it would send a severe pain through his chest. He didn’t want to let the doctors in on how bad he actually felt, because he really wanted to get out of the hospital, so he could find his son and reunite his family. Brenda had also suffered some bodily injuries too. She had broken her leg, which had to be set and placed in a cast before she could leave the hospital. She also required some stitches on her head and thank goodness for the pain medicines the hospital gave her; otherwise she would be in a lot more pain than she was in. Looking over at Max and Michael, both the Chambers were wondering what their story was. How were they involved and why were they sitting with them, on their way to see their son?

Michael was staring out the window, overlooking the city at night, taking in all the sights. This was Michael’s first flight, and like Max he was in awe. “Look at the city; it’s really cool from this point of view.”

“I know, you should see it at sunset. It was really beautiful then. In a few moments, you won’t even see the city, and it’ll be pitch black, except for a farm here and there. Very creepy,” Max informed him.

Turning towards the Chambers, Max asked, “How are you two doing?”

“It’s a bit bumpy,” gasped Bob, trying to catch his breath, “so how long is this trip going to take, do you know?”

“We should be there within the next twenty minutes”, informed Max. Turning to Michael, he whispered “when we get back to the farm, I think I’m going to heal them, he looks like he’s in a lot of pain.”

Michael nodded in concurrence. The rest of the trip was made in silence, as each of the occupants looked out their windows into the darkness of the night.

Back in Smallville

Clark made his way back to the farm, but when he entered the house nobody was there. Going back into the yard, he noticed the farm truck was still there and his guest’s van was parked over by the barn. Where was everyone? Listening intensely, using his super-hearing, he heard them calling out for Zan. Zeroing in on his mother’s voice, he sped over to her location.

“What going on mom?”
Jumping, Martha turned towards her son “Thank goodness you’re back, Zan has gone missing, and I think he’s in the caves. We need to gather everyone and meet back at the house. I take it Max and Michael are on their way back.”

“And the Chambers, they should be here shortly.”

“I’ll meet you back at the house, could you round everyone else up?”

“Sure,” Clark sped away and found Maria, Isabel, Liz and Kyle checking one of the other out buildings.

“Hi guys, hope I didn’t startle you?” Clark said grinning, knowing full well he did.

“You’d be a great addition to any Halloween party, sneaking up on people like that.” Kyle remarked.

“Sorry about that. My mom said we should meet back at the house. Max, Michael and the Chambers should be here shortly too.” Clark said.

Following Clark, they wandered back to the farmhouse. In the distance, a helicopter could be heard getting closer. Deciding to meet the helicopter, Clark led them to the open driveway.

The helicopter arrived and Clark went over to open the doors. Max and Michael hopped out, and turned to assist the Chambers. Once everyone was clear of the helicopter, it lifted off the ground and returned to Metropolis.

“Welcome to the Kent farm, let’s get you inside,” Martha suggested.

Max went over to embrace Liz. “I really hated being away from you today, let’s say we don’t do that again” kissing her, a connection is formed, but instead of the normal passionate connections they normally feel when they kiss, he felt fear and uncertainty. “What’s wrong Liz?” he whispered in her ear.

“I had a flash, and Zan has gone missing again. We’ve been looking for him on the farm, but Martha thinks Clark will know where we should look.” Liz said, staring up into Max’s soulful blue eyes.

Maria runs over to Michael and gives him a big hug, “Hey there Spaceboy, miss me?”

Michael responded by returning her hug, and kissing her, “of course I did, so is there any pizza left, I’m starving?”

Maria smacked him in the shoulder, “Is that all you think about, your stomach? The truth is, we haven’t had a chance to eat it, and more pressing matters came up. Zan’s missing, again.”

Michael looked over to Max, who was looking over towards Clark.

Speaking directly to Max, Clark mouthed, “Let’s discuss it inside.”

Everyone moved towards the house, when Bob, noticed Clark for the first time and exclaimed, “How did you get here so quickly, you’re the one that helped us onto the helicopter?” Looking frantically around, he asked “Where’s my son?”

“Let’s get inside and then we can sit down and talk”

Inside the Granolith

Zan was in awe of his surroundings. What was going on? Afraid to touch anything else, he walked around the room. There wasn’t much to the rest of the room. There were just metal walls, but the vortex in the center of the room stumped him. Unsure of how to get out of this mess, he sat down on the floor, with his back to the wall and stared up at the vortex. There was a slight humming noise in the background and the vortex had a mesmerizing affect on him. It had been a very long day, first he showed up for his doctor’s appointment, was separated from his parents, blasted his way out of the clinic, found out he was an alien, and now he was lost. Tired, he lay down on the floor, using his sweatshirt as a pillow and fell asleep.

Back at the Kent Farm

Everyone was situated in the living room again. Bob and Brenda where sitting on the loveseat Clark and Chloe had occupied before, and Clark took a chair from the kitchen , leaving the other loveseat for Max and Liz to sit in.

“Okay, I want to know what’s going on. I was told by Mr. Luthor that our son was here, so where is he?” Bob started.

Max looked towards Clark, and asked “Where do we start? Zan’s gone missing; I think our first priority should be to find him.” Agreeing, Clark nodded.

“Who is Zan, and again I ask you, where is my son?” Bob aggressively said.

Addressing the Chambers, Max explained. “Our son, you know him as Brett and we know him as Zan has gone missing. There are too many things going on right now, that will take a lot of explaining to do and we don’t have a lot of time, but I need you both to trust us. We are all on the same side. I said “our” son, because for reasons I don’t wish to discuss right now, I am his biological father. I’m not here to take him away from you, but since I am his biological father, he is developing some gifts; which is the reason they were going to take him away from both of us. I possess some special gifts too, which I’m willing to share with you, in good faith, if you both can give us your trust and not ask any questions until we get him back. Do you think we can work together to get him back?”

Looking stunned, they each looked at each other and nodded. “What are these gifts you’re talking about?” asked Brenda.

Walking over to Bob, Max kneeled down on the floor next to him. Looking up into Bob’s eyes, Max said, “Just close your eyes and relax, this won't hurt”. Unsure of what was going to happen, Bob reluctantly closed his eyes. “Now, I’m going to place my hand on your chest and you may feel a little weird, but don’t break the connection” and then Max laid his hands on Bob’s chest. Everyone in the room stared on, as a green light sprang from Max’s hand and reached into Bob’s body. Brenda, sitting next to her husband, was in awe. Inside Bob’s body, the ribs were repairing themselves, along with all the bumps and bruises he had sustained. In the connection, Max saw Zan, through Bob’s eyes. The day the Chambers brought him home from the adoption agency. Waking up in the middle of the night and caring for him. Watching him taking his first steps, and saying his first words, Max realized these people truly loved his son as their own. They would have to work together, as a family, to raise their son. Breaking the connection, Max pulled away. Bob opened his eyes and looked at Max, “What was that?”

“I just healed you; you should be able to take those bandages off now. Bob stood up, and began to pull off the bandages. Taking a deep breath and exhaling he exclaimed “Wow that was amazing, can Brett do that too?”

“Eventually, I’m sure he’ll be able too.” Turning towards Brenda, Max asked “Would you like to get rid of that cast too?” With a nod from Brenda, Max mended the broken bone in her leg and all her other ailments, than he looked towards Clark and said. “I healed her, but I’m not able to take the cast off, do you have a saw, so we can cut it off.”

“Sure, I’ll go get one.” Clark said, left briefly, and returned with the saw. Cutting off the cast and throwing it aside, Brenda was able to stand and walk again, without the crutches.

“Thank you very much, I’m sorry, I forgot your name, and I don’t know any of your names.” Brenda said pointing to the rest of the group, so brief introductions were made.

“Okay, now we need to find Zan. What do we know?” Max addressed the group, in a leadership stance.

Isabel started. “When you left to go back to Metropolis, Liz and Martha went to town, so we decided to unpack the van. Zan went exploring, and we didn’t think he’d go too far, plus where would he go? Anyways, that was the last time we saw him.”

Liz continued. “While Martha and I were at the Pizza Barn, I had a flash”

“You had a what?” commented Bob.

Looking towards Bob, Max said as politely as he could, “There are going to be some things brought up, that you may not understand, like this, we’ll explain everything later, but let’s just concentrate on getting our son back.” Turning back to Liz he said “Go on”.

“Like I said, I had a flash. I saw Zan in a cave-like place. There was an octagon table in the middle of the room.”

“How did he get inside the secret chamber Clark?” Martha asked.

“I really don’t know, I still have the key.” Clark said, “Did you see anything else Liz?”

“Well, Zan placed his hand in the middle of table and disappeared.”

“Do you think he’s at the ‘Fortress’?” questioned Martha.

“Only one way to find out,” looking towards Liz and Max, Clark asked, “Do you two want to join me?” They each nodded.

“Don’t forget your winter coats,” suggested Michael, “Isn’t that what Chloe said in the car?”

“I want to come, he is my son too,” Bob said pleadingly, “and I’m concerned about his safety, as much as you are.”

Clark looked towards Max and nodded. “Okay, but just remember, no questions until we get him back to the farm, do I have your word?” Max asked Bob.

“Yes, I understand, no questions, except one, why a winter jacket? I don’t have one.”

“You’ll understand when we get there, right now I’ll loan you one of mine.” Looking towards Liz and Max, he asked if they had any jackets, shaking they’re head “no”, Clark rummaged up a couple more jackets. Grabbing the “key”, they walked towards the door. “Go ahead and eat, we’ll be back soon” Clark stated, as he, Bob, Max and Liz left.

“So, how far are these caves?” Max asked Clark.

“Just through the pasture, up by an old construction site. At one time “Luthor Corp” was going to build an office building there, but we discovered the Kewatchee Caves and some friends of mine put together a campaign to save the caves.”

They went around the construction site, to the actual cave entrance, and entered the caves. The generator was still running, providing a little light for the group. Liz noticed all the high tech scientific workstations, which were set up here and there, damaged by what seemed to be a rock slide. “What happened here Clark and what were they studying?”

“Well, my good friend Lionel Luthor,” Clark started, sarcastically, “became very interested in these caves, once he saw some of the writings and drawings on the walls. He thought they may have been placed there by people from a “different” world. He brought in many different scientists to study the hieroglyphics, but a year ago in May a second meteor shower hit Smallville, and destroyed a good portion of the town including these caves and much of their scientific equipment.”

“Do you understand what they mean or say?” Liz inquired, checking out the walls.

“Yes, I do. I’ve been studying these walls too, for nearly 4 years, but my “father” finally enlightened me to their meaning. Okay, here we are.” Looking towards Bob, who had been pretty silent up to this point, Clark knew there was no turning back. Raising his hand towards the center octagon shape, a white light came out of his hand, which opened the door to a secret chamber.

Bob stared, in awe at what was happening before him, but he kept to his promise to keep quiet. Entering the room, the door closed behind them.

Liz and Max were in awe too. Their cave, the pod chamber, was a little different, but they also had their own language inscribed here and there, and they had their own alien artifacts to bring into the mix. Surrounding the octagon table, Clark announced “I think this would be a good time to put on your jackets.”

“You don’t need one?” Max questioned.

“The cold doesn’t bother me. Okay, now everyone surround the table. When I place the key in its slot, you’ll feel a pulling sensation, that’s normal. When we exit, we’ll be at the ‘Fortress’. Are we ready?” Looking around, Clark made sure everyone was ready, and placed the key in its slot. A moment later, they were wisped away, and transported to the “Fortress of Solitude”.

“Welcome to my ‘Fortress of Solitude’.” Clark announced.

“Wow, this is beautiful, I’ve never seen anything like this.” Liz said, cuddly up against Max. “No wonder Chloe suggested winter coats. What is this place?”

“This is a replica of my home planet ‘Krypton’” Clark said, directing them to the center of the ‘Fortress’ where the Kryptonian crystal terminal stood.

Bob, still silent, ears piped up at the mention of “home planet” and “Krypton”. Was his son an alien? So much was going through his mind.

“So, do you see Zan?” Max asked, looking around. He was also amazed at the complexity of this place.

“No, I don’t. That’s odd, there’s no place to go up here.” Clark called out aloud to the ‘Fortress’ and stated, “Father, I have come to you for some guidance.”

I loud voice echo throughout this ‘Ice Palace’. “Kal-El, it is so nice to hear from you again. What is it that you seek?” Jor-El asked.

“I am searching for a young boy, who is also not from my adoptive world, but not from Krypton. He was seen placing his hand in the middle of the portal, and I thought he was brought here. Do you know where he went?”

“Is the boy a descendent of the Antarian Royal bloodline?” Jor-El questioned.

Looking towards Max, and with a nod of “yes”, Clark answered, “Yes, he is.”

Now Bob was totally confused. He had deduced that his son was not only an alien, but was from an alien royal family. It just keeps getting stranger and stranger, he thought to himself.

“Only a hand of a member of the Antarian Royal bloodline or you, my son, can open up the portal to the Granolith.” Informed Jor-El, “To find the boy, you need to go back to the portal, and place your hand in the middle of the table, and you will be transported to the Granolith.”

“What is this Granolith?” questioned Clark.

“It’s a way back to Antar”, Max simply stated, “but it was destroyed, when Tess went back to have Zan on Antar, so I don’t know how he could’ve been transported there.”

Adding everything up in his head, Bob was adding this girl’s name to the list. Tess, she must be Brett’s biological mother, and it looks like Brett wasn’t even born on Earth. He was born on some planet called Antar.

“My son, protect this boy, at all cost. I have heard there is a prophecy out there, in which the boy is an essential party too. You and your friends will need to protect and guide him, teach him about himself so he will be ready to fulfill his destiny. Now, I must leave you. Take care Kal-El, my son.”

The ‘Fortress’ was silent again.

“What is it with ‘destinies’ and ‘prophecies’, why don’t they just hand us a manual and say here…do this.” Max said, frustrated. “Everything is always so cryptic.”

“You get that too, I see.” Clark said, feeling his frustration. “I wonder sometimes why I’m here, and I get these cryptic messages all the time. A couple of years ago, I was told to go around and collect these crystals. I couldn’t see the point in the whole thing, if Jor-El would’ve just told me, go get the crystals, bring them together and throw them into the artic somewhere and I’ll build you this “Fortress’, hey, I would’ve been more motivated to do it.”

“Well, at least you’re able to talk to your father. We’ve only seen my mother once in a hologram message, which informed us, of who we were and our place in our world, but that was it. Oh, we also got a book, written in Antarian, but that did us a lot of good, we couldn’t read it! Eventually, the book was deciphered, but I couldn’t tell you the meaning of one symbol from another.”

“My mother, Lara, and my father died when my planet was destroyed. Only his essence is alive in here. He left me a very detailed account of my world and history, and all I have to do is ask, but I haven’t had a chance to even dive into a portion of it. Luckily, I was “downloaded” with the Kryptonian language, because before that, I didn’t have a clue what was written on the walls.”

Bob finally spoke up, “the voice said we needed to go back to the cave room, right? Shouldn’t we go back and see if we can find Brett?”

Forgetting that Bob was even on this field trip, Clark nodded and walked back to the portal room. Whispering to Max, Clark said, “I bet he’s going to have a lot questions for us later on.” Max nodded his head in agreement. “Well, he hasn’t seen the Granolith yet, if there is another one out there.” Max added.

“Clark, I must say, you have quite a nice place here, a bit cold, but absolutely beautiful.” Liz stated.

“Thanks, just a little piece of home.” Clark said. “Just like before, stand around the portal.” With that, Clark inserted the key, and they were back in the Kewatchee Caves. Still standing around the table, Clark looked towards Max.

“Well, let’s see what happens, do you want to place your hand in the center?” Clark asked.

Nodding, Max brought his hand to the center of the table, where the octagon shape was embedded. His hand turned green, and again they were wisped away.

Next thing they knew, they were inside the Granolith. Zan was curled up on the floor, sleeping. Max and Bob, walked over to him, and gently shook him, and woke him up.

“Hey sleepy head, miss me?” Bob asked.

Jumping up, out of his slumber, Zan ran into his father’s arms “Dad, how did you find me?” Then, he saw Max, Liz and Clark. Letting go of his father, he walked over to Max and gave him a hug. “Thank you for finding me. Where are we anyway?”

“Welcome to a piece of my world. This is the Granolith, I thought it was designed as a spaceship that could only be used once, but I didn’t know it could be used as a portal.” Max said.

“I did.” Liz said.

Looking at Liz questionably, Max asked “What do you mean?”

“Well, awhile back a “Future” Max came to me to warn me that I had to make you fall out of love with me, so that you and Tess would get together. He said he use the Granolith as his “time machine”, for lack of a better word.” Liz said.

How could Max forget? That was when he “caught” Liz and Kyle in bed, and thought they had slept together, which didn’t happen, but it had worked, and he did eventually end up sleeping with Tess.

“Where are we at Max? The Granolith was used already, and the pod chamber was destroyed?” Liz questioned.

“I don’t know. I didn’t know there was another Granolith.” Max said. Going up to the door, Max lifted his hand, near the wall, where a handprint mysteriously appeared. Placing his hand, on the handprint, the door to the Granolith opened. They were inside another cave.

The cave was really dark. Cupping his hands, Max produced a blue light, enough to brighten up the room of the cave. On one wall, the Royal Antarian “V” symbol was embedded, which was the same place Michael had placed the healing stones.

“I know where we are!” exclaimed Liz.

“So do I. This is the cave on the Mesaliko Indian Reservation. The same cave River Dog showed us, and where we saved Michael’s life.” Max said, going towards the exit of the cave, followed closely by Liz, Clark, Zan and Bob. “We’ve made our way back home, we’re in Roswell.”

Not able to contain himself anymore, Bob exclaimed, “ Wow, I started out in Kansas, went to the North Pole, now I’m in Roswell, New Mexico, man you’ll have a lot explaining to do, when we get back to the farm.”

Liz was standing off to the side by herself, looking up at the stars, when Max came up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist. She didn’t realize how homesick she was, and her family was just a couple miles back into town. So close, yet she was still too far away. “We can come back tomorrow, but I think we need to get back to the farm.” Max whispered into her ear.

Turning around, with a tear in her eye, she kissed Max, and the both of them turned back towards the entrance of the cave. Max produced the blue light source again in the palm of his hands, and Liz, Zan, Bob and Clark followed them back into the cave. Coming up to the Granolith entrance, Max turned towards Zan.

“Zan, would you raise the palm of your hand to the wall, please?” Zan followed Max’s instructions, and a handprint appeared. “Place your hand inside the handprint.” Zan did as he was told, opening up the door to the Granolith. Extinguishing the light in his hand, they each entered the Granolith, the door closing behind them. “Only a member of the royal family can open the door to the Granolith” Max told Zan.

Rising his hand towards the vortex, Max motioned in a circular movement, until the Whirlwind Galaxy symbol materialized. Looking at the others in the room, Max said, “I think this will work the same way as your key. Everyone needs to surround the vortex, and then I’ll try to activate it.” When everyone was ready, Max placed his hand in the center of the symbol, and the group was transferred to the center of the vortex, and transported back to the Kewatchee Caves.

[sdcheesehead]

Timelord 31 - Glad you liked the last part. I hope I'm able to answer any questions the Chambers would come up with, in this chapter. Enjoy

Jennifer24 - Wow, we must be on the same page. I'll be sending the Pod Squad & guests back to Roswell. Their actual trip will take place in my next chapter, which I'm still in the process of writing, but it's been a blast writing it. Again, I hope I answered any lingering questions you may have had.

A/N: In this chapter, the Chambers will learn about their son and his relationship with the Pod Squad. I hope I'm able to answer most of your questions (and the Chambers). Also, thanks to Lauren and TessHardingEvans for all their help & advice in the editing department. Again, I look forward to hearing what you think and I really do appreciate all the feedback



Chapter 9 – Return to Roswell

Back at the Kent farm, everyone was finishing up their pizzas, still sitting around the fireplace in the living room.

“Thanks Mrs. Kent for the pizzas, it really hit the spot. I didn’t realize how hungry I really was.” Isabel said.

“Oh, you’re very welcome. It’s so nice having company here at the farm. Normally, it’s just Clark and me.”

Getting himself another Snapple, Michael picked up the bottle of Tabasco sauce and added a little spice to his drink.

Brenda was looking at him with a disgusted look on her face. “Why are you putting Tabasco sauce in your drink, that can’t taste good?”

“Everyone has something ‘quirky’ about themselves; I guess this is one of mine. It brings a little flavor to my drink. Do you what to try?” Michael said, offering her the bottle of Tabasco sauce.

“Oh, no thank you. Your right, everyone has something ‘quirky’ about themselves; but that is just odd. How did you ever come up with that combination?”

Isabel interjected. “Maybe it’s just a southwestern thing, like adding Tabasco sauce to eggs.”

“True, I’ve heard of that.” Brenda remarked. “So, how long do you think they’ll be gone?”

“It shouldn’t take them long, if Zan is up at the ‘Fortress’” Martha said.

“What is this ‘Fortress’ you’ve been speaking about and why did my husband and your friends need jackets, it’s not very cold outside?” Brenda asked.

“I wish I could tell you more, but this is something Clark will have to explain, when he gets back.” Martha responded. “But, if we’re right, they will be returning with Zan.”

“Why do you keep calling my son Zan, and not Brett?”

“Earlier, when we brought your son here to the farm, after the accident, Clark, Max, your son and I had a discussion, similar to the discussion we will be having later on tonight, with you and your husband.” Martha began, “Certain things were revealed to your son and at his request; he asked that we call him Zan. We don’t mean to be disrespectful to you and your husband, but we are following his request.”

Taking in the conversations going on around her, Brenda thought to herself, “So much has happened to us today. We started out at our home in Metropolis, had our son taken away from us, and were victims to the building coming down on us. We sustain some injuries, causing us to be transported to Metropolis General, just to have us wisped away to this farm to have our injuries healed, before our eyes, and now our son is missing, again. There’s only so much a person can handle. Speaking aloud again, she asked, “What is really going on?”

“I’m sorry we can’t tell you what’s going on, but it’s not our story to tell, so we just need to be patient, and wait for them to get back.” Maria said, snuggling up to Michael on the loveseat. “I hope they get back soon, because it has been a long day and I’m getting tired.”

At that moment, the kitchen door swung open and in walked Clark, Max, Liz, Bob and Zan. Zan ran over to his mother and gave her a big hug. “I really missed you mom.”

“I missed you too, honey. Are you okay? We were really worried about you.” Brenda said, embracing her son, and kissing him on his forehead.

“I’m fine, but there’s a lot we need to talk about.” Zan stated. “I smell pizza, is there any more left?”

“I saved a couple pizzas in the oven Clark, if you want to heat them up.” Martha suggested.

Pulling the pizzas out of the oven, and laying them on the stove, Clark stood with his back to his guests using his heat vision he warmed up the pizzas. Max witnessed this little display of his powers and asked “doesn’t that change the flavor of your food?”

“What do you mean?” Clark asked.

“We can do something similar to what you just did, but it seems to change the taste of the food.” Max stated.

Handing a piece to Max, Clark responds “I’ve never noticed, what do you think?”

Max took the slice of pizza and bit into it, “It taste like it came straight from the oven,” Max stated grabbing a couple more pieces for him and Liz, and retreating to the living room.

Clark grabbed a couple slices, along with Bob and Zan, and they moved into the living room too.

After everyone was seated, Bob spoke up, “I agreed and kept my end of the bargain, about keeping quiet, now it’s time to explain everything, especially what I witnessed tonight.”

Brenda looked over at her husband and asked, “What exactly did you witness tonight?”

“Well, first of all, we go down into these caves, and Clark opens this cave wall door by holding his hand up to the wall and directing a light beam from his hand to the center of the wall. Then, we went into a room, and stood around this octagon table, until Clark put his key in some slot, which transported us to an “Ice Palace” located somewhere near the North Pole.”

“Is this true?” Brenda asked, looking towards Clark.

“Yes, I’m not from this world. I was born on the planet Krypton, but my parents sent me away, before my world was destroyed, and the Kents found me in the first meteor shower and raised me as their own. The “Ice Palace” he mentioned is a replica of my home world, which I call my ‘Fortress of Solitude’. The voice you heard was my biological father Jor-El, whom I go to for advice, when I need it.” Clark explained.

Brenda was the only one in the room that was in shock. Looking around the room, she noticed that everyone else was okay with being in the room with a visitor from another planet.

“Okay, that somewhat explains that,” continued Bob. “The voice, your father, mentioned something about a royal bloodline, what is that all about and how does Brett fit into the scheme of things?”

“You really were listening.” Max stated. “Well, that’s where I come in, and my extended family. I’m also not from this world. Our world, Antar, was also having some problems. There was a plot to kill off the royal family, so some scientists got together, and engineered an alien-hybrid, which combined the essence of the royal family along with human DNA. I am one of these alien-hybrids. On the planet Antar, I would be recognized as their King, my sister Isabel, and Michael are also alien-hybrids. There was a forth among us, named Tess, who is Zan’s biological mother. She died last year.”

“If I understand correctly, my son was born on Antar, so does that make him an alien too?” Bob questioned.

“Yes, he was born on Antar, but Tess brought him back to Earth, because she said Antar refused to accept him on the throne, because of his human status. We were under the impression that he was all human, that is the reason I placed him up for adoption. I wanted him to live a normal “human” life. As you know, he isn’t exactly human after all. When you took him to Summerholt, to have him tested, most of the tests came back normal, except for his blood work, which turned up a little green. He didn’t know what he was doing, but when his emotions started to get the better of him, he was able to blast his way out of Summerholt. Thank goodness Clark was there and was able to scoop him up, and bring him here.”

“How did you know where our son was? We were under the impression it was a closed adoption.” Brenda asked.

“My wife, Liz, had a premonition that Zan was in danger, and since we share such a strong connection, we were able to find our way to the Summerholt Institute, but it was too late. Again, thank goodness Martha was there to help us out. We were able to convince her to let us follow her up here to Smallville.”

“So, is Liz an alien too?” Brenda asked.

“Not exactly, Liz is a special case. A few years back, Liz was shot in the stomach, while working as a waitress at the Crashdown Café in Roswell, New Mexico. Close to death, I saved her life by healing her. I’m not sure why, but recently, she started changing, and developing some of the same “gifts” we possess, including the unique gift of premonitions. She was born here, but now she’s just as alien as I am.”

“Since you healed us, will we turn into aliens too?” Bob asked.

“Liz is the only one this has ever happened too. I think it’s because we are, in some strange way, ‘soul mates’. We just need each other, I can’t explain it any better then that.”

“Are there anymore aliens among us?” Brenda asked, looking around the room.

“Nope” Zan said, and with a smiled he announced “just Clark, Max, Liz, Michael, Isabel and me. The rest are humans. Welcome to the ‘I know an Alien Club’ mom and dad.”

Smiling Brenda gave her son a hug. Bob looked towards Max and Clark and asked, “So do you want to explain what’s going on with the Granolith, and how we ended up in Roswell, New Mexico?”

“You were in Roswell?” Maria jumped up and asked, “But How?”

“And how do they know about the Granolith, Maxwell?” Michael asked. “Tess destroyed it, on her little trip back to Antar.”

“It seems our two worlds are linked,” Clark said. “I don’t know quite how, but Jor-El said something about protecting Zan, at all costs, because there is some prophecy out there that he’s a major player in. We’re supposed to teach him about his abilities, which will help him fulfill his destiny. After we got Jor-El’s cryptic message, he told us how to enter the Granolith, so we transported back to Smallville, and continued on to the Granolith.”

Max continued. “We materialized in an operational Granolith, a different one. We found Zan sleeping on the floor and woke him up. I found and opened a door in the side of the cave. Once through, we were standing in the cave on the Mesaliko Indian Reservation, where we saved your life Michael.”

“What is the Granolith?” Martha asked.

“Well, in the past, we only knew it to be a spaceship, our only way to get back home, and when Tess went back to Antar to have Zan, we thought she took our only means of transportation back. It looks like there is more to the Granolith than we originally thought; it acts as a portal too.” Max stated. “Oh, there’s another thing, I had Zan open the Granolith door, and he was able too. According to Jor-El, only a member of the Antarian Royal blood line or Clark can open the door, verifying that Zan is truly my son.”

“Why do you all call Brett ‘Zan’?” questioned Bob.

“Zan is my Antarian name, and when Tess returned to Earth, we learned that she named the baby after me. That is the name we are familiar with, but when we first addressed ‘our’ son, I called him and introduced him by his given name ‘Brett’. After he learned about his situation, and who he was, he said we could refer to him as ‘Zan’. If you would like us to refer to him by his given name, we can. We mean no disrespect to you two.” Max said.

Turning to his parents, Zan said, “Isn’t it funny how things happen, you named me ‘Brett Alexander Chambers’, and my middle name sounds so much like ‘Zan’, do you think it would be too far fetched to refer to me as ‘Zan’ as a nickname? You can still call me ‘Brett’, if you like, it is my name, but so is ‘Zan’.”

Nodding, the Chambers embraced their son. “We love you Zan” they each said.

“So, where do we go from here” asked Brenda.

“What do you mean?” Max asked.

“Well, we understand that you’re his biological father, but we’re his adoptive parents and legal guardians.” Bob said.

“I think we need to work together. You’re right; he is legally your son and I’m not going to try to take him away from you, because I saw into each of your souls, when I healed you, and I know how much you both really care for ‘our’ son. You both have to realize that life in your home is going to change, as Zan changes. He’s going to start developing different abilities, and we can teach him how to control and use his abilities appropriately.” Max said.

“You were able to see into our souls? How does that work?” asked Brenda.

“Well, this is somewhat confusing, but when I laid my hand on each of you, to heal you, I formed a connection with your bodies, and while your bodies were healing themselves, I saw these ‘flashes’ or pictures of your life. The flashes I saw looked to be from the time Zan entered your lives,” responded Max.

“What kind of ‘abilities’ are we talking about?” Bob asked curiously.

“So far, I’ve noticed that he is able to send out an energy blast with his hands. He was also able to enter the Caves and the Granolith, and we were able to form a connection, which produced the Antarian royal seal on the ceiling. Since each of us is unique in our own way, it’s hard to determine what other ‘abilities’ he may acquire, but if we work together, we can help him control and use these abilities.” Max answered his question.

“Max, what do you mean you where able to produce the royal seal?” asked Isabel.

“Zan, do you want to help me demonstrate to the group the royal seal?” asked Max.

Getting up from his spot on the floor, Zan walked over to Max and extended his hands. Max took his hands in his and started the connection. Each of them witnessed different aspects of their life. As a blue light shown from their hands, the royal Antarian seal was portrayed on the ceiling.

“Wow, I’ve never seen that before,” Michael stated.

After their demonstration, Liz asked in a whisper, “Max, you mentioned a trip back to the Granolith tomorrow; do you still want to go?” His little group had heard her question, and they were looking at him, with anticipation in their eyes.

Max knew they were homesick. Liz missed her parents and even the Crashdown Café, the alien theme restaurant which her parents owned and operated. Maria, who was always very close to her mother, had left Roswell, with no explanation, except for Liz’s journal, which was sent after the fact. Kyle also had a close relationship with his father. He used to be the Roswell Sheriff, but was made to resign, mainly because of his relationship with the ‘Pod Squad’. Before they left Roswell, Jim Valenti got his job back at the sheriff’s department, but only as a deputy. Michael even missed Roswell. He wouldn’t come out and say it, but it was ‘home’. Being on the road and running from the special unit really took its toll on each of them. Before they had to leave, his adoptive parents, the Evans, just found out about their children’s alien status. Thankfully, they still loved and accepted them for who they were. All his parents got, before they left, was a quick goodbye from Isabel, during graduation. Of course, they heard the impromptu ‘goodbye’ speech their son gave, but it wasn’t the same thing. Max even missed the UFO center, his place of employment, and his former employer Brody Davis. That’s it! thought Max.

“Yes, and I have an idea. Clark, do you have a computer with Internet?” Max asked.

“Sure, why do you want to know?” Clark said.

“I use to work at the UFO Center,” Max started. Laughing, Clark cut in, “You’re kidding, right?”

“No, I really did. What better place to hide an ‘alien’ than right out in the open. Anyways, every year, about this time, they have the ‘Crash Festival’, where everyone dresses up as aliens. If we could look up on the Internet to see if it’s this weekend, I think we could go back to Roswell and visit our families without raising too much suspicion.”

“I can go check it out,” Isabel volunteered.

“I’ll show you where the computer is” offered Martha

“I’ll join you,” offered Kyle, lifting himself off his chair and following Isabel and Martha out of the room.

“How do you suggest we get from the caves to Roswell?” asked Michael.

“Too bad we can’t call Jim, and see if he could leave us a van near Frazier Woods where we camped out a couple of years ago.” Maria mentioned.

“Why can’t you call him?” asked Bob.

“Because I’m sure our families are still being monitored by the FBI.” Max said.

“Is there something we could do?” offered Bob. “I work for a car dealership, maybe I could call down to Roswell, and ask them for a loaner, in my name, and have this ‘Jim’ person pick it up. We don’t have any connections to any of you, and if the town is full with tourists for this Crash Festival, even better.”

Isabel and Kyle walked in. “Good news, the Crash Festival is being held in conjunction with the UFO Convention, so there will be a lot of extra people around.” Kyle said.

“Why are they holding the UFO Convention now, I thought it was suppose to be held on June 12th?. That was the day we thought we were going to die, according to Liz’s prediction, because the guest of honor, Bryce McCain, was supposed to speak at the Convention. Little did we know that he would also be speaking at our graduation” Max said.

“From what I was able to gather, the UFO Convention was cancelled, do to some needed repairs from damages sustained back in May. The town decided to bring the two attractions together.” Isabel informed the group.

“I bet they had some damages. I bet the special unit tore through that ‘Center’ looking for us, just like they tore through my house and the Evan’s house looking for Tess.” Kyle said agitatedly.

Understanding his frustration, the ‘Pod Squad’ nodded in agreement.

“So Bob, would you be willing to call Jim, and set things up?” Max asked.

“Why are you calling my dad?” Kyle asked.

“To see if he can pick up a van from the dealership, which Bob will get for us and leave it near Frazier Woods, we want to go back to Roswell for a visit. Plus I need to talk to Larek.” Max said.

“Why do you need to speak to Larek” asked Isabel.

Before Max could respond, Clark asked “Who’s Larek?”

“Larek is one of the rulers in my Galaxy. He uses my former boss, Brody, at the UFO Center as a vessel to communicate with me. When we were at the ‘Fortress’, Jor-El mentioned this prophecy involving Zan and I want to know if Larek knows anything about it.” Max said.

“Sounds like a plan is in motion, so who’s going to the ‘Crash’?” Michael asked.

“Aliens, dressing up as aliens, isn’t that just hilarious.” Clark said. “I’m in, sounds like fun. I’m sure Chloe wouldn’t mind going either. I’m sure she’s never been to Roswell either.”

Maria raised her hand, “Well, you know I’m there, but what will I wear?”

Isabel raised her hand, along with Kyle.

Liz, still in a somber mood, after the trip to the Granolith, didn’t need to raise her hand, Max knew how she felt.

Zan was sitting on the floor, looking at the hands going up, and finally spoke, “I would like to come too, but I don’t know if I should.”

Looking towards Bob and Brenda, Max asked, “Do you two want to come with us?”

“I think this is for the ‘younger’ crowd, and we really need to get back to Metropolis, but if Zan wants to go with you, you are his father too, and I see no reason why he can’t join you. I think we’ll need to set up some kind of arrangement for Zan to be at home with us, and also to be with his extended family, to train for whatever is needed of him, but we can take a look at that later,” suggested Bob.

Zan ran over to his father, and gave him a hug, “Thanks dad, you’re the greatest.”

“So, what do I say to Jim?” asked Bob.

The ‘Pod Squad’ sat and thought for a moment, what could they say to Jim, to make him realize that they were coming home, without dropping any “keywords” the listening ears would pick up.

“Do you think any of the ’Men in Black’ know the name of your home planet or your Antarian name, and does Jim know this information?” Clark asked.

“I don’t think the FBI or special unit has any of that information” Max said, “When I was captured, they tried their hardest to get that kind of information out of me, to no avail. Jim does know about Antar and that my name is Zan, but what do you suggest we tell him?”

“Why doesn’t Bob set up the transportation, but have Chloe call, from Metropolis, and say that she’s from the Metropolis Daily Planet, and they have “6” winners from “Antar” University for the ‘Crash Festival’, and she was told that he was their point of contact and he needed to pick up a van from the local dealership, under the name of Bob Chambers, to use to pick them up at ‘Zan’ air field, near Frazier Woods around 5pm.” Clark suggested, “Do you think he would understand our message?”

“I think that might actually work” Max said. “Well, Bob do you want to set up the transportation in the morning?”

“Sure, what time do you want to pick it up?”

“How about 4 o’clock, and we’ll return it right away on Monday” suggested Max.

“Done. Now I’m really tired, where do you have Brenda and I set up?”

“We’ve set you up in Clark’s room, upstairs” Martha said. “I’m tired too, so I’m going to retreat to my room too, so if you’ll follow me I can show you where you’ll be staying.”

Bob and Brenda got up and followed Martha up the stairs.

“I’m tired too, I going to go upstairs to bed too.” Maria said, leaning over to Michael, she kissed him goodnight and said “Love ya Spaceboy, hope you sleep well.” Looking over to Isabel, she said “So, are you ready to go to bed roomy?”

Getting up out of her seat, Isabel said “Sure” and followed Maria up the stairs.

“So, where do you want us to sleep?” Max said, looking at the limited space left to occupy.

“We’re out in the barn” Zan said proudly. “Let me show you the way.”

Liz just looked at Max, with a confused look on her face, and started towards the door.

“Don’t worry Liz, it’s not as bad as it sounds” Clark said. “I wish I could sleep out there, but it looks like I’ve got the spare couch.”

Max followed behind Liz and Zan, and left the farmhouse for the barn.

Michael and Kyle folded out one of the sleeper couches, and proceeded to make their bed. Clark grabbed the nearby couch and follow suit.

It was two in the morning, and everyone was finally settled into their beds preparing to drift off to sleep, for later on today they would be returning to Roswell. For some of them, they’d finally be home.