"I honestly believe they intended to start cutting me open."
Clark, just be thankful you aren't the Clark in SmirkyRaven's story. They *did* cut him open! But Dandello is a kinder mistress. (Just teasing you, Raven

)
“They didn’t take you by mistake, did they?” It was a statement, not a question. “They knew exactly who they were hurting. They just didn’t know it was really Clark Kent.”
Finally!
“I love you, you know.”
“I know,” she said. “I warned you not to.”
Good stuff!
“We’ve already started,” Straker said, clearing away their empty coffee cups. “By the time you reach Smallville, all this will be little more than a bad dream.”
High-handed, a little?
“Did you figure out who that Kal-El person was they thought you were?”
WHAT??? Oh, no you didn't!!!
"I do know we only have about two years until he comes of age according to their law and they come for him. I hope we’ll be ready.”
Huh. This guy is just full of suprises!
This was a good story, Dandello. Thank you for the time and effort you put into giving us new tale to read!