[Chapter 9: Keeper]Martha and Jonathan entered the town’s favorite place to go, Lazy Luigi’s, and hurried to the sports bar area with the large televisions.
They could have watched from home of course, and they were recording it on their VHS, but they wanted to see as much as they could live, and the best way to do that was to watch it from Lazy Luigi’s, which prided itself on having the largest collection of televisions in Smallville.
Martha looked around as they managed to get a corner table. The place was crowded, and everyone was facing the televisions in anticipation.
“This was not a unique idea,” she commented.
“No it wasn’t, but at least we have a good spot,” Jonathan agreed as they sat down.
The United Nations was on the television and the news reporter was summarizing what had already transpired, which was just a lot of waiting it seemed.
‘Behind me is the stage where Superman and the New Kryptonians will meet with UN representatives for the signing ceremony,’ she said excitedly.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to this," Jonathan admitted aloud.
Martha smiled softly as the waitress brought out their usual.
"Thanks, Dorthy," Martha said.
Dorthy beamed, just as happy as the news reporter on the television.
"This is so exciting! Can you imagine being there during this in person?!" she exclaimed before bustling to serve the next customer.
Martha and Jonathan smiled, though not as easily as they would have liked.
It was exciting, but it was also nerve wracking and nausea inducing.
Their boy was negotiating treaties and creating world governments! Well, a world government.
Whatever future New Krypton had, it would be in large part due to their son.
Good heavens, how could this be their lives? They were farmers! But he was theirs the moment he had come to them and they wouldn't change a thing.
Not really paying much attention to their appetizer, their eyes were glued to the screen.
The camera panned back, and the view encompassed the entire courtyard and back field behind the UN buildings. UN officials and country representatives were all about, primarily at or near the tables surrounding the massive platform that had several rows of vacant chairs on either side of and facing a small, elaborate, center table.
Every single nation of the world had a representative present, and security was as high as one would expect for a gathering of this importance. It was almost time.
‘Within the hour, Superman and members of New Krypton will arrive,’ the news reporter said, possibly for the tenth time that morning. ‘All the nations of Earth have already signed the updated Treaty of El, and the signatures of Superman and New Krypton's leadership will be added today, sealing the historic agreement. Afterward, it has been confirmed that the New Kryptonians will depart,' she explained, even though it was unlikely anyone watching didn't already know. She went on anyway.
'These past few weeks, the UN, Superman, and New Krypton representatives have been hard at work in updating the Treaty of El, connecting two worlds and designating Superman himself as Keeper. Although a Kryptonian term that was borrowed from their mythology rather than their actual history, a Keeper is a guardian or watchman of an entire world, serving as a sentry of sorts. After deliberation, Earth has accepted New Krypton's proposal in placing Superman in the honorary position, as well as making the position equivalent to Ambassador.’
Martha and Jonathan looked at each other. They still couldn’t believe how much was happening and how much responsibility their son now held.
Suddenly, a floating structure, that was unquestionably a Kryptonian vessel, materialized high above the area – far beyond throwing distance from the top of the nearby skyscrapers. It was huge, the size of an ocean liner.
"Whoa!" people gasped, along with other exclamations.
‘And the Kryptonians have arrived!’ the news reporter said, trying not to appear too overwhelmed.
It was a long, domed ellipse with sharp angled features running irregularly along the spine and bottom surface. It was as alien a spacecraft one could imagine, and how it was suspended in the sky was anyone's guess, not to mention how it had been invisible moments before.
Soon after, a stream of forms shot from the main opening of the craft and fourteen of them landed on the platform while the rest (at least a hundred!) remained in the sky, hovering in formation two hundred feet above the ground and to the left of the center table.
The colors of their form-fitting clothing varied, although most seemed to hold darker tones with ornate borders of bold color. With their formal garb, all of them had a crest different from Superman’s on their front, with some shrouded behind a vest or shawl.
UN officials respectfully began going to stand in front of the vacant chairs on the opposite side of the platform, mirroring the actions of the fourteen. Those below fell silent and began taking their places at their appropriate seats if they weren't already there. The news crews covered everything with rapt attention and tried to get every angle.
Seconds later, a sonic boom echoed forth, and Superman appeared on the platform wearing the same uniform he had for the first signing of the Treaty of El, which was a more elaborate version of his usual uniform.
Tight red and gold cuffs accented in sapphire blue were on his wrists, extending slightly over the top of his hands in a gentle ‘V’ shape. His boots had a thin line of gold all around the rim, and the toe tips were blue with a matching strip of gold as a border between the blue and the red. And over his shoulders and overlapping the red cape was the gifted golden capelet bearing the emblems of Earth’s nations. The only notable difference between what he had worn in the original signing of the Treaty of El was the additions to his red cape.
The news crews were quick to zoom in.
Surrounding his golden ‘S’ shield, edged with a trim of blue and golden thread, were fourteen smaller crests. As the fourteen people on the platform had matching crests, the reason for them on Superman’s cape was easily evident. These were the Houses of New Krypton.
"I'll admit, a formal version of his uniform makes sense and looks good," Jonathan said softly, even though originally he had been leery of doing anything fancy.
Martha looked at him smugly, but he didn't see, his eyes were still on the screen.
With all representatives assembled, the Head of the UN stepped forward with a beautifully crafted six-by-six inch box and stood before the gathered Kryptonians.
“Lord Kal-El, Emissaries of New Krypton, it is with great pride we, the Nations of the Planet Earth, gather with you to seal the new treaty between our two Peoples,” he said as he held out the gift. “Before we commence, please accept this collection of Earth’s finest teas and rare spices.”
Superman smiled broadly, very pleased with the gift as he graciously accepted it and handed it to a Kryptonian beside Lady Zara who also expressed her gratitude before introductions and pleasantries were exchanged all around.
Martha found it a bit tedious, but how often did something like this happen? Fortunately, before too long, things moved forward and papers were signed—and so, oddly enough, were scrolls. The New Kryptonians had some traditional ceremonial aspects they were intent on keeping, so those were performed as the world watched, baffled but intrigued.
Superman was the last to sign, and as he finished his signature on the scroll New Krypton's copy of the Treaty), he straightened and held his hand out in front of himself. Many people watching gasped as his eyes flashed red and held the glow for several long seconds, his gaze focused on his forefinger. The beam of heat then stopped, and it was from sheer luck that one of the news cameras was at the right angle to catch a bead of red blood ooze out from the tiny cut before Superman smeared it on the scroll, over his signed name.
Superman rolled up the scroll and handed it to Lady Zara.
“The name Kal-El will once again be proclaimed by our people. As Krypton praised your forebear, your namesake, New Krypton will forever remember your deeds and share them with the next generation. This I swear, Lord Kal-El, Keeper of Earth,” she said, her eyes gleaming.
And then all the New Kryptonians placed their fists over their hearts and declared in one voice,
“Strength in Hope, Hope in Strength! Kal-El! El-Kal!”Lt. Ching stepped forward from beside Zara and held out his hand. Superman moved forward and gripped his forearm, allowing Ching to grip his.
"We will lead New Krypton as you directed," Ching promised, pulling back before looking to the UN leaders. "Earth is blessed to have Lord Kal-El."
At that, he stepped aside and all eyes fell on Lady Zara as she then addressed the assembly and the world.
"In one of our first meetings with Lord Kal-El, he told me something that I will take back to New Krypton," Zara said. "'No people can be forced to turn from chaos and embrace peace. They can only be shown it to be possible and the path to make it so. Whether they walk it or not is up to them.'"
Zara straightened, her eyes passing over the people before her and even briefly looking into a few of the cameras.
"He learned that here. Here, where he was embraced and treasured by people who knew he was different. The people of New Krypton are in your debt, for without you, I am quite certain Kal-El would not be who he is. And so, as Lady of New Krypton, I gift the people of Earth a map of the cosmos – as far as our technology can see," she said, giving a nod to a Kryptonian at the edge of the group on the stage.
The Kryptonian with a crest of a backward 'C' went to the Head of the UN and presented a crystal in a clear box set into a dark cube.
The UN members clapped in enthusiastic appreciation for the gift.
"We know the people of Earth are boundless," Zara stated.
She then turned to Superman as another Kryptonian moved forward and handed her a sleek, dark blue box.
“And now, before we go. Within is the name and age of every current citizen of New Krypton, so you will know the identity of every immediate soul whose future you have helped place on the path to peace," Lady Zara said, handing the box to Superman.
Martha gasped, immediately knowing how much the gift meant to Clark as the cameras captured Superman's clearly touched expression. He held the gift reverently in both of his hands.
"As you told us before, the future is what we make of it. And for New Krypton, that future is now up to her people. You've done more than we could have ever expected. We'll take it from here," Zara said, before doing what they all knew was quite un-Kryptonian.
She placed her hands on either side of his face, gazing up at him tenderly.
"Your place is here, on Earth," she stated.
He closed his eyes for a long second, and Martha and Jonathan knew how much emotion was desperately wanting to escape.
Opening his eyes, he took an unsteady breath as she stepped back with an encouraging nod. He looked up at the floating group that was staring at him in what Martha could only identify as rapt awe.
The image on the television screen suddenly flickered, as if the reception had suffered a flash of interference, but the timing of it suggested there was something more to it as several people on screen startled, including most of the Kryptonians.
Everyone was motionless for roughly five seconds, their attention obviously on Superman who slowly relaxed his shoulders. The screen flickered briefly again.
"Thank you, Lord Kal-El," Lady Zara said, before she gave one final look to the UN officials and gave a respectful bow of her head.
With that, the forms of the New Kryptonians blurred and shot back to the vessel far above, before that too disappeared.
O o O o O
As far as Lucy Lane was concerned, the past few years had been the most insane ones in the history of planet Earth, and the past two months had been the most intense.
Everyone she knew had seen all the videos of the UN's meetings with Superman weeks ago, and many were still talking about them.
It was very hard to reconcile the reality that her sister was going to marry this . . . man.
He was larger than life.
And she was going to personally meet him very soon! And no, she didn't count the brief minute they had been in the same room after she had caught him making out with her sister.
Although that image of him surprised would forever stay with her, and it was odd to know that he was the same man who had just finished updating an intergalactic treaty. Was it intergalactic? Or was it planetary? Bi-planetary?
Well, whatever. A huge, gigantically important treaty.
She shook her head, reminding herself to calm down.
'This is the same guy who Lois had babbled about for months, telling you he was a renown private investigator and was insanely handsome, a great cook, an adorable farm boy, and very down to earth,' she told herself.
She snorted. "Down to earth. Right."
He had abilities out of this world and could fly through the sky whenever he wished. Although perhaps that proved her sister's point. He could do and be whatever he wanted, and yet he chose to be Clark Kent. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say he chose to remain Clark Kent while being Kal-El and Superman on the side.
She shook her head, recalling how he had extended his aura in farewell to his kinsmen and unknowingly disrupted the broadcast of every present news station for a fraction of a second.
She knocked on her sister's door.
"Lucy, hi! Ready to help me decide on things so mom can stop fretting?" Lois asked, opening the door.
Lucy chuckled, easily imagining their mother obsessing as she entered.
“Sure. Has she tried to convince you to have doves?” Lucy asked.
“Argh, yes! Why would I want a thousand birds?! There would be bird droppings everywhere!” Lois complained with a laugh.
Lois led them to the couch in front of the coffee table that already had some snacks on it. They sat down.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Lois asked.
"Sure, a Coke?" she answered, not sure if Lois had Coke since usually she only had cream soda.
Lois nodded happily but didn't get up to get it, which confused Lucy.
"Ice or no ice?" a voice asked from the kitchen.
Lucy startled, suddenly realizing her sister's fiance was already there. She wasn't sure why, but she had thought he would arrive later.
"Uh, ice please," she squeaked.
Lois looked amused.
A moment later, Clark Kent, Kal-El, Superman, whatever, entered with their drinks.
"Hi!" Clark said cheerfully, looking as ordinary as most any other normal, good looking guy.
And as if he wasn't the most powerful being on the face of the planet.
She blinked.
"Uh. Hi," she returned a bit late.
He smiled, and thankfully Lois took mercy on her - sort of.
"So you've already met Clark, however briefly," Lois said. "Clark, my baby sister, as you already know."
"You are enjoying this too much," Clark said teasingly, setting their drinks down and sitting beside Lois who quickly shifted closer to him.
It was so strange to see Lois completely at ease with a man, and it was just as crazy as knowing the man was also Superman!
"She's my sister, I'm allowed," she countered with a grin.
Clark shook his head good naturedly before looking at Lucy.
"I imagine this is pretty strange for you,” Clark said.
Lucy laughed. “Very!”
Clark smiled. “It’s strange for me too.”
"How many people know?" she asked.
"Other than my parents? You, Lois, and a General who is a family friend," Clark answered. "Of course, I suppose technically all of New Krypton knows too, but. . . ." He shrugged helplessly.
"Wow," Lucy breathed.
"So welcome to the world's most exclusive club," Lois announced gleefully. "Now, shall we get on finalizing stuff for the wedding? I would really like to be able to get mother off our backs. As you can imagine, mother is eager to tack on as much as possible since Daddy is paying for it all."
"Okay. Have you picked the colors?" Lucy asked.
"Well, blue seems like an easy choice," Lois said, glancing at Clark.
"But what kind of blue?" Lucy pressed. "And what about a second color?"
"How about cerulean and silver?" Clark offered, pointing to the suggestion Ellen had listed on the page before them.
The discussion went on from there.
O o O o O
The wedding, despite Ellen's best, gentle efforts, was small, and the weeks leading up to it had been mercifully mellow, especially when compared to the weeks before.
Attending were Clark's parents, Bill Henderson (along with his family), Mayson Drake, General Burton Newcomb, his wife, and a few family friends from Smallville. Whereas Lois had her family, Jimmy, Perry, his wife, and Bobby Bigmouth.
Henderson was Clark's Best Man and Lucy was Lois' Maid of Honor, while Henderson's children, Melissa and Paul, were the flower girl and ring bearer.
Although Melissa (who was fourteen) was a little old to serve as a flower girl, she was not going to pass up the opportunity to have a part in her idol's wedding. As for Paul, he had worked all week with his dad to practice his job as ring bearer and he viewed the job very seriously.
"All set?" Ellen asked her eldest.
The three female Lanes and Melissa were about to go out to where everything was set up: in front of the Kent Farm, under the sycamore tree bearing the names of the Kents that had come before. Lois had shown her family that not long after they had arrived and they were immediately even more taken with the loving atmosphere of Clark's home.
"I think I've been ready for a long time," Lois said with a content smile.
Lucy nodded in understanding, before giving a teasing smirk. "When you first started gushing about Clark, I knew he was a keeper."
"Yeah," Lois agreed with a proud grin as they got up to head out.
Ellen left first to sit in the front row beside Clark's parents, then Lucy left to stand on the stage across from Henderson and Clark with the pastor in the center. After that, the music came on and Paul went with Melissa close behind.
"Princess?" Sam asked, stepping beside her and offering his arm. His eyes were misty.
Beaming, Lois took his arm and he escorted her down the aisle to the man she loved more than she ever thought possible.
Before she knew it, she was blushing at Clark's awed expression and was standing before him.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony . . .”
—---
End of Act IIIComments
