Continued from
Investigate - Chapter 4/? (Connections) [CHAPTER 5 - Committee]
Lois shook out her hands. She had made the deadline with her most recent story but it had resulted in a hand cramp.
“Lois, a call for you. Line 2,” Jimmy called.
“Thanks, Jimmy,” she said as she picked up the phone. “Hello?” she asked.
“Hi, Lois. It’s me, Earl,” the janitor from Police Headquarters said.
She immediately straightened in her chair. Earl rarely called her. He usually just waited for her to visit him to share any information since she met with him at least once a week.
“Hi, Earl. What’s up?” she asked conversationally.
“Headquarters just had a very interesting visitor: a process server, and I managed to overhear a bit of a conversation. Henderson was asked to give a letter to Superman the next time he sees him.”
“Do you know what the letter contains? He’s not being sued or something is he?” Lois asked, a little worried.
“He’s being invited to Congress,” Earl answered, quite pleased.
Lois was baffled. “Congress? Do you know why?”
“No clue, but it’s certainly something, ain’t it?” Earl was clearly enjoying himself. “Anyway, just thought you would like to know sooner rather than later.”
“Yes, thank you, Earl. I’ll be sure to bring your favorite donuts the next time I stop by,” Lois assured.
“Gracias, gracias,” Earl said playfully before he promptly hung up.
O o O o O
Clark scanned the letter bearing the seal of the United States Congress for a second time, unable to believe what he was reading.
Translating the extravagant diction and flowery language, the message was clear. He was to present himself before the members of Congress and state his intentions as well as answer some questions to clear up any misconceptions and fully define what he will and will not do.
“Well, Burton was right. This does make things . . . interesting.”
He looked over at his globe sitting at the top of his bookshelf before turning back to one of the paragraphs in the letter and smiled.
Time to prepare.
O o O o O
Julie Heinz and Maverick Ervin had both been understandably flabbergasted that Superman wished to have them help run a non-profit organization with a talent agent named Murray Brown. If it hadn't been for Burton Newcomb, they would have assumed the call from 'Superman’ was a prank.
But they suspected what Newcomb did for the government. It actually made sense that he would somehow know Superman. So they happily agreed to meet with Superman later that week and discuss particulars. They weren't sure if they would actually accept his offer of helping to run a non-profit, but it was worth seriously considering. Neither of them were content to live out their retirement years the same way a number of their peers did--playing Pinochle or Bridge as wrinkles multiplied.
O o O o O
Washington, D.C. teemed with activity, as it often did, particularly at the United States Capitol. However, today was different. Dozens of news crews were gathered throughout the bustling area, anticipation heavy in the air.
The world knew Superman had been invited to a special session of Congress, an Oversight Hearing to be exact. The Senators were very tight-lipped on what the hearing would cover precisely, but it was clear that they wanted Superman’s intentions spelled out, which was just as well.
Senator Nathan Daniels was waiting anxiously in his dark brown business suit and wing tipped shoes, though no one would know by looking at him. Standing at the bottom of the steps to the US House of Representatives, Daniels smiled at those he saw, ever charismatic and regal, even to those he didn't particularly like.
He smiled, this time to himself. It was nice when he and his political opponents actually agreed on something, and it was even better when he was the instigator of that something.
When General Newcomb had called his office, he wasn't too enthused with actually answering. After the fiasco with Trask and his followers, he was still feeling the impact years later. He had ended up pulling in a lot of favors to ensure the truth wasn't distorted by those who wanted to exploit the resulting fallout - all while protecting classified information - which had not won him many friends or allies. He hoped the results of today would help restore a bit of his lost influence while making sure Superman remained a benefit to the world. Inwardly, he shook his head. He had to give it to the old general, he knew politics very well, but he clearly knew national security even more. Superman was a resource they had to hold on to while keeping a watchful eye on. This meeting, with any luck, would accomplish both.
As the clock struck 9 am, all foot and vehicle traffic came to a sudden halt when a red and blue form descended from the sky and landed several paces from the steps beside Senator Daniels.
News crews quickly began filming if they weren’t already as everyone, security included, bolstered their nerves and tried to look calm or at least not utterly awestruck. Many failed. They all watched Superman begin making his way to the stone stairs, their eyes quickly taking notice of a bluish sphere he carried in his right hand.
“Superman, I am Senator Nathan Daniels,” Daniels said, holding out his hand as he politely intercepted him at the bottom of the steps.
Superman smiled and shook his hand firmly but not overly so as an excited crowd began forming a distance behind him.
“Nice to meet you, Senator. Are you here to escort me to the Oversight Hearing?” he asked.
“If you would be agreeable,” Daniels said amiably.
“Of course,” Superman said as they started making their way up the steps side by side.
Daniels wasn't sure if he was relieved or annoyed that everyone was keeping their distance, including the reporters. Of course, this was
Superman, and standing next to him now. . . . His frame just seemed to ebb power.
The only thing that kept Daniels steady was his experience in dealing with powerful people on the daily basis and the fact that he himself was not exactly a small fish.
“The hearing will be in Room 216 of the Hart Senate Office Building, so we will be taking the scenic route through the tunnels,” Daniels explained as they made their way up to the grand entrance.
Entering, people stopped and stared. Daniels glanced at Superman and was intrigued to find that he appeared a little uncomfortable. He wasn't sweating, but there was a stiffness to his posture and a tightness to his mouth that suggested nervousness or at the very least unease while passing so many awestruck people. Daniels couldn't help but feel reassured. As most sensible people, Daniels was a bit skeptical about someone so powerful being as selfless and helpful as Superman was making himself out to be, but this . . . it indicated to Daniels that, Man of Steel or not, the flying man wasn't actually emotionless and his statements to Lois Lane from the Daily Planet had been genuine.
That was why so many Senators, himself included, wanted to have Superman be escorted the 'long way’ to the hearing instead of simply have him arrive outside the Hart Senate Office Building. They had wanted him to be exposed to the grandeur that was the Capitol and what was the United States government, not to mention the human factor--which was what they were just beginning to experience now.
“Sir, can you identify this object, please?” the guard asked at security, indicating the globe Superman was carrying.
“Yes. It's a family heirloom that will help answer some questions at the hearing,” Superman answered, holding it up as it transformed from a strange red and blue planetary body to the recognizable blue and green surface of the Earth.
“Oh, thank you,” the guard said, thoroughly impressed as they waved them through.
They then made their way down several elaborate halls and finally to the stairs that was one of the entry points to the underground tunnel system.
“This way,” Daniels said, somewhat unnecessarily as they entered the crowded shuttle that would take them to the Hart Senate Building.
The dozen or so people in the shuttle with them stared at Superman with wide eyes for a long moment before one brave man straightened and held out his hand as the tunnel train began moving.
“Pleased to meet you, Superman. Thank you for doing what you do,” he said. He had a badge indicating he was a clerk.
Superman shook his hand, relaxing. “You’re welcome.”
Soon after, everyone else seemed to have gotten over their uncertainty and excitedly thanked Superman and offered their hands. Superman, surprised but happy, managed to shake all of their hands before he and Daniels had to get off.
The halls all along the way to Room 216 quickly became packed as word spread that Superman had arrived. People lined against the walls to let him and Daniels pass, but practically everyone was eager to catch a glimpse and were hopeful that they would get to shake the Kryptonian's hand.
Daniels entered Room 216 and stepped aside for Superman before too long. People were already congregating and getting ready within but were quickly distracted by Superman's arrival. The cameras from above captured it all, which was a very interesting sight. Superman, with his bright uniform a stark contrast from the mostly black and brown dress suits, slowly and courteously made his way to the front witness table Daniels indicated to him. Carefully, Superman placed the globe on the desk and took his seat.
O o O o O
The chamber quieted and everyone, including Daniels, had taken their places as it became apparent the hearing was ready to begin. The Chairman cleared his throat, straightening in his seat, clearly feeling the weight of the moment. The lights glared off his bald head as he smiled. He had a white goatee and a tight blue tie around his light blue, collared shirt.
Clark forced himself not to fidget, as he knew it wouldn’t appear very Superman-like.
He had gone over his plan with his parents and with Burton. They all had their reservations but did see the golden opportunity it provided him--assuming it worked.
“I'd like to call the hearing to order. And I'd like to welcome our sole witness today: Superman -- thank you for being here with us this morning. Before I make my remarks, I would like to ask Superman to formally introduce himself for the record,” Chairman Lee said, motioning Superman to do so.
Superman gave an understanding nod and leaned toward the microphone. “My name is Kal-El, formally Lord Kal-El, son of Lord Jor-El and Lady Lara of the House of El.”
“Thank you,” Chairman Lee said, not the only one intrigued by Superman’s words. “For the duration of this hearing, how would you prefer to be addressed?”
“In light of the outcome that I'm hoping to achieve from this hearing, I prefer to be addressed by the name the people of Earth have given me - Superman.”
“Very well,” Lee said with a nod before he resumed. “Over the past few weeks, the world has been mystified and grateful for the rescues done by Superman, but some concerns and inquiries have risen and that is the purpose of this hearing---to ask and discuss these questions and determine if any action is warranted to address them. This is an important public discussion but I want to make something very clear. There is no indication that Superman has done anything wrong. In all reports around the world, Superman has conducted himself with efficient care to save as many lives as possible. So let me be the first here to publicly thank you, Superman. Thank you,” he said, before looking to the Vice Chairman. “I turn to the Vice Chairman Par for any additional comments.”
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman,” she said. “I'd like to second Mr. Chairman's comments and share some figures I was just given this morning by the Department of Defense. Seven million, three hundred and twenty-one thousand, four hundred and twenty-four. That is the number of American citizens we know who have been saved by Superman these past six months. World-wide, the number of lives saved climbs to eight million, four hundred and one thousand, two hundred and seven. And that is just what we know through gathering eye witness accounts, emergency reports and the like. I can only imagine what the true number is, knowing rescues have been occurring in secret for well over five years -- according to Lois Lane of the Daily Planet and our own determinations.” Vice Chairman Par smiled at Superman. “If the numbers are any indication, we are fortunate to have you here. I am hopeful that our future together will be bright. I return the floor to Mr. Chairman.”
“Thank you,” Lee said. “At this time, I'd like to swear in our witness. If I could ask you to stand and raise your right hand?”
Superman did so.
“Do you solemnly swear to give this committee the truth, the full truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?” Lee asked.
“I do,” Superman said.
“Please be seated,” Lee said before taking a brief pause. “Superman, is there anything you would like to state before we begin our questions?”
“Yes, thank you,” Superman said as he took a moment to look at each of the panel members before him. “First, I’d like to thank you all for inviting me here. When I received the invitation to this hearing, there was no question of whether or not I should accept. I’ve lived on Earth for many years now and have impacted the lives of many people, in what I hope has only been in a positive way, so I will take whatever questions that you have for me and answer them as best I can. In light of how you have gracefully received me and how dozens of your people have helped me throughout the years, I can do no less. I am done hiding what I am and I am ready to fully become part of this world -- my adopted home. Thank you.”
There were soft murmurs throughout, but they quickly quieted as Lee gave a thoughtful nod and looked to a man at the end of the committee table. “I'd like to recognize the Senator of Nebraska first. The floor is yours,” Lee said.
After saying the customary pleasantries, the Senator addressed Superman directly.
“Superman, according to the interview you gave to Daily Planet reporter, Lois Lane, you stated you were a refugee from the planet Krypton. Superman, as difficult as I imagine this question is for you to answer, could you tell us what brought you to Earth and what happened to Krypton?”
“Yes,” Superman answered, not needing to look around to know everyone was eager to hear his answer. “If I could be permitted, I think it would be easier to share a compilation of some of my father's messages to help answer.”
“You have permission,” Lee quickly allowed.
Lifting the globe from the table, Superman looked at the men and women directly before him.
“I left Krypton as a child, placed in a rocket of my father's design, and, as one of my parents' precautions, they made this for me to fully explain to me where I came from,” he said, motioning to the orb with his free hand.
“Now don't be alarmed. It's merely a recording in the form of a hologram.” He opened his hand, releasing his grip on the now glowing orb and allowing it to rise above his palm.
The whole chamber startled when a man materialized between the witness table and the Chairman, and spoke.
“My name is Jor-El. And you are Kal-El, my son. The object you possess has been attuned to you,” the translucent man said, before his image shimmered and shifted into a scene of him and a woman working diligently on some unknown technology.
“Time grows short and we continue to search. The immensity of space is both a blessing and a curse. In that near infinite variety there must be some place suitable,” Jor-El explained. “Lara works by my side. She is tireless and endlessly patient. Considering what is soon to come, this is my greatest consolation: that we are together.”
A tremor suddenly rocked the lab as the console flared. Jor-El took Lara in his arms and they waited until it subsided.
“There is no longer any doubt. The chain reaction has begun. As panic spreads, the population awakens, too late, to its fate. Our future is inevitable,” he said heavily before the view changed again, this time to a screen showing what could only be Earth.
“At last the computers have located a suitable destination: a planet physically and biologically compatible with Krypton whose inhabitants resemble ours, and whose society is based on ethical standards which we, too, embrace in concept, if not always in deed.
“We give you to Earth. Remember us, but do not regret our passing. All is fate.”The light from the globe faded and it levitated back down onto Superman’s hand. The whole room was silent as dozens of cameras throughout continued to broadcast around the world.
“Krypton used to be 27.1 light-years from Earth, in the southern constellation of Corvus, orbiting Rao--the red dwarf star your astronomers know as LHS 2520. Unfortunately, Krypton’s core had become unstable and ultimately resulted in its destruction. All that remains there now is a green cloud of planetary debris.” Superman swallowed and looked down at the red and green globe in his hand.
“And you have not heard from any other survivors?” the Senator asked after a long moment.
“No.” He clenched his jaw, and even the hardest hearts in the room felt sympathy toward him.
“As inadequate as they may be, you have our condolences for the loss of your world and people.”
“Thank you. It is not something I allow myself to think about much. My parents saved my life and sent me here to live and to live well. I wouldn’t be able to do that if I allowed myself to dwell on what I cannot change. Earth is my home now,” he said, shedding the sense of melancholy from his frame as someone would a cloak. It was really quite remarkable.
Impressed by his emotional resilience, the senator decided to follow Superman's approach.
“Although I wish circumstances were different, I for one am glad you consider Earth your home. I now yield back,” the Senator from Nebraska said.
“Thank you. I would like to recognize the Senator of Florida. You have the floor,” Lee said, nodding to a middle-aged man a few seats to his left.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Superman, when did you arrive on Earth?” the Senator from Florida asked.
“I will have to decline from giving the exact date, but I will say it was over fifteen years ago,” Superman answered, causing many to gasp at the unexpected and much longer time frame.
“What is your reason for not giving a direct answer?” the man asked, surprise clear in his voice.
“I will not directly answer questions that may risk the safety of those who have cared for me over the years,” Superman answered unwaveringly. “I am not naive enough to believe I have not made enemies in stopping the occasional bomb or protecting people from those who meant them harm -- not to mention the likelihood of there being people out there who hate me simply for being what I am. Maybe one day I will feel able to answer, but until then, this is the best I can do. Please accept that.”
“Very well. Let us change topics then. To put things simply, what are all of your special abilities?” he asked, not too upset by the previous refusal, especially since he had more pressing questions to have answered.
“Well, I haven't really named them, but to summarize: strength, endurance, speed, flight, heat vision, x-ray vision, near-invulnerability, cold breath, eidetic memory, and enhanced senses. Hm, I think that's all of them,” he said before pausing and then nodding. “Yeah, that's all of them.”
“X-ray vision?” the senator asked, a little perturbed.
“Helps a lot in finding people under fallen buildings and the like,” Superman answered simply. “Rest assured, I only use it when I really need to and when I have reason to look.”
“I see. Do you know how strong and fast you are?”
“I'm not sure. I've never failed at lifting anything and I can go faster than the speed of sound, but I've never really timed myself.”
“What do you mean by ‘near-invulnerability’?”
“The only thing that has ever penetrated my skin has been my heat vision, so although I can’t say I’m actually invulnerable, I pretty much am.”
The man nodded in amused understanding while adding, “As you’re not going to actively hurt yourself.” He shuffled through some papers. “Well, the heat vision certainly explains how you prevented cameras from capturing your image when you had saved the Messenger.”
“Yes. I do apologize. I try to avoid damaging property, but at the time I felt it best to remain hidden.”
The man waved away his concerns. “A few cameras in exchange for the continuation of an entire space program is more than fair. If EPRAD ever sends you a bill, forward it to me,” he assured.
No one knew if he was joking or serious.
“I return the floor to Mr. Chairman,” he said.
“Thank you. We will take a brief recess and reconvene at 11:05,” Lee said before standing.
O o O o O
Lois watched the hearing as avidly as everyone else was at the Daily Planet.
“So people have cared for Superman? As in, ‘looked after’ him? Did I understand that right?” Jimmy asked, coming up beside her as the Chairman called for a brief recess.
“Well, he was sent here as a child, arrived here over fifteen years ago, and he can’t be over 30 -- assuming he ages like we do -- so it stands to reason he would have needed someone to help him when he was younger,” Cat put in. “Find food, get shelter, etcetera. We also have to remember that he could have landed anywhere and received help from anyone. Who knows, maybe he lived in the jungles of Brazil with the secluded tribes there before venturing out. After all, I can’t imagine him landing near modern civilization. Any modern government would have been all over him.”
Lois frowned. It was possible, she supposed, but from the few times he had spoken to her, he had seemed quite, well, civilized and relatable. Granted, fifteen years was a long time to become acquainted with customs of many different types of people, especially when one could fly wherever and whenever they wanted.
“I wonder how young he was when he got here,” Jimmy said. “But there’s also the issue of space travel. Krypton was over 20 light years away. Maybe he grew up on his spaceship?”
“Hm, if that’s the case, he seems really well adjusted to have been alone for so long, but he is an alien,” an intern said somewhere behind them.
Lois inwardly stiffened at the girl’s tone. Fortunately for the girl, the Chairman returned and everyone else in the chamber was retaking their seats, including Superman.
“I'd like to call the hearing back to order. The Chair would recognize Senator Jones for questions,” Lee said, getting straight to business.
“Thank you,” Jones said, quickly turning his attention to Superman. He put his hands on the table before him, his eyes piercing. “Superman, I'm going to be brutally honest with you, because I know I'm not the only one who feels this way -- You terrify me.”
The room went utterly still and all eyes were instantly on Superman, whose expression had fallen to sad acceptance. Lois’ heart clenched and several around her stiffened as their eyes remained glued to the screen.
“By your own admittance -- not to mention what we have all seen on international television -- your speed and strength is unmatched and you are effectively invincible. By all definitions, you are a god among men. What's stopping you from taking over? Why are you choosing to help us? What's the catch?” Jones asked, his tone bordering on harsh.
“What's stopping me?” Superman asked before taking a deep breath. “Physically? Nothing.” Superman looked at the panel of people unflinchingly. Several of them swallowed. “Why do you think I remained hidden for so long? I knew I would frighten people. Not merely because of what I am or what I've done, but because of what I could do.”
He sighed and closed his eyes for a few seconds before continuing. “When I realized that I was the most powerful man on this world, I had to make a decision: whether my powers stood for destruction or for life... and I chose life.
“Why? Because when I save a life, in that instant, I know two things most people will never figure out: why I'm here and how I can make a difference,” he said, his eyes as hard as steel. “That is something I would never be able to experience if I took over and claimed some sort of egotistical godhood.
“As for a catch, there is none. I don't expect you to believe me right away. I understand it will take time and that all I can do is show you I am telling the truth by my actions. I just want to live here in peace and use my abilities to contribute to the well-being of others.”
Jones stared at him in surprise, quite taken by his words and tone before collecting himself.
“Thank you for your thorough answer. I hope you truly are as good as you sound,” Jones said. “I yield the floor.”
“Thank you. I would like to recognize Senator Prin. You have the floor,” Lee said.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman,” she said, her big hair bouncing above her slender shoulders. “Superman, I must admit I hold the same reservations as Senator Jones, but like all members of this committee, I am hopeful for the future and your part in it. So, to help us better understand your perspective, what is it that you hope will come about from this hearing? Is there anything specific that you would want or would suggest moving forward?”
“Well, I hope the fears that people have about me will begin to diminish, first and foremost. Second, I think implementing two of the proposals I've overheard on the news and the like would be a good idea,” Superman said, to the obvious interest of several committee members. “The first concerns setting clear expectations between myself and emergency personnel so that we can work together more efficiently. This, I believe, should include myself becoming officially authorized to be a first responder. I understand there have been questions on my ability to render first aid and whether or not I know what to do if I were to come across someone who has a broken back or some other condition that would make moving them unwise. I want to put these fears to rest and I am willing to complete any training or certification tests required.
“The second is a contract of sorts with law enforcement. My priority will always be saving those in danger, and as such I will undoubtedly occasionally intercept those breaking the law. I don't have the authority - nor want the authority - to arrest people, but I also want to ensure no one escapes Justice. I would like to work with law enforcement while keeping my focus on helping with accidents and emergencies,” he said before relaxing back against the chair.
“Those suggestions certainly have merit and in the coming days we will be sure to discuss them. I'm relieved to see you seek to work within our systems and understand the reasons for our concerns. I am also pleased by your proactive approach to help address potential issues and prevent foreseeable problems. Thank you.” She looked at the Chairman. “I now yield the floor.”
“Thank you. I now would like to recognize one of the individuals responsible for this hearing to the floor, Senator Daniels.”
“Thank you,” Daniels said, inwardly pleased by the recognition. “Superman, I have been reassured by your answers today, as well as how you reacted to those around you on our way here this morning. I could tell you were not very comfortable with the attention, but you seemed to relax when you were welcomed. It is clear to me that you are telling the truth. You just want acceptance and be allowed to contribute something to the world. So I would like to broach the subject of the technology you showed and mentioned to us. Without sounding too presumptuous, how much would you be willing to tell us about your people’s technology?” he asked delicately.
“In time, I could see myself sharing everything that I know and have with Earth concerning Krypton’s technology,” Superman answered to the astonishment and glee of many. “Admittedly, I'm not a scientist and did not receive a full Kryptonian education, so my working knowledge is limited, but I have no doubt that what I do know could be beneficial. I know how my spacecraft's engine works, for example.”
“Alright, Superman!” Jimmy exclaimed before quickly being shushed by those around him.
“What do you think you would be able to help us with specifically?” Daniels asked, very pleased with the possibility of new and advanced technologies within their reach.
“Space exploration, energy generation, transference and storage, holograms, and matter teleportation, just to name a few. Please understand I don’t have the means to produce anything of note at this moment simply because I don’t have access to required materials and processes, and I’m not sure when Earth will be able to create what is needed. However, if the current trend of technological advances continue, I suspect some aspects of Kryptonian technology could be implemented within certain industries within the next twenty years.”
“You sound like you’ve already given this a lot of thought,” Daniels said, impressed and barely suppressing his excitement.
“Yes, especially for the last several weeks. I --” Superman tilted his head, his gaze panning off from the committee table and to the top left corner behind them. His eyes seemed to glaze over, as if seeing something far off, although they didn't seem to focus on anything.
“Superman?” Chairman Lee asked, growing concerned after a few seconds of seeing his blank stare.
“I request a thirty minute recess. Flight 68 has sent out a mayday and is falling over Maryland,” Superman stated, standing up.
Gasps of astonishment echoed throughout as Lee quickly answered, “Granted.”
A rush of wind whirled around the still chamber as Superman’s form promptly vanished, startling everyone, before a sonic boom roared loudly over Washington D.C.. It was so loud that it was heard through television sets.
“Great shades of Elvis!” Perry White bellowed. “Greg, find Flight 68’s itinerary. Lois-”
“Already writing!” she shouted from her desk as someone changed the channel to LNN.
Flight 68 was, in fact, plummeting to the Earth.
O o O o O
Clark flew faster than he ever had in his entire life. He was flying so fast he couldn't even make out the radio calls anymore. And then he saw it.
The 747’s most starboard engine was in flames, trailing a dense plume of black smoke behind it. The plane began to tilt, rolling right and down.
He shot forward, curving around and under it as the city buildings below came into view. He inhaled a sharp breath and targeted the engulfed engine, snuffing out the fire and quieting the smoke that quickly turned grey and white under his frost.
He flew beneath, positioning his upper back and shoulders against the smooth metal of the plane’s belly as it continued to roll. His right hand bit into the metal as he quickly peered through it to ensure he gripped a structural beam as he forced the entire 747 level again. The metal groaned.
Ignoring the screaming coming from inside the fuselage, Clark focused on what was ahead. He pushed the aircraft up, not wanting it to descend any further due to the skyscrapers they were approaching.
“Flight 68, maintain any altitude above 3000. You are now coming above the city,” Clark overheard from the radio. “Speed is your discretion.”
“Understood,” the pilot replied, sounding out of breath.
“What is your status, Flight 68?”
“Number four engine failure. Part of the wing has been damaged as well. We have been having difficulty maintaining altitude and roll stability, but we seem to have re-established control for the moment.”
“Is your engine on fire?”
“It was, but it's out now.”
“Thank you. Alter your heading to 280. Winds at 270. Report when airport is in sight. The skies have been cleared for your approach.”
“Roger.”
Clark adjusted his trajectory, helping the aircraft turn.
“Why are we able to maneuver this easily?” the co-pilot asked aloud.
“I don't know, but I certainly believe in guardian angels now,” the pilot answered.
Clark supported the plane all the way to the airport, and along the way more and more people on the ground noticed.
“Look! It's Superman and Flight 68!” a pedestrian called out from the street far below, no doubt spotting his red cape and the faint smoke trail still coming from the destroyed engine.
“He actually got to it in time!”
“Good Lord, how fast is he? He left D.C. a few minutes ago! It’s amazing!”
The airport came into view and before long he could hear and see air traffic control directing other flights away from them to allow them to land.
“Flight 68, you are cleared visual approach 2-1 Right,” Air Traffic Control directed.
The runway they would use came into sight.
“Flight 68, we have learned Superman is beneath you and now have a visual of this,” Air Traffic stated.
“Didn’t quite get that, Control, could you repeat?” the pilot asked.
“We have a visual of Superman on your belly,” Air Traffic stated.
“Oh. Suggestions on how to proceed?”
“Keep with standard procedure. Lower landing gear and prepare for landing,” Air Traffic advised, despite being a bit bewildered themselves.
“Roger.”
The landing gear began to come down, but then suddenly the right one jammed and wouldn’t lock down.
“Air Traffic Control, the right landing gear won’t engage. Repeat, red light on the right landing gear,” the pilot stated.
Clark heard the co-pilot muffle a curse.
“Copy Flight 68. Has the left engaged?”
“Yes.”
“Flight 68, we have a visual. The right wheel does not appear down. What is your current fuel status?”
“One hour of fuel. Will abort landing to double back. Attempting to lift landing gear and re-lower.”
“Copy. Speed and Altitude at your discretion, but advise minimum 170 kno--”
Clark didn’t hear the rest as a jarring noise rang sharply in his ears. Clark turned in alarm as he heard a loud pop and the sound of ignition. Like the start of a grill with a bit too much lighter fluid.
He acted instinctively as he peered through the thin metal of the aircraft, seeing a now burning pool of jet fuel near the wingbox of the plane that had apparently leaked from one of the many fuel tanks due to engine number four’s explosive failure. The fire shot up, leading up into the wing where the leak originated.
He let go of the 747, knowing he had no moment to spare a second thought, no time to second guess what he was about to do.
He ripped off the wing and ruthlessly threw the entire thing, complete with the two jet engines (one of them beyond repair), far above him as the fire engulfed the bleeding tank. He didn’t bother to see how high it went or wonder how far it would go as he turned back to the now rapidly plummeting crippled plane.
He blew out the remaining fire at the jagged metal protruding from the bottom of the fuselage where the wing had attached and took hold. He reared back sharply, gripping the metal tightly and leveling the plane before it could fully roll into a side dive. He could barely hear anything thanks to his thundering heart, but his fear didn’t drown out the furious roar that suddenly rocked overhead and behind them.
If he had looked, he would have seen the severed wing now in flaming pieces and falling back to Earth over the lawn and runways of the airport, but he had more important things to do.
He slowed the broken airplane as quickly as he dared and stabilized its decline. The absolute horror of the passengers was like a dull thrum of bizarre encouragement to him. If they were screaming, it meant they were still alive and could still be saved.
He didn’t bother to fully line the airplane to the runway as he made his approach. The airplane wasn’t really moving forward anyway, but was more like a lopsided crab gliding sideways--or perhaps more like a drunk goose with an amputated wing.
His feet touched down and he took a few dozen steps before bringing the jet to a complete stop on the tarmac, forgoing the landing gear while easing it down on its belly and allowing it to tilt and rest slightly on its remaining wing. After a few moments, the emergency slides inflated and soon emergency vehicles were racing to meet them. Taking a few steps away from the now busy scene, he took a moment to simply look around. He could see masses of people pressing themselves against the large windows overlooking the airport's many runways and celebrating as emergency crews swarmed the people pouring from the plane. He felt the eyes of thousands of people on his form as he glanced back at the organized chaos that had commenced. In less than a second, he checked all of the passengers and crew, finding a dozen had broken bones and that many more would be feeling tender for the foreseeable future. But they were all alive.
Tears of joy and cries of thanks soon echoed from around the formerly doomed craft, and Clark couldn’t help but release a huge sigh of relief at the fact it was over.
O o O o O
Lois was ready for the weekend even though it had been a wonderful week. There had certainly not been a shortage of stories to report on. So many things had happened that her hands were actually a little sore from typing.
Along with the typical news, there was the ongoing Oversight Hearing about Superman and his activities. Each session was full of awe inspiring quotes, answers begging more questions to be asked, and discussions rich with purpose and feeling. And through it all was the evident growing love the American people and the world had for Superman, particularly after the heart pounding rescue of Flight 68.
The video showing him ripping off the wing mid-air moments before it exploded and him saving the remains of the 747 was still being shown on news stations, along with clips of the Hearing thus far.
Lois’ heart still swelled when she thought about his responses to their questions, both verbal and not, as some of his facial expressions were words unto themselves.
She couldn't wait for the Hearing to recommence and conclude the following week.
O o O o O
The final session of the Oversight Hearing had arrived and was coming to an end. After a rehashing of everything they had discussed, as well as long winded speeches of thanks and acknowledgements, the Chairman took the floor to give the committee's closing words.
Clark, as Superman, straightened behind the witness table in anticipation, long since deciding Superman was allowed to occasionally look less than stoic.
“Superman, I know I speak for everyone when I once again say, thank you for your time and being so forthright in your answers. I also thank you immensely for saving so many lives throughout the years you have been here in secret and since Prometheus,” Lee said. He smiled warmly before taking a moment to look at his fellows in a visible form of unanimous agreement. He then focused back on Superman. “So it is with great pride and confidence that I say the following: after much discussion and consideration, this Committee advises that, moving forward, Congress should formally give Lord Kal-El, aka Superman, honorary United States citizenship. This committee also recommends a Ratification Hearing follow to negotiate a treaty between the United States and Lord Kal-El of Krypton to formalize official permission and authority to provide emergency assistance anywhere within US territory, along with other pertinent agreements concerning Kryptonian technology and, however unlikely, future interactions between our two peoples should any other survivors of Krypton come to Earth.”
Even if Clark had not decided to allow Superman to be somewhat expressive, he would have failed to contain his surprise and joy.
He had anticipated some form of plan moving forward for him to have official permission to continue his rescue activities, but this was beyond anything he had ever imagined.
“I am sure Congress will be in contact with you, Superman, thank you again. This hearing is now adjourned,” Lee said, clearly quite pleased.
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