Not only does Clark's story work, but I think it's a very clever idea on the part of the author. The idea of there being a flight path over much of the US that night makes a lot of sense -- I buy it! And Sam and Ellen's marital history is certainly different from the show (which is the point of this story) but makes for an interesting back story. They had a lot of difficulties early on, before they found Clark, but as an older, more mature couple, they were able to raise him into a fine young man. I don't know about anyone else, but you've got me on board!
