Clark & Lois – When Worlds and Universes Collide - Matchmaker Chronicles V 8 9/37
By KenJ <ken.janney@kjanney.com>
This version is rated PG-13
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -120 – Canon Lois and Clark universe also called – Prime
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -124 – Alternate Prime - Lori and Clark
Alpha 023 x Gamma 025 x Tau 036 – Alt 1, Alt Clark and Kryptonian Lois – (Alt 1 )
Alpha -120 x Gamma 255 x Tau -190 – Alt 2 Kryptonian Lois' home universe.
Alpha 023 x Gamma 025 x Tau 040 – Alt 1 alternate (Alt 3) Alt Lois and Alt Clark
Previously
The younger kids were playing games like ‘Chutes and Ladders’ while Lara, Hattie and Jon played a kids version of Scrabble.
When playing games, Hattie had the same attitude that she had in karate class, take no prisoners and go for the kill.
Toward the end of the game she had a difficult assortment of letters and only saw one possible move. She placed her tile.
Jon said, “Hey, that’s not a legitimate word. You can’t use that!”
Hattie said, “Let’s see.” She pulled out her pad computer and surfed to a dictionary site. She typed in her word and searched. She found an entry and showed it to Jon.
CHUMPY
Use 1 - Chumpy Adj , state of being
Use 2 - Chumpy vb,
Def.: being or acting like a chump
Ex. 1: He was a chumpy man.
Ex 2.: She was being chumpy.
Jon said, “Let me see that.”
Hattie handed over her pad computer and Jon looked at the entry. He said, “Hey, this isn’t Webster’s! This is more like Wiki! People can add anything they want. He scrolled to the bottom of the entry and let out a groan.
Lara asked, “Hey, Bro, what’s the problem?”
Jon handed the pad to her and pointed to the bottom.
Lara read, “Contributor – Lois Lane”
Lois had just come downstairs with Sam and overheard this conversation. She walked over and as she was handing Sam to Lara she asked, “Okay, what’s going on?”
Jon said, “How could you, Mom?”
Taken aback, Lois asked, “How could I what?”
Jon pointed to the board and said, “That!”
Lois looked carefully at the board and spotted just what Jon was talking about. She moved the ‘Y’ tile aside and saw that it rested on a ‘Double Word Score’ space and started to laugh. She said, “Well played! Who placed that tile?”
Lara and Jon said in unison, “Hattie!”
That just made Lois laugh that much harder. She looked at Hattie and said, “I knew I liked you from the first minute that Jon introduced you to me. If you didn’t already have a set of parents, I’d adopt you.”
Hattie squeaked out, “Really?”
“You’d better believe it. You’re so much like me, it’s scary.”
Clark walked in just then, having returned from his ‘errands’. He asked, “What’s so funny?”
Lois didn’t say anything, she simply pointed to the game board.
Clark looked at the words spelled out and let out a groan. He said, “Is history repeating itself or what? Did you pull that on the kids?”
With a smug look Lois said, “No, I did not. Guess who.”
Clark looked at each of the three kids around the board and said, “Nah, it couldn’t be … Hattie?”
Lois burst out in more peals of laughter, such that the only answer she could make was a violent nodding of her head. When she finally composed herself she asked, “Can you believe that?”
Clark replied, “I knew right from the start that the two of you were like two peas in a pod. If she keeps this up she might even win a Kerth earlier that you won your first.”
The thought that this might in any way be possible sobered Lois up immediately. She choked out, “You really think so? Could that be possible?”
Clark replied, “Anything could be possible.”
Looking directly at Hattie, Lois said, “Not that I don’t wish you well, but I do hold the record as the youngest Kerth winner. You’re going to have to work really hard to beat that record.”
Sam started to fuss and Clark was reaching to take him from Lara when they were interrupted by a knock on the door. Clark glanced in that direction and said, “I wonder who that could be. Were you expecting more company, honey?”
“No, I was expecting a quiet weekend at home. Why don’t you go see who it is?”
Popping up and heading for the door, Jon said over his shoulder, “I’ll get it. Pop’s busy.”
When he answered the door he immediately recognized the individual on the stoop and said, “Hi! I’ll call Mom.” Over his shoulder Jon shouted, “Mom, it’s your friend, Mr. Wells!” To Herb he said, “Won’t you please come on in?”
Herb smiled at this welcome and said, “Thank you, my boy. I’m so happy that you remembered me. It’s been a while. Let me see, it would be about three years since I was last here.”
“Yeah, it was Mom’s birthday, just over three years ago.”
Just then Lois and Clark walked up behind Jon. Lois said, “Hi Herb, what brings you around this time? You missed my birthday, not that I would expect a present every year. The last one you brought me was … special. I still don’t know how to thank you for that.”
Herb smiled and said, “As I told you when I dropped that off, it was a present from,” looking at Jon, who was taking this all in he finished, “an old friend of yours. I was simply the delivery boy, uh, man.”
“Well, if you haven’t already, please, give him my thanks.”
Herb was still smiling as he said, “In a way, that, is one of the things I came to see you about. Can we go somewhere to talk, privately?”
Indicating Sam, who was still in his arms, Clark said, “Sure Herb, just let me turn this one over to his sister.”
Clark went into the game room and handed Sam to Lara and joined Lois and Herb in the office.
Hattie asked Lara, “Can I hold Sam for a while?”
Lara said, “Sure,” and handed him over.
Hattie pulled Sam’s shirt up and gave him a raspberry on his tummy and he started squealing in delight.
Chuckling at this, Jon said, “I think I’ll go ask Mom if we can have a snack.” Jon got up and approached the office door. He knocked and got no answer. After a few seconds, he knocked again. He listened with his superhearing and there were no voices, not even heartbeats, there was only silence. He nudged the door open and saw that the office was empty.
And now -
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Chapter 09 – Herb Returns
Thursday, October 27, 2108* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Universal Locator designation
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -124 Lori and Clark universe –
Alt-Prime – Alt 3%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A/N – The Alt Prime universe or Alt 3 was created when Lois’ life was not prolonged by exposure to the Kryptonian aura. Lorelei (Lori) L. Lane-Kent is the next incarnation of LoisIt was a pleasant mid afternoon in Metropolis. They were experiencing an Indian Summer day when a portal opened in the back yard of the Kent residence on Wisteria Lane. Herb stepped through and as soon as he did the portal closed after him.
He checked his TaDT to confirm the time, 2 pm and date, October 27, 2108, and assuring himself that everything was correct he walked up to the back door and knocked.
A few seconds later Lori Kent answered it. When she saw Herb she said, “Herb! This is an unexpected visit. Is there a problem somewhere?” Suddenly she realized that they were still standing at the door and hastily said, “Won’t you come in?”
Herb chuckling at her apparent discomfiture entered and said, “Actually, my dear, I’m here to see CJ. I’d like to ask him to take a short trip with me.”
Lori had a quizzical look on her face as he said this. She asked, “What is the problem? Are you sure that Clark wouldn’t be better suited to the trip?”
Herb said, “No, CJ is the one best suited to this mission. Please allow me to assist you in recovering a memory.”
Lori was wary, “What memory?”
Herb replied, “A memory that I had to block some time ago but which it is now time to unblock.” Herb pulled out a small device and punched a button. It hummed for a second and then he saw Lori’s visage change as the memory returned.
As a memory reconstituted itself a look of understanding took its place. She asked, “Why did you block that memory?”
“For the same reason that your memories of most of the time CJ was with you as Lois were blocked until the appropriate time. Most of those memories were time triggered so that you would remember them a little at a time. That made it a little less overwhelming.”
She nodded in understanding and said, “That’s why I didn’t remember everything at once. I understand and I guess I thank you. I’m not too happy about you messing with my memory, but, you’ve been doing just that most of my life. He’s in his office, right this way.” She led him into the office where CJ was studying. He was in the process of completing his college degree requirements by taking on-line classes. He was going to complete his masters in Electrical Engineering in about two more months. There were just a couple of required courses and a thesis to go.
Lori knocked on the door and said, “CJ, you have a visitor.”
He said, “Come on in Mom.”
Lori opened the door and said, “CJ, I’d like you to meet Herb Wells. Herb is an old friend of mine and your Dad’s.”
CJ reached out his hand and said, “Pleased to meet you.”
Herb shook his hand and said, “Oh, my boy, you don’t know it yet, but, we’ve met before.”
CJ looked at Lori with a questioning expression. She nodded her head and said, “He’s right. It was shortly after you were born. He’s the one that took you back into the past to protect you when your father and I went to New Krypton. I’d like you to hear him out and … it’s important that you do what he says and that you go with him.”
CJ asked, “Go with him? Where?”
Lori said, “Into the past.”
CJ was incredulous and asked, “The past?”
“Yes, you see he has a mission and you’re an important part of that mission.”
Herb said, “My boy, it is necessary that I cause you to recall some memories, memories of your early life. Please sit down and relax.”
CJ sat back down in his chair as Herb pulled a device from his pocket. Herb reassured him, “Now, this won’t hurt at all. All I’m going to do is to help you remember. As soon as we are finished I’ll be asking you to accompany me.” Herb pushed a few buttons and the device in his hand hummed a gentle tune for a few seconds. As it did a smile took over CJ’s features.
CJ opened his eyes and said, “Momma. I remember!” He looked at Lori and said, “She was so much like you that I never realized the difference.”
Lori replied, “I know CJ, you see, I was her or she was me, we were the same person, I have her memories. Ohhhhh, it’s so frustrating! Herb, what’s the best way to say it??”
Herb was chuckling as he said, “You have all of her memories so to all intents and purposes you are her.” Turning to CJ he said, “Now, my boy, it is time for me to go back and pick you up and bring you back home. I would like you to go with me. I’d like you to meet the woman that will become your mother and who was your mother for that period of your life.”
CJ looked at Lori and she said, “Yes, please go with Herb. It’s important.” She moved over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
CJ turned back to Herb and said, “Okay, I’m ready.”
Herb nodded and pulled his TaDT from his pocket and entered the desired coordinates. The portal opened and he and CJ stepped through.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
Universal Locator designation
Alpha 023 x Gamma 004 x Tau -120 –
Prime1998%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
A portal opened in an alley down the street from of 348 Hyperion Avenue and Herb and CJ stepped through. They walked down the street. As they did they witnessed a young couple, Lucy Lane and Jimmy Olsen, exit the house they were headed for, get into a car and drive off. Once they were out of sight, they approached the door and Herb prepared to knock.
CJ stopped him and said, “I can hear them, they’re upstairs. She’s crying. We might want to wait a few minutes.”
They waited at the door and CJ monitored the conversation and activity upstairs. When he determined that Lois had gotten her emotions under control he said to Herb, “Okay, you can knock now.”
Herb knocked on the door and they heard Clark’s voice say, “Just a minute.”
A few seconds later Clark opened the door. He had checked with his vision beforehand and knew who was there. In a resigned tone he said, “Herb, I guess it’s that time.” He looked at Herb’s companion with a questioning look.
Herb noted this and said, “Let’s go inside. We have some things to discuss.”
Clark nodded in resignation and said, “Okay,” and led the way into the living room. He called upstairs to Lois, “Honey, Herb is here. Is CJ still asleep?”
CJ and Clark could both hear Lois gasp and heard her breathe, “Not now, not yet. We’re not ready.” She came to the head of the stairs and they could see the tears in her eyes. She started to descend the stairs, slowly, like a condemned prisoner headed for the gallows, holding onto the banister with both hands as she moved almost sideways down the steps. When she was half way down she saw that Herb was not alone. The young man with him was tall and looked a *lot* like Clark, right down to the glasses. His appearance shook her. There was a pang of recognition. Finishing her trip like one in a dream, she moved over and completely ignored Clark and Herb, her entire focus was on this stranger.
Clark started to say something, but, before he could utter a word, Herb put his hand on Clark’s arm and stopped him.
Lois walked up to the stranger and just stood there for almost a full minute intently staring at his face. She said, “I … I feel like I know you. It’s so strange. I’ve never met you before, but, I feel like I know you.” Hesitantly, with shaking hands she reached up and took off his glasses. As soon as she did so they fell from her nerveless fingers. A look of total recognition overcame her features as she put her hands on either side of his face and in a voice full of wonder and in a hushed questioning tone asked, “CJ?”
He put his arms around her and said, “Momma.”
At that instant Lois’ knees went weak and her legs seemed to turn to jelly as she almost collapsed but he held her up as she started crying uncontrollably. He gently pulled her into a tight hug and said, “Yes, Momma, It’s me, it’s CJ.”
Clark moved over and took both of them in his arms.
After several minutes Lois was finally able to stand on her own, but Clark and CJ led her over to the couch. Once she was seated Clark sat on one side and CJ on the other. She was still looking at CJ’s face and her hand was on his cheek.
Clark asked, “Lois, how did you know? Herb hadn’t introduced him to me yet and I didn’t know.”
Lois, without turning and still looking at CJ answered, “A mother knows. I just knew he was my baby. My baby’s all grown up.”
CJ said, “Today’s my eighteenth birthday. Herb brought me with him as a birthday present so that I could see you again. Also so that you could see how I had grown up, thanks to you, Momma and also my Mom.”
Lois asked, “How is she? Did they save New Krypton?”
With a sad look he said, “Herb told me that I can’t say anything about that except, New Krypton is still there. Something along the lines of too much information …”
Lois interrupted him, “Yeah, I know that line; ‘too much information too soon is not good’. Okay. So you can’t talk about it. What are you going to be doing?”
“I’m just finishing up on my degree and I plan to work at STAR Labs.”
Clark said, “Good for you. I’m sure they are still doing very important work.”
Lois asked, “Do you have a girl friend?”
“Actually, I’ve been to New Krypton a few times since my powers started to come on and I’ve met someone. I think she’ll be joining me on Earth soon. Her name is Elka and she’s the daughter of Tel-Ka and granddaughter of Zara and Ching. Uncle Ching, when he gave up his military title took his family name of Ka. She was named Elka to honor the family of El. Mom and Dad decided to name me Ka-El. Ka as a dominative of Kal and also the family name of Uncle Ching and Aunt Zara. When we pair bond she will be Elka Ka-El. She decided to take the Earth name Laura.”
Lois asked, “Do you have any pictures?”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small device. When he pushed a button a holographic picture of a very lovely girl with dark hair flowing loosely around her shoulders with dark eyes and a beautiful smile dressed in flowing robes sprang into existence. She bore a striking resemblance to Lois.
Lois said, “She’s lovely. She looks a lot like me.”
“Mom said the same thing. I think, subconsciously, I was looking for you. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom, but you and she are a little different, if you know what I mean. I was concerned when Herb first showed up and suggested this trip. Mom encouraged me to come. I didn’t know how seeing you again would work out. I just want to say, thank you. I love you, Momma.” He looked past Lois and said to Clark, “I love you too; you have got to be the best Dad a boy ever had.”
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Herb and CJ spent a good part of the afternoon with Lois and Clark. Eventually it came time for them to return to the future.
While Lois went upstairs to get CJ and his things Clark got the diary. As he handed it to CJ he said, “These are our memories of your time with us. We kept a copy for ourselves, so that … so that we can remember you. Now we will also remember the man you have become.”
Lois came down the stairs with CJ in her arms. She handed the baby to his older self and said, as she handed the diaper bag to Herb, “Take care of him. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you. You know, that sounds so weird. He’s you. You’re who he will become.”
Clark put his arm around Lois and said, “What she’s trying to say is, we’re proud of you. The man you’ve become. We just hope that at least part of that is a result of the time you spent with us.”
Looking over at Herb who nodded his head, CJ said, “Before I came on this trip, Herb used a device to restore my memory of the time I spent with you.” He started to tear up as he continued, “I remember that it was a period of intense happiness and joy. Your care, your tenderness; I hope I never forget that. I love you, both of you more than I can express.”
Lois looked at Herb and said, “Thank you Herb. This is a tremendous gift you have given us. It makes it a lot easier to give him up now that I see the young man he has become.”
Herb replied, “You should take comfort in the fact that what he has become is a direct result of his time with you. A large part of the most formative period of his life was spent with you and it was your influence that formed so much of his character. He is a reflection of you. You should be proud of that.”
Lois put out her hand and cupped CJ’s cheek and while looking into his eyes said, “We are Herb. We couldn’t be prouder of him if he were actually ours.”
Herb chuckled and said, “In many respects, he is. Yours, I mean. In every way that counts you are, were, his parents. He is the living proof of how any child you would parent and nurture would turn out. You have every reason to be proud.”
Clark nudged Lois and said, “See, I told you you’d do a good job as a mother.”
She replied, “Yeah, I guess I did do okay.”
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