Happy Harbor 

“So how can we find out where my powers came from?” asked Superman.

J’onn J’onzz, the Martian Manhunter, sat across the table from Superman, his hands clasped together and his eyes looking down. Though they hadn’t known each other for long, Clark was pretty good at reading people, and he could tell the Manhunter was nervous.

“J’onn, what is it?”

“One way would be to subject you to some tests,” said J’onn. “But that would require resources I’m afraid I do not have access to. We would have to seek out the assistance of someone who does.”

“Like STAR Labs,” said Superman.

“They would be one such organization, yes.”

Superman sighed. “I’m not sure. Emil Hamilton was helpful when I fought the Atomic Skull, but I’m not sure yet if I can trust him or the people who work with him.”

“Then there is another option I can think of, though I’m afraid you will not like it.”

“Try me,” said Superman.

“I could attempt to read your mind,” said J’onn.

Superman took a breath.

“I know it’s too much,” said J’onn. “We do not know each other well enough for that level of trust to exist between us.”

“No, it’s not that,” said Superman. “But it’s like I told you, I’ve had these powers for as long as I can remember.”

“There is a difference between memory and recall, Superman,” said J’onn. “Though you may not be able to recall any events from before a certain age, the memories remain buried in your mind. I could attempt to locate them, but I’m afraid in the process, I may inadvertently stumble on some secrets you’d rather not share.”

“Like my secret identity.”

“Yes, for example.”

Superman tapped his fingers on the table, staring at the surface. J’onn had been open with him and the rest of the League about the crisis his people suffered and the details of his life since coming to Earth. If anything, no one had trusted the Justice League with more details of their life than the Martian Manhunter.

“Okay, let’s do it,” said Superman.

J’onn’s brow rose in apparent surprise. “Are you certain?”

“I am,” said Superman. “Just…don’t lobotomize me or anything.”

“Very well.” J’onn stood from his chair and circled around the table. Superman stood when the Manhunter approached and the Martian raised his hands, holding them inches away from each side of the Man of Steel’s head. J’onn closed his eyes. “Open your mind to me, Superman.”

Clark nodded and closed his eyes as well. And suddenly, images flashed across his mind, replaying in such brilliant detail as the Martian Manhunter sifted through them. He saw meeting the Justice League, debuting as Superman. Further back, the places across the world Clark had visited. Even further, he saw Kenny Braverman tormenting Clark in high school, saw Clark and Lana’s first kiss. He experienced the death of Jonathan Kent and for Clark, it was like reliving it all over again. A farm in Kansas. Growing up different, but loved nonetheless. The values instilled in him by Jonathan and Martha.

And then, something else. Waking up and seeing the faces of Jonathan and Martha for the very first time. Reaching out as Martha took him in her arms. And in the sky, meteors.

“The Smallville meteor shower,” said J’onn. “I remember that. But now I’m going back further. And—”

J’onn gasped and Superman opened his eyes. “What is it? What do you see?”

The Martian Manhunter’s eyes remained closed. “These memories are…harder to access. They are buried deep.”

Clark was about to ask what, but then it flashed in his mind. A couple dressed in strange garb. They were carrying him towards something.

“That’s the ship!” said Superman. “The one my parents found me in.”

The memories continued. Clark remembered being gently laid in the craft and wrapped in red and blue blankets. He saw the couple standing over him, tears in their eyes as the canopy closed. And he saw the symbol they both wore.

It was the same crest on his own chest.

J’onn opened his eyes and lowered his hands. “I’m afraid that’s all I could unearth.”

“That place…it looked so strange,” said Superman. “Do you think I was an experiment in some kind of laboratory?”

“I’m afraid I do not know,” said J’onn. “Those people…did you feel anything when you remembered them?”

“I-I don’t know. It’s all such a blur. But…I think I know them. I just can’t remember how.”

“You were a baby, it’s no surprise.”

Superman nodded. “You’re right. Thank you for trying, J’onn. I should probably get going.”

“Clar—” J’onn stopped himself. “I apologize, I mean—”

“It’s okay, J’onn. Maybe it’s time we were properly introduced.” Superman smiled and held out his hand. “I’m Clark Kent.”

J’onn smiled and returned the handshake. “It’s an absolute pleasure. The trust you’ve shown me, Clark—it’s not something I will forget. Nor is it something I shall ever betray.”

“I appreciate that.” Clark patted him on the shoulder and with that, left the cave at Happy Harbor. Headed back towards Metropolis.

FIRE IN THE SKY

Part II

By Dino Pollard

ARGUS 

The being once known as Milton Fine scrolled through all the data he’d just downloaded from ARGUS’ systems. And as he reviewed it, he smiled. “Quite the organization you have here, Director Waller. Information on every known metahuman, and even some who remain hidden. I also see references to something called the Academy and Task Force X. And an old file…the Society? Intriguing…”

“So you got everything you want, Brainiac?” asked Amanda Waller from the chair Brainiac’s tentacles held her to. “Ready to let me go?”

“Yes, I believe I have acquired all the knowledge you possess, and you have some interesting information on the one called Superman,” said Brainiac.

“Why are you so interested in Superman anyway?” asked Waller.

“He is unique. Even among these metahumans. And that symbol…” Brainiac rubbed his chin. “Could it be true…? A survivor…?”

“I notice your tentacles are still tryin’ to get fresh with me,” said Waller. “How about you call them off so I can go home and take a shower?”

“I think not, Director,” said Brainiac. “You see, from what I’ve learned from Milton Fine’s memories, humans are an unimpressive species, with the exception of these metahumans. And, of course—you.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re unique,” said Brainiac. “I think I shall have to keep you around just a while longer.”

The Daily Planet

Metropolis

“KENT!” shouted Perry White, his voice bellowing so loud, the windows of his office reverberated. “Where the hell is Clark Kent?”

Lois Lane turned from her desk and looked at the cubicle across hers, the one with the nameplate for CLARK KENT on the outside. But his desk was empty. And immaculate, as usual. When Perry came up to her, Lois just shrugged.

“No clue, Chief,” she said. “I haven’t seen him all day.”

Perry grumbled. “He’s got a deadline ten minutes ago and he’s—”

“Mr. White? You called?”

Perry turned and was surprised to see Clark standing behind him, adjusting his glasses. Perry narrowed his eyes. “Where the hell you been, Kent? I dunno how they did things at The Palookaville Post, but—”

“I’m actually from Smallville—”

“—But here at the Planet, when you got a deadline, you get your story in on time or you go start a blog!”

“I know, Mr. White, and I’m sorry I’m late, but I just had to do some last-minute fact-checking.” Clark held up his phone which showed MESSAGE SENT. “And I’ve just sent the article to your email address.”

Perry jabbed a finger in Clark’s direction. “Get back to work, Kent. And Lane?”

“Yeah, Chief?” asked Lois.

“Stop callin’ me Chief!”

Lois just chuckled as Perry stormed off back to his office. Clark sat at his cubicle and sighed. Lois slid away from her desk and stood, walking over to his cubicle and leaning against it.

“Don’t let Perry get to you, Smallville,” she said. “He’s all bark.”

“Thanks, Lois.”

“What story was he waiting on anyway? I thought you were on that Suicide Slum thing?” she asked.

“Oh, well I just went back to Smallville for my high school reunion—”

“Of course you did.”

“—And while I was there, Superman showed up battling a metahuman.”

“What?” asked Lois, her eyes widening. “How the hell do you get so lucky, Kent? First you get a face-to-face with Lex Luthor and you both get kidnapped by the Toyman. Then you go home to Whocaresville and you end up smack-dab in the middle of a metahuman showdown?”

“I wouldn’t exactly call those last two lucky, I mean, they were pretty dangerous—”

“That’s not the point,” said Lois. “I just wanna know how someone so—and don’t take this the wrong way—but mild-mannered can just stumble into all these situations.”

Clark shrugged and smiled. “Just lucky I guess.”

“Hmm…I don’t believe in luck.” She pointed at him. “I’ve got my eye on you, Smallville…”

Wonderful, thought Clark as he turned to his computer and opened up his email. While he was looking through the messages and following up on leads for his story on Suicide Slum, his phone started ringing. He took it out of his jacket and saw the name on it read LANA LANG. Clark smiled and accepted the call.

“Hey Lana, I haven’t—”

“Hello…Superman.”

The voice was deep and monotone. Clark’s eyes narrowed and he whispered, “Who is this?”

“I have something that belongs to you. And you have something that belongs to me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” said Clark.

“Perhaps you should come to the Kent farm and see for yourself. Before they die.”

The line went dead. Clark put his phone in his pocket and stood up.

“Kent…?” asked Lois, standing from her desk. “Where are you running off to?”

“Oh, I just got a call,” said Clark. “An informant in Hob’s Bay. Wants to meet right now.”

“I could come with,” said Lois. “Teach you a thing or two about interviewing.”

“Thanks, Lois, but maybe we could do it another time,” said Clark. “This informant, he’s a bit jittery. Will only talk to me.”

Clark left the newsroom and moved into the stairwell, closing the door behind him. He jogged up the steps and left through the rooftop exit, taking off his glasses. He started running towards the edge of the roof, opening his shirt to reveal the S-shield beneath.

Smallville

Superman arrived at the Kent farm, hovering in the clouds above. He wanted to try and stay out of sight as much as possible this time. Superman dropping by Smallville once was a coincidence. Twice was suspicious. Especially now that ARGUS and apparently Lois were suspicious about him.

Martha’s car was still in the driveway, so she hadn’t gone anywhere. Superman scanned the house from top to bottom with his x-ray vision, but there was no sign. Then he turned his vision to the barn and he saw both Martha and Lana tied up by something.

Without wasting another second, Superman rocketed from the clouds and into the barn. He landed on the ground where both Martha and Lana were wrapped up by some kind of mechanical tentacles connected to a metal device with three red orbs on its surface.

“Lana, Mom…”

“Clark, behind you!” shouted Martha.

Superman turned and once he did, he was struck by something hard, with enough force to stagger him. It came at him again—a tentacle, just like the ones holding his mother and girlfriend. Superman caught it in his hands and wrestled with it, but it was powerful.

He looked into the distance to see what it was connected to and saw a bald man with green skin and three glowing-red diodes on his forehead, the tentacle connected to the mechanical suit he wore.

“Hello, Superman. I am Vril Dox of Colu, but you may call me Brainiac.”

“What the hell do you want?” asked Superman.

“A simple trade,” said Brainiac. He gestured to Lana and Martha. “These two are not useful as specimens. They are too ordinary.”

“Screw you, too, pal,” said Lana.

“I shall release these two to live out their meager, pathetic existence,” said Brainiac. “And in return, you shall give me that which you stole from me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Brainiac,” said Superman. “I don’t have anything of yours.”

“Yes, you do,” said Brainiac. “The last remnants of Kryptonian technology.”

“Kryptonian—?” asked Superman. He’d never heard the word before, but somehow, it felt…familiar. “What are you?”

“The question is what are you?” asked Brainiac. “And the answer is you are the last survivor of the planet Krypton.”

Superman’s eyes widened. He looked at Martha and Lana and saw similar shock on their faces. He paid particular attention to Martha—she wasn’t faking her expression. They always knew something was different about Clark, but the three of them always assumed it was an experiment of some kind. But now he knew different—he was an alien.

“Fine,” said Superman. “Kryptonian technology, I assume you mean the ship.”

“That is correct.”

Superman pointed to the cellar doors. “In there.”

Brainiac’s tentacles pulled open the doors and he smiled. He lowered himself into the cellar. Superman could hear the sound of the tentacles moving about and then, the pod rose up out of the cellar with Brainiac following.

“Ah yes, this is perfect,” said Brainiac.

“Good, you got what you came for,” said Superman. “Take it and get out of here.”

“It’s not that simple,” said Brainiac. “You see, there is one more thing I require.”

“And what’s that?” asked Superman.

Brainiac stared at Superman and Clark experienced a similar sensation as he did when J’onn read his mind. Except this time, it was far more violent and forceful. Superman screamed and fell to the ground, his head pounding too hard for him to concentrate and his senses going out of control.

“Clark!” shouted Martha and Lana, though their cries soon became so loud, it was too deafening to hear what they were saying.

Superman felt himself being raised up by tentacles. And within moments, some sort of force field surrounded him, keeping him in stasis. His head cleared just long enough for him to hear a few words from Brainiac.

“You are the last piece to add to my collection,” he said.

And then Superman’s world went dark.

To be concluded!