This story continues the legacy created by Deborah Joy Levine and all of
the wonderful writers of Lois and Clark, The New Adventures of Superman.
For four fun-filled seasons, we laughed, we cried, and we even screamed and
threw things at the TV screen.  But mostly, we fell in love along with Lois
Lane and Clark Kent.



Few TV series have captured the hearts and imaginations of its audience
quite like Lois and Clark.  As testament to its ability to completely
enthrall its audience, the fans of L&C have been unable to let the series
end.    Season 5, coordinated by Leanne Shawler and written by a group of
fanfic writers and editors, hopes to continue this tradition for the fans.



This is the first episode in a 22 episode "virtual season" picking up
where the series left off.   We've borrowed Eugenie Ross Lemming and Brad
Buckner's final scene to set the stage, and acknowledge that all rights to
this scene and these characters belong to Warner Bros., ABC, TNT, December
3rd Prod., DC Comics, and any other owning entity.  We borrow them purely
for fun and the enjoyment of the reader.



Finally, to the actors, the writers and the producers of Lois and Clark,
we thank you for four wonderful years!



******



Back to the Future

Season 5, Episode One



by Barbara  (Bml44@aol.com)

(with plotting assistance from Peace)

(edited by Diane Levitan)







Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:00am



	Lois and Clark had hoped that once they were married, settled into
their new brownstone, "putting down roots" as Clark had called it, they
would finally be able to have a normal life.  They would start a family,
get involved in the PTA and Little League - just be 'Joe and Judy Regular'.
But normal for Lois and Clark also meant continuing to be the Daily
Planet's best news investigative team, which kept them tracking down leads
at all hours of the day and night, and getting them caught up in the
schemes of some of the world's most nefarious criminals.  And, of course,
normal meant keeping Clark's true identity a secret from the rest of the
world.  Then there was the question of whether they would be *able* to
conceive a child.  Okay, so normal was a relative term.



	At least they could do something about determining whether or not
they could conceive a child.  They had Dr. Klein running some tests and had
even looked into what was involved in the adoption process.  It all seemed
like a logical plan.  A logical next step to a normal life.  So why did
everything seem to be unraveling?



It all started with their latest story.  They had been investigating a
string of mysterious deaths which led them to Klaus Mensa, a convicted con
artist recently released from prison.  Mensa was obsessed with developing
his mind into the ultimate weapon and using it to control the people and
objects around him.  He was set on getting revenge on those he thought had
double crossed him, and of course, one of those people just happened to be
the business partner of Lois' father, Sam Lane.



	Sam Lane, the eternal dreamer, was working on the latest in his
series of *medical* miracles.  After the success of "Abs in a Bottle," he
was now working on "Breasts in a Bottle," destined to go down in
infomercial history.  Then there was the "Bummer-Be-Gone," which would
strip the wearer of unpleasant memories.  But, by far, the greatest miracle
Sam had been working on was his reconciliation with Lois' mother, Ellen,
and his relationship with his two daughters.



	It was this reconciliation that helped Lois and Clark take a
gigantic step when Dr. Klein's research determined they could not conceive
a child.  They decided to have Sam review Dr. Klein's test results in the
hopes that he could find yet another miracle.  As luck would have it, this
only resulted in both Lois and Clark's parents being held as hostages and
both of the Lanes finding out Clark's true identity.  It had all turned out
all right; their parents were rescued unharmed and Sam's "Bummer-Be-Gone"
had even managed to rid them of any unpleasant memories in the process.



	So, while relieved that their parents were safely tucked away in their
guest rooms, Lois and Clark were seemingly back where they had started.
Back to wanting a normal life and no closer to being able to have one.  As
they lay in their bed that night, they tried to sort out the madness of the
whole adventure.



	"Well," Lois sighed, "My parents are back to normal.  Clueless that
their son-in-law moonlights in tights."



	Clark chuckled.  "I guess knowing I'm Superman brought them nothing
but unpleasantness.  So now that memory is gone."



	"Mmm.  I don't think Mom remembers being mad at Daddy, either."



	"Mmm," Clark grinned, "Apparently not, because I caught them
kissing on the terrace."



	Lois let out the breath she had been holding.  "Oh, Clark, I'm sorry."



	"For what?"



	"I'm sorry that Daddy can't find anything wrong with Star Labs'
data.  He doesn't think we'll be able to have kids."



	"Honey, I have not, for one second, doubted in us.  We live the
impossible.  Now, a child is something brought about by love, isn't it?"
He paused, searching her eyes for understanding.  "Well then that, above
all else, has got to be possible for us."



	Lois held his gaze, lifting her head from his shoulder to thank
him, once again comforted by his incredible faith in love.  Looking into
his eyes, she could see that all-too-familiar look.  The look that meant he
was going to be called away from her.  "What?  What are you hearing?"



	"I'm not sure."  Looking around the room, as if to gain a better
understanding, he sat up, looking a bit confused.  "I can't actually
*believe* what it sounds like."



	Clark climbed out of bed and began to head downstairs.  Lois
followed closely behind, anxious to see what had Clark so bewildered.  As
they entered the living room, they saw a light coming from the dining room,
a light they both remembered turning off before going upstairs.
Cautiously, Clark slid the pocket doors open and walked towards the
bassinet that was sitting just inside.  They were both stunned to find a
baby, wrapped in Clark's S-shielded baby blanket, lying inside the
bassinet.



	Noticing a small note left with the baby, Clark picked it up and
began reading it aloud.  "Lois and Clark, this child belongs to you."



	Overwhelmed with emotion, Lois reached down to pick up the infant,
afraid to believe that the child could truly belong to them.



	Hearing their parents coming down the stairs, Clark quickly turned
to try to make some explanation of what had just happened.



	"Son," Jonathan called, "Is everything all right?"



	"Everyone okay?" Sam asked.



	"We saw the lights," Martha added, moving towards the dining room.



	"Lois," Ellen called.



	Clark emerged from the dining room, suddenly unsure of just what to
say.



	"Uh...uh...yeah...uh...everyone, everything is absolutely fine.
Uh, Mom and Dad and...uh...Mom and Dad...  Uh...we have something to tell
you."



	Slowly, from behind Clark, Lois emerged holding a baby.  Not quite
knowing what to say, Clark simply grinned, presenting the child to the now
stunned *grandparents*.







Metropolis, April 2, 2079  8:00pm



	"Ah, what a beautiful evening."  Passing up her usual wait at the
bus stop in favor of an early spring stroll, Eva leisurely made her way
through the now emptying streets of Metropolis.  She lived only 15 blocks
from campus, but she usually found it more convenient to make use of the
city's public transportation than to try to carry an overloaded bag of
evening work.  She had decided to stay late tonight to finish up, opting
for a quiet evening at home curled up with her latest mystery novel.  With
her work now left neatly on her desk until morning, she pushed her hands
deeper into her coat pockets and headed for the park.  "Might as well take
the long way home and enjoy the walk by the river."



	From where he was standing in the shadows of the alley, he could
just make out her last words, thanking the gods for his good fortune.
Taking a quick glance around to check for passersby, he quietly followed
her into the park.



	Lost in thought, Eva stopped and watched the moon as it danced across the
water.  It had been a long couple of weeks at work.  Her department had
just been awarded an enormous research project with quite a substantial
grant.  The project was going to be a great benefit to the university and
had been sought after by all of the staff archivists.  She was honored to
have been chosen to coordinate the project with Lori.  But then, who
wouldn't be honored to work on a research project about Superman.



	Superman had done so much for Metropolis and the world in the past
80 years.  She had heard all of the stories about his many rescues, peace
missions and scientific discoveries over the years; but since getting into
the project, she was truly amazed at just how much he had been able to
accomplish.



	Looking around, she realized she was walking through an example of
Superman's efforts.  Twenty years ago, the harbor area was filled with
run-down row houses used by drug dealers and rat infested warehouses used
by Intergang.   Spearheading a campaign of urban renewal, Superman cleaned
up Intergang and the drug dealers while the city planners cleaned up the
harbor.  The neighborhood was now filled with vintage brownstones,
apartment buildings, storefronts and even a city park.



	Even more amazing than Superman's efforts to change Metropolis,
were his efforts to assist the world in peace.  With the world moving and
changing so rapidly since his emergence in the late 20th century, Superman
dedicated himself to assisting emerging nations in their struggle for
freedom.  He was instrumental in helping the former Republic of China
become a nation of independent democratic countries and had just returned
from helping celebrate the fifth anniversary of  peace in the holy lands.



	Turning back and looking out across the water, Eva couldn't help a
small grin.  As exciting as it was to work on a project about Superman, she
had to admit that she was more excited about being able to work so closely
again with her best friend, Lori.



	Lori had started at the university about a week after Eva.  They
had quickly formed a friendship, bonding together in their attempt to get
used to their new surroundings.  Lori was from a small town and adapting to
life in a big city, and Eva had just returned to Metropolis after finishing
up at her parents' alma mater in the south.  Eva had always found it best
to keep people at arm's length, but Lori was the type that would just sneak
up on you.  Before you knew it, you had told her your life story.  She had
rediscovered the city while introducing it to Lori and had rediscovered
herself through their many late night chats.  It felt good to have a best
friend again.  It felt good to fit in again.



	Lori had always amazed her; she approached life so completely
differently, embracing and reveling in its many joys and pleasantries.  No
matter where they went, people seem to brighten in her presence.  Eva had
always marveled at this and had tried desperately to figure out just what
it was that made people respond this way.  She finally decided that it was
just impossible to stay gloomy with someone so cheerful around.   Somehow,
that energy just seemed to rub off on you.  Maybe it was something in that
water they drank in that speck of a town she was from.   Maybe she was just
terminally happy.  Whatever the source, Eva was glad it seemed to be
contagious, because she hadn't felt so alive in years.



	Thinking back on those first few months, she remembered watching
her best friend fall in love.  Lori had been rushing through the halls of
the history department to deliver some papers to the dean.  As she rounded
a corner, she literally ran into a young professor on his way to class.
After hastily trying to sort out their papers, they hurried on their way.
Even in her embarrassment, Lori managed to tuck one of his papers in her
folder in hopes of meeting him again.  He was all she could talk about for
the next few days.  After finally getting up the nerve to call him, they
met for coffee and had been inseparable ever since.  They were married
after a brief courtship and had just had their first child.  She would be
returning to work in just a few days after her pregnancy leave.



	"That's what I've forgotten," her mind now back from its reverie.
"I've got to get things going on her welcome back party.  It's going to be
so great having her back!"  Smiling to herself, her thoughts now on
decorations and hors d'oeuvres, she set off down the path towards home,
still unaware of the figure in the shadows.







Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:15am



	Since there had not been time to discuss how they were going to
explain the baby, all Lois and Clark could do was look at one another and
hope that one of them would be inspired.  Thankfully for Clark, Lois seemed
to have formed a plan.  He just hoped that even Superman would be able to
survive this particular parting of the seas.



	"Isn't he adorable?" Lois grinned, holding the baby up for inspection.



	Finally coming back to her senses, Martha dared to ask what was
foremost on all their minds.  "Honey, where did he come from?"



	"Well," Lois paused, "I'm not sure.  We just found him with a note
saying that he belonged to us."



	"Someone just left a...a baby...on your doorstep?" Ellen stammered.



	Thankful for an easy out, Lois and Clark quickly agreed.  "Yes,"
they said in unison.



	Martha moved towards Lois for a better look at the baby, tears
welling up in her eyes.  "Who could do such a thing?"



	"I don't know, Martha.  I guess that's something Clark and I will
have to figure out."



	Looking down into his big brown eyes, Martha could see the baby
struggle to keep them open.  "It looks like whatever he's been through has
worn him out.  Why don't we put him to bed and get some rest ourselves.  We
can try to figure this out in the morning."



	"That sounds like a great idea, Mom."  Turning to Lois, Clark
continued, using facial expressions to convey what his words could not.
"Honey, why don't you guys take the baby up to our room and I'll bring up
the bassinet."



	Understanding that he needed to hide a certain blanket and note,
Lois tried to corral the parents towards the stairs.  "Okay, Clark.  Daddy,
could you and Mom take a quick look at the baby, just to make sure he's all
right?"



	"Of course, princess," Sam answered.  "There's no telling what he's
been through."



	"I'll get your bag, Sam," Ellen added.



	As they all began climbing the stairs, Clark ducked back into the
dining room and quickly lifted the blanket.  Looking around the room for a
safe place to deposit it, he saw his Dad walk through the door.



	"Okay, son, they've gone upstairs.  What's the real story."



	Relieved to be able to quit pretending, Clark let out a long
breath.  "I don't know Dad.  I heard a baby whimper and we came down and
found *him*.  He was wrapped in this," Clark finished, holding up the
blanket to reveal the familiar crest.



	"What else did the note say?"



	"Nothing."  Turning around to pick it up, Clark lowered his glasses
to give it a better look.  "Wait a minute, there is something here at the
bottom."  Taking another glance, he could just make out the indentation of
writing.  "It's signed, H.G. Wells.  He must have used some kind of ink
that would disappear, knowing I'd still be able to see it."



	"Well, at least that explains a little more..."



	"I guess.  I was just worried that someone else knew about me.  I
wonder where he got the blanket?"  Thinking about what he'd just said and
seeing the amused expression on his father's face, Clark waved him off.
"Okay, stupid question.  When *couldn't* he have gotten it."  Grinning,
Clark handed the blanket to his father.  "Could you hide this in your room?
Sam and Ellen don't know about this and I'd rather keep it that way for
now."



	"Sure, son.  Come on, we'd better get this bassinet up there before
they come looking for us."







Metropolis, April 5, 2079  8:20am



	Lori made her way up the familiar stairs to the third floor, hoping
that Eva had not planned a big todo on her first day back.  Ithad been hard
enough leaving CJ at day care for the first time, the last thing she needed
was to enter a room full of people twenty minutes late, with mascara lines
under her eyes.  Even though Clark had tried to assure her that they were
gone, she knew they were still there.  'Maybe I can take the back stairs,'
she thought.



	As she opened the door to her department, she could see that things
were much the same as she had left them eight weeks before.  Thankfully,
there were no banners or balloons, just the gentle hum of the staff going
about their day.    Approaching her desk, she did notice something
peculiar.  Eva's desk had been next to hers since the day she started.  She
couldn't help but laugh every time she saw the silly little clown she
always kept next to her phone.  She had apparently won it at a carnival
years ago and it had become a sort of good luck charm.  It was missing.
And come to think of it, no matter how busy Eva was at a given moment, her
desk was always orderly.  Not only was the clown missing, but there were
files and papers everywhere.



	Looking around the room, she couldn't seem to spot Eva anywhere,
but her chair was pushed out and there was a coffee cup among the disarray.
Assuming she had just stepped away for a moment, Lori sat her things down
at her desk and tried to get acclimated once again.  She noticed a few
coworkers approach with smiles just as the phone rang.



	"Hello, gorgeous."



	Whispering, she grinned.  "I've told you to stop calling me here.
What if my husband finds out?"



	She could hear him laugh.  "Well, I won't tell if you won't."



	"Okay, but I have to warn you...he can be pretty intimidating.  I
know he takes my breath away with this little smile of his...sort of like
the one he probably has right about now."



	"Well, Mrs. Kent, I'll take my chances.  I'm sure even Superman
couldn't resist you when you, standing there looking so coy."



	"Where are you?"



	"In my office.  I just missed you and thought I'd use the video
feature on the phone again."



	"Uh huh.  I guess it's a good thing the trees on campus aren't lead
lined."



	"Well they would just have to go if they were.  And by the way, CJ
is fine.  He's asleep in the crib, just as we left him."



	"Thanks for checking.  I miss him already."



	"So, I see Eva didn't embarrass you with a big party.  Where is
she?  I would have thought she'd have you cornered with the photo album by
now."



	"I don't know.  I haven't been able to find her.  She must be down
in the stacks."



	"Well, I have a class in a few minutes.  Just wanted to make sure
you were all right.  I had missed walking to campus with you.  Meet me here
at 12:00 and we'll have lunch with CJ."



	"Thanks.  I hope I can make it that long without seeing him.  I
love you."



	"I love you too, sweetheart.  Now...get to work."



	"Yes sir..."



	Lori had never seen a more devoted father than Clark Kent.  She was
convinced that he had just about every breath, and drool, of CJ's first
eight weeks on film.  She often teased him that CJ was only going to
recognize his father if he had a camera or CD recorder attached to his
face, so having pictures to show the office was not a problem.  Weeding
them down into a small album had been her biggest challenge.  After hearing
the 'oohs' and 'ahs' from the office staff, she knew Clark's time had been
well spent.



	She had been so caught up showing off her son that she didn't
realize Eva still hadn't made it to her desk.  She had been going through
the album with Jeremiah, the newest archivist on staff.



	"Ah, now here's one for the mantle.  The whole family in front of
the fireplace."



	Lori turned back to the album and laughed.  "It ought to be, as
long as it took to get that one.  It took about 20 minutes for Clark to
figure out how to work the timer setting.  CJ and I almost fell asleep."



	"Well you certainly make a handsome family."



	"Thanks, Jeremiah.  Have you seen Eva?  I haven't seen her all
morning."



	"Um...she's not here.  She took a leave of absence.  Didn't she tell you?"



	"What?  When?"



	"She called Sylvia on Monday and said there was something personal
she had to take care of and would be out indefinitely.  I thought for
certain she had spoken with you about it.  I know you two were close."



	"I spoke with her that night and she never mentioned it.  Where did
she go?"



	"You'd have to ask Sylvia.  I was helping Eva while you were gone,
so Sylvia asked me to work with you until she returned."



	"I'm going to go talk with her and see what's up.  I'll be back in
a minute."







Metropolis, June 15, 1997  1:55am




	Lois and Clark sat staring at the child sleeping peacefully in the
bassinet beside their bed.  Neither wanted to speak, afraid they might wake
the baby or rouse themselves from an incredible dream.



	"Clark, is it just me or does he really look like you?" Lois whispered.



	"No, honey, it's not just you.  He does look a lot like the
pictures of me at his age.  And there's a little more to the story.  I
couldn't tell you until your parents were asleep."



	"What?  What do you know?" Lois cried, her need to find an answer
overriding the need to suppress her voice.



	"Shh...you'll wake the baby."



	Whispering, Lois continued.  "Okay, sorry.  So...out with it..."



	"Well, the note was signed by HG Wells.  He must have brought the
baby here.  Why, I have no idea."  Clark could see the information as it
was processed in her mind and could anticipate her response.  "And as to
who the baby's parents are...I'm afraid to even go there."



	Smiling, she looked back over at the sleeping infant.  Exhausted by
the events of the day and secure in the circle of her husband's arms, Lois
drifted off to sleep.  "Gee, I hope he's ours..."



	Pulling her tighter into his embrace, he placed a soft kiss on her
forehead.  "Me too, sweetheart, me too."







Metropolis, April 5, 2079  12:15pm



	Lori watched as her husband gently rocked their son.  This had
become their lunch time routine.  Clark would come home and bring lunch for
the two of them and hold CJ while they ate.  He always wanted to know every
detail of their morning.  While she ate one of the delicacies the world had
to offer, she would fill him in on anything new CJ had mastered.  Today, he
had chosen Chinese from her favorite restaurant in new republic of Canton.



	"Honey, something weird is going on with Eva.  Apparently, after
she called me on Monday, she called Sylvia and said she had something
personal to take care of and would be taking a leave of absence."



	"Really?"



	"Yes.  She never mentioned anything like that to me.  All she could
talk about was how great it was that I was coming back and that I'd better
bring lots of photos of her godson."



	"Maybe she got a call after she talked with you and didn't want to
wake you or the baby."



	"Maybe."



	"Did she say anything else to Sylvia?"



	"No.  Sylvia said she was really vague as to where she was going.
Eva's always been a private person, so she didn't really think anything of
it.  She figured I'd know."



	"Well, if anything were wrong, she'd have told you.  She probably
just hasn't had time to call.  I'm sure you'll hear from her soon."



	"I guess."



	"Come here," he whispered, motioning to her.  "I have an arm that's
really empty."





	Clark watched Lori as she walked back across campus, making sure
she arrived at her building safely.  He didn't want to worry her, but he
was concerned with the way Eva had just left town.  Over the years, he had
come to think a lot of Eva as well, and he knew she would never just leave
without letting Lori know where she was going.  Just in case, he decided to
call his grandfather at The Daily Planet to see if he could check things
out.  If something had happened to Eva, he'd be able to find out about it.







Metropolis, June 15, 1997  3:00am



	Clark awoke from a dream he seemed to be having a lot lately.  He
was sitting in their bedroom watching Lois cradle their child in her arms.
But something about this particular dream seemed so real.



	Reaching over, he found Lois' side of the bed empty.  Looking around the
room, he could see her sitting in the chair at the foot of the bed, gently
rocking an infant in her arms.  She looked up and caught his gaze, smiling
gently.



	"I know...I thought the same thing when I woke up.  I heard him
whimper and thought I was still dreaming."  Looking down at the baby
sleeping in her arms, she simply shook her head.  "He really is beautiful,
isn't he?"



	Clark moved to her and kneeled by her side, still captivated by the
image of his wife with the child.  "You both are."



	"Clark, what do you think Wells meant that this child belongs to
us?  Why would he leave us a baby?"



	"I'm not sure."



	"Could this really be *our* child?  Could Dr. Klein have been wrong?"



	"Lois, you know how much I want us to be able to have a child, but
maybe we shouldn't..."



	"...get too attached?  Yeah, I know."



	"Honey, it's just that wherever he came from, he has to go back."



	"I know, Clark, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy him while he's
here."



	Just then, the baby turned his head, slowly opening his eyes.
Seeing the smiling couple, he grinned.  Clark, no more immune to the baby
than Lois, started making cooing noises and tickling him.



	"Uh, Clark...what was that about not getting attached?"



	Blushing slightly, he tried to explain.  "Well, like you said.
Might as well make him feel at home while he's here."



	"Uh huh..."







Metropolis, April 5, 2079  1:10pm



	Lori returned to her desk, reassured after her talk with Clark.
Seeing Jeremiah arranging the stacks on Eva's desk, she decided it was
about time she did something productive.  Besides, work would take her mind
off of Eva.  And CJ.



	Picking up her notepad, she slid her chair over next to him.  "So,
where do we start?"



	"Well, I was just about to move down to the stacks.  Eva had mapped
out how the project should be tackled pretty well.  I've just continued
working with that.  Unless you want to change it?"



	"No.  If Eva had a game plan, I'm sure it's a good one.  Let's go.
You can fill me in on what you guys have done down there."



	"Okay."



	The main office space for the historical society was located on the
third floor of what had once been the main library.  One of the
university's benefactors had donated a considerable sum to fully fund a new
library, with state of the art equipment and room to combine what had
previously been squeezed into two facilities.  This left the old space
available for the university's many research departments to expand.  Each
had office space in the what had once been the open reference areas and
storage space in what had been the stacks.  This gave each department the
ability to house projects that would have been impossible before.  Their
new project took up almost a single floor in the stacks, which was the
department's total storage space before the renovations.



	Lori and Eva had been hired while the renovations were being made
and had started just before it had been discovered that the new library
would be delayed.  As a result, the two ended up sharing a makeshift desk
in the basement stacks.  They spent their first four months working
together, which gave them a lot of time to talk and they had quickly formed
a strong friendship.  They were almost disappointed when the renovations
were finished and they joined the rest of the staff in the main office.
They continued to work together off and on over the next three years, and
both were thrilled to be working on this new project, as it would ensure
they would be partnered for the next two years.



	Lori realized that she and Eva had sort of fallen out of sync since
her marriage.  She never realized how much being the wife of Superman would
change her life.  The moment she had met Clark, she knew that he was the
one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, but it had taken a while
to incorporate his second job into their lives.  She found herself avoiding
inviting people over in case he had to leave - even Eva.  Clark was really
bad at making up excuses on where he hadto go, and while he had gotten
pretty good at excusing himself from his classes, he also had a grad
student that could always step in.  It was a little more difficult to leave
in the middle of dinner in your own home.  But, they had finally fallen
into a routine.  With a little help from Clark's parents and grandparents,
they found that together their excuses were more plausible.



	Then there was CJ.  From practically the moment he was conceived,
she and Clark could hardly think of anything else.  It was something they
had both wanted for so long.  Lori was an only child and Eva had become the
sister she never had.  They included her in the many events along the way
and were thrilled when she agreed to be CJ's godmother.  This had been a
special time for all three of them, and that's why it hurt so much that Eva
would just leave without so much as a word.



	Pushing these thoughts away, Lori made her way down to the stacks.
Jeremiah began explaining what had been completed and what Eva had mapped
out to be worked on next.



Pointing to the boxes marked and filed on the shelf behind him, he
explained what was in each section.  "This is where we left off on Monday.
Eva must have stayed late, because there was a revised todo list on my desk
Tuesday morning.  I simply continued working on what she had outlined.  As
I said, if you have another idea, we can change it."



	"What she has is fine.  You two have gotten a lot accomplished
while I was gone."



	"She does tend to be a workaholic.  I usually had to force her to
leave the office."



	Smiling, Lori nodded.  "I know what you mean.  I had to do that
every day for three years.  Thanks for taking over for me."



	"Anytime, dear."



	"Jeremiah, did Eva say anything at all about taking a trip?  It's
so unlike her to just leave."



	"I've tried to think back since Sylvia told me, but I can't
remember anything.  I left around 6:00pm...that's chess night.  She was
here when I left and said she would be leaving soon."



	"She called me about 7:30 and was still here.  She must have gotten
a call after that."



	"I guess so."



	"I hope everything's okay."



	"I'm sure she's fine.  She would have told you if it wasn't."



	"That's what Clark said."



	"Well, he's a smart man.  You should listen to him."



	Grinning, she added, "I'm sure that's just what he would say."



	"Actually, I sat in on a few of his lectures.  He's incredibly well
versed for a man his age.  He seems to have traveled extensively."



	"Yes, he has.  He would take the summers off and travel all over
the world.  He has some of the most remarkable stories."



	"I'd love to hear them sometime."



	"Well, sit next to him for two seconds and you will."



	He grinned.  "I'd love that.  From the lectures I attended, I can
tell he's an excellent storyteller.  And I'd love to hear his stories of
Superman.  They would make an interesting addition to our collection."



	Lori glanced up, uncertain of just how to take his comment.  Seeing
her questioning look, Jeremiah continued.



	"The lectures I attended were on the attempts at world peace in the
past century.  Superman figured prominently in the discussions and Clark
mentioned having met him personally."



	"Yes, well, Superman is a friend of his family.  By the way, Eva
told me that we have something in common."



	"Really?" Jeremiah wondered.  "What might that be?"



	"Our interest in Superman."



	"Well, I will admit to a certain fascination with the man of steel.
I take it Clark doesn't mind your interest?"



	"Well, I overlook his obsession with Ultrawoman and he overlooks
mine with Superman."



	"I see."



	Uncomfortable with getting into a discussion about Clark and
Superman, Lori tried to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
"Actually, there is one thing that Clark loves more than telling his tall
tales...chess.  Why don't you come for dinner and take him on?  I'm not
much competition for him...maybe you could be."



	"I'd love nothing better."



	"Great.  I'll see what his schedule's like for the rest of the week.  I
will warn you, you may have baby cries interrupting your game."



	"It's been a long time since I've been around a little one.  It
would be refreshing."



	"Okay, but you've been warned.  I'll let you know tomorrow."



	Jeremiah Thomas was a retired Ivy League professor who had returned
to Metropolis to escape the harsh New England winters.  Unable give up
academia altogether, he had decided research would be a good change of
pace.  Eva and Lori were thrilled to have someone with his background
working with them on the project.  Lori really didn't know that much about
Jeremiah, other than what Eva had told her during her visits.  She got the
impression that Eva had begun to think of him as a surrogate father.  With
his gray hair and beard, he did look remarkably like the picture Eva kept
on her desk of her father.



	Eva's parents were both professors and were well in their 40s when
they decided to have a family.  When Eva was in high school, her parents
had been killed in an explosion in one of the labs on campus.  Lori had
asked Clark's father about the explosion, and he remembered getting there
in time to put out the fire, but too late to save anyone that had been in
the lab.  Eva had planned to carry on their work at the university, but
finally decided there were just too many painful memories.  She finished up
her graduate studies and returned to Metropolis to get a fresh start.  Lori
couldn't begin to imagine how devastating it must be to lose both of your
parents, but she was glad Jeremiah seemed to be a willing substitute.  He
seemed nice enough, and he must be a good judge of character, since he was
so impressed with her husband.



	Smiling, Lori opened the box in front of her and began to lose
herself in her work.





Metropolis, June 15, 1997  5:45am



	Morning was announced at the Kent house not only by the gentle
stream of light peeking through the blinds, but by the soft cries of the
newest *Kent* making his presence known.



	Without thinking, Clark walked to the bassinet, picked him up and
began hushing his cries.  Lois slowly opened her eyes and waited for her
mind to register what was going on.



"Clark, is there an emergency?"



	Moving to the bed and sitting beside her, he smiled.  "Well if you
consider a hungry baby an emergency...yes."



	Snuggling close to Clark, she smiled and stared down at the baby.
Comforted by being Clark's arms, the baby's cries were abated for the
moment.  His earlier comment finally registering, Lois stirred.  "Clark,
what are we going to feed him?  And he'll need to be changed.  We don't
have any diapers."



	Turning, he tried to calm her.  "Honey..."



	"And he'll need something to wear..."



	"Honey..."



	"And toys...and..."



	Grabbing her arm to get her attention, he tried again.  "Honey."



	"What?"



	"Mom called the 24 hour pharmacy and had them deliver what he'd
need.  We can pick up anything else this morning."



	"Thank God for Martha," Lois sighed.



	"What would be do without your parents?"



	Before Clark could respond, there was a gentle knock at their door.
Clark turned and looked to see who it was.  Smiling at Lois, he gently
handed her the baby and got up to open the door.  "I guess you can thank
her yourself."



	Clark opened the door to reveal a smiling Martha, peering at them
from behind an overloaded tray.  She had obviously been up for a some time,
as the tray had everything from breakfast for Lois and Clark to a bottle
and diapers for the baby.  Clark took the tray from Martha and she quickly
moved to sit by Lois, making funny faces at the infant.  Through all of the
commotion, the baby finally decided it was past time for breakfast, and
time to let his dissatisfaction with the situation be known.  What had
started earlier as a soft cry, could now most likely be heard throughout
Metropolis.



	Lois had never felt very comfortable around babies.  Somehow, the
cute little creatures that would smile and coo in other people's arms,
would immediately begin to wail if she were to pick them up.  So, she had
made it apoint to just avoid them.  Since children were not something that
had fit into Lois Lane's pursuit of a Pulitzer, this had seemed like a good
plan.  And it had worked just fine until she met Clark.  Lately, she seemed
to keep finding herself eavesdropping on the baby conversations in the
office that she had once so studiously avoided.  She would catch herself
smiling at children as they passed on the street.  And since they had
gotten married, she had even started daydreaming of what it would be like
to have a child.



	But nothing could have prepared her for the real thing.  Holding
the screaming infant, she was at a complete loss of what to do.  Could she
be the same woman allowed an interview with the President of the United
States?  The same woman who had earned three Kerth awards?  She could get
information on a story at a moment's notice, but she was completely
helpless when it came to the child in her arms.  'Shouldn't there be
manuals that come with these things?' she thought to herself.



	Martha recognized the signs of distress on Lois' face and quickly
grabbed the bottle from the tray.  Handing it to Lois, she smiled.



"Here Lois, this will do the trick."



	Taking the bottle from her, Lois quickly stuck it in the child's
mouth in an attempt to pacify it.  Fortunately, he eagerly drew from the
bottle, quieting his cries.  Turning to a grinning Martha and Clark, she
sighed.  "It worked!  You're a genius, Martha."



	Martha placed her arm around Lois.  "At this age, they're pretty
easy to figure out.  They're either hungry or need a diaper change."



Nodding her head in Clark's direction, she laughed.  "And since you took
care of the bottle, you can let Clark here tackle the diaper."



	Laughing, Lois nodded.  "I like the way you think, Martha."



	All Clark could do was shake his head.  He knew he was no match for
the two women in his life.  He was putty in their hands one-on-one; when
they teamed up on him, look out.  So, he did the only thing he could under
the circumstances.



	Smiling, he lifted his head toward the window.  "I think I hear a
bank robbery..."



	"Don't even try it, mister," Lois warned.  "You wouldn't want me
printing an article that Superman is also vulnerable to dirty diapers,
would you?"



	Setting the tray down on the sofa behind him, Clark joined his wife
and mother as they watched the child slowly pull from the bottle.  Putting
his arm around the two of them, he gently gave them a kiss on the cheek.
"Might as well add two certain women to that list while you're at it."



	Lois laughed and gave Martha a quick wink.  "Well that goes without
saying..."







Metropolis, April 6, 2079  3:00am



	Lori awoke to the all too familiar sound of her son's cries.  One
of the benefits of being married to Superman, however, was that he always
heard them before she did.  As she turned to try to make it out of bed, she
saw her husband cradling their son, trying to hush his cries.



	"Morning honey," he grinned, climbing into bed next to his sleepy
wife.  "I *know* I had a talk with junior here last night that we wanted a
6:00am wake up call, but I forgot he doesn't know how to tell time yet.
We'll work on that tonight."



	"You do that."  Looking over at the clock, she grinned.  "He's only
three hours off..."



	"Well, he is your child.  I guess he was bound to get that stubborn
streak of yours."



	"Watch it mister," she laughed, hitting him with her pillow.



	Clark grinned, leaning down and whispering to CJ.  "Close your eyes
son, I don't want you picking up any bad habits from your mother.  Next
thing you know, she'll be teaching you how to babble."



	Threatening him once again with her pillow, she couldn't help but
laugh.  "Oh, you are going to pay for that one, Kent."



Ducking from the pillow, he floated just out of reach.  "Hey, I'm holding
a baby here, Kent."



	"And that's only going to save you for so long, buster.  When you
least expect it..."



	Floating down next to her again, he gave her a devilish grin.
"Promises, promises..."



	"Okay," she laughed, laying down the pillow.  "Hand over the baby and no
one gets hurt."



	"Do you hear how she talks to, me CJ?  You'd never talk to Superman
like that, would you?  Of course you wouldn't."



	Taking the baby from Clark, she leaned back against the headboard
and began to feed him.  Looking down at his small features, she still
couldn't get over just how much he looked like her husband.  She looked up
at Clark who was just staring at the two of them.  The look in his eyes
took her breath away.



	Reaching over, he kissed her softly.  "You have no idea how happy
you've made me.  You've given me more than I could have ever dreamed."



	"I love you too, sweetie.  It's hard to believe how much our lives
have changed in the last eight weeks."



	"You know, I used to listen to the stories my grandfather would
tell me about his parents.  About how they met and how he created the
Superman persona to have a life with her.  I used to watch my Mom and Dad
together and see how they fit Superman into their lives.  I always wondered
if they got tired of all of the lies, of all of the intrusions into their
lives.  Looking at the two of you, I know why it was worth it to them.
Because I know how much the two of you mean to me."



	"Clark, I told you the night I discovered  your big secret that it
didn't matter to me.  I've loved you from the moment I saw you, all nervous
and worried that you'd hurt me."



Reaching up to touch his face, she could see the love in his eyes.  "And
hurting me is something I know you could never do."



	"I have a small confession to make.  I wasn't worried that I'd hurt
you that day.  I was just too nervous to say anything.  You took my breath
away.  I didn't know what to say.  The longest three days of my life were
the ones I spent waiting for you to call.  I left that sheet with my name
on the floor, hoping you'd pick it up.  I almost went crazy trying to
decide if I should call you."



	"Clark Kent, I can't believe you.  You knew what I was doing?  You
set me up?"



	"What is it they say about all's fair in love and war?"



	"Well I don't know anything about the war, but I guess I can't
complain about your tactics."  Looking down at their now sleeping son, she
smiled back up at him.  "Especially when this is the result."



	"Have I ever told you how incredible you are?"



	Handing him their son, she let out a yawn.  "I forget, have you?"



	"Guess I'll have to remind you, then," he grinned, gently settling
his son back in the bassinet.



	"Promises, promises..."







Metropolis, June 15, 1997  6:30am





	Jonathan entered the room just in time to catch Clark in the middle
of his diaper changing lesson.  Lois was looking on, all smiles, but
mentally filing all of Martha's pointers.  She couldn't help but tease
Clark, but he really did look like a natural with the baby.  She only hoped
that some day she might feel that way.



	As Clark was putting the finishing touches on the diaper, he
decided it was a good time to enlist his parents' help.  Tickling the
infant's stomach one last time, he gently lifted him, cradling him
effortlessly in the crook of his arm.  With his needs sated for the moment,
the infant snuggled further into Clark's embrace and drifted off to sleep,
eliciting a sigh from them all.  Turning and closing the door, Clark led
the group towards the bed and floated down next to Lois, careful not to
stir the baby.



	"Before Lois's parents wake up, we need to decide on a few things
about this little guy."  Looking over at his mother, Clark continued.
"Mom, I'm sure Dad filled you in on the note.  We need to agree on a story
to tell everyone until we can figure out what Mr Wells needs us to do.  And
we're going to need your help trying to figure out just how to return him
to *whenever* it is he came from."



	With a quick glance at Jonathan, Martha agreed.  "Honey, you know
we'll help out in any way we can.  Do you have any idea whose child this
is?"



	"No, Martha," Lois answered.  "All the note said was that he
belonged to us.  But I can't get over his resemblance toClark."



	Grinning broadly and moving in for a closer look, Martha nodded
briskly.  "Well, I didn't want to say anything before, but Clark, he does
look just like you did at that age."



	"I know, Mom.  He does look like the pictures you've shown me."



	Trying to get the group back to the problem at hand, Jonathan slid
his arm around Martha and pulled her to him.  "Son, if this is your child,
why would Mr Wells bring him here?  From what you two have told us, hasn't
he tried to keep you from *knowing* what was going to happen in the future?"



	"Yeah Dad, that's what we've wondered too.  The only thing I can
think of is that, whoever he is, he must be in danger, and Mr Wells trusts
us to protect him."

	Lois joined the discussion, now in *reporter mode*,  working with
protective maternal instincts she swore she did not possess.  "Well, if he
is in danger, it would've been nice for Mr Wells to let us know what's
going on.  I mean, Clark and I *are* investigative reporters, but even we
can't investigate in a time we can't get to or even know when it is..."



	"Honey, it's okay," Clark interrupted.  "I'm sure Mr Wells will let
us know what he needs us to do when he's able.  Until then, the four of us
need to be on our toes, in case this is our child.  If this is a *super
baby*, we don't exactly know what to expect.  And we still have to explain
his being here to everyone, including your parents."



	Gaining her composure somewhat, Lois nodded.  "You're right.  Let's
just stick with him being left on the doorstep.  I mean he was, right?
While we try to figure out what Mr Wells was thinking, we can tell everyone
we're trying to figure out who left him.  Perry's sure to think there's a
story in there somewhere."



	"Son, you know your Mom and I will stay and help out as long as you
need us.  And we do have a little experience with *super babies*."



	"Thanks guys, I'm sure we'll need it."



	"Clark, what about my parents?" Lois asked.  "What if they see him
do something...super.  How are we going to explain that?"



	"Well," Martha added, thinking out loud, "Clark didn't develop any
of his powers until he was a teenager, and he had two Kryptonian parents.
If this baby is only half Kryptonian, there's no reason to assume he would
get them any earlier.  Maybe even later than Clark."



	Lois and Clark shared a glance, amused at Martha's never ending
source of support.  Reaching over, Lois took her hand.  "Martha, you're
better at this than Clark and I.  You sure you don't want a job down at the
Planet?"



	Laughing, Martha gave Lois' hand a gentle squeeze.  "Heavens no.
Babies and *super babies* I know.  I'll leave the rest of it to you two.
I'm afraid Jonathan has spoiled me for big city living."



	Dramatically wiping his brow, Jonathan pulled Martha close once
more.  "Whew!  For a minute there, I was worried.  Besides, Clark has his
hands full rescuing one Kent, already.  I don't think even Superman could
keep up with the two of you."



	"You took the words right out my mouth, Dad."



	Lois and Martha shared a knowing look.  "They're just jealous,
Martha.  You and I make a good team."



	"Precisely," Clark agreed.  "That's what we're worried about."



	Just then, there was a knock on the door.  Knowing that it was her
parents, Lois walked to the door to let them in.  Smiling back at Clark,
she couldn't resist one last comment.  "Saved by the bell, again, Kent.
But we'll discuss this later..."



	"And I'm sure you'll win then, too."



	"See Martha, marriage has been good for him."



	The four *Kents* were sharing a laugh when Lois opened the door to
find her parents, obviously aware that they had come in the middle of a
conversation.  Not to be hindered, Ellen quickly kissed her daughter and
pushed past her to get a look at the baby.  Sam gathered his daughter in a
hug, wishing her good morning and leading her back to the others.



	For all of their faults, Lois' parents truly did love both of their
daughters.  It seemed that reconciling their differences with one another
had allowed them the freedom or ability to express it to their children,
something that was new to all of them.  They were both thrilled at the
prospect of being grandparents and having a second chance with their
daughters.  Hearing the cries of the infant coming from Lois and Clark's
bedroom, neither could resist the urge to come have a look.



	Lois sighed.  She never realized just how much she needed Clark
until it came to dealing her parents.  None of the Lanes had ever been good
at expressing their feelings to one another, and as a result, they had
spent most of their lives walking on eggshells around each other.  But
Clark just welcomed them in like he would anyone else.  With his support,
she found it much easier to spend time with her parents and avoid it
dissolving into a shouting match.  He seemed to know just when to steer the
conversation to another topic or Lois out of the room.



	Seeing the potential for some difficult questions, Clark attempted
to distract everyone.  "Well we certainly have a long day ahead of us.
Lois and I need to figure out how this little guy found his way here.  And
until we can return him to where he belongs, he'll need a few things."
Turning to his mother, Clark got the plan underway.  "Mom, could you and
Ellen find the baby some clothes, some more food...and anything else you
think we'll need?  Obviously you two know more about this than Lois and I
do."



	"Of course, dear," Martha said, with a gleam in her eye.  "Come on,
Ellen, let's go get ready and hit the baby stores."



	Smiling, Clark turned to his father.  "Looks like you and Sam are
going to be needed, as well.  From the sound of it, there will be a few
packages to carry.  Lois and I can work from here and watch the baby."



	"Okay, son.  Sam and I will try to make sure they leave a few
things in the stores."



	Sam moved over to Clark and gave him a pat on the back.  "Clark, my
boy, you thought Ellen got excited about your wedding?  You have no idea
how much she's been wanting grandchildren."



	"Daddy..." Lois exclaimed.  "Mother *wants* grandkids?  My mother?
The one in the next room?  Doesn't she realize that will make her a
grandmother?"



	Putting his arm back around Lois, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Yes, princess, but she has really been looking forward to you two having
children someday.  But don't worry.  Jonathan and I will make sure she
doesn't spend his entire college fund."



	"Daddy, this baby isn't ours..."



	"I know.  We'll remind her of that, too."



	"Thanks, Daddy.  I think."



	"Well, Jonathan, I guess we'd better get going before they leave us
behind."



	"You're right, Sam.  We'll call you two later to see if there's
anything you need."



	"Thanks, Dad, Sam.  We appreciate your help."



	Walking them to the door, Clark slowly closed it and turned to look
at his bride.  Still in awe to see her holding the baby, he quietly sat
back down beside her.  He could see her emotions getting the best of her,
now that the rest of the family had been dispatched.  Putting an arm around
her, he tried to add his support.



	"Shh, it's all going to work out.  We'll figure out how to help
this little guy.  And, we'll figure out a way to have one ourselves."



	"Clark, I know I should be focusing on how to help him, but I can't
help but want to just keep holding him.  Pretend for a while that he really
is ours."



	"I know, honey.  I want that just as much as you do, but we have a
lot to do before our parents get back."



	"I know.  We need to put up the appearance of working on a story."



	"Right.  Why don't you go get dressed and I'll watch him."



	Smiling back at Clark, Lois handed him the baby.  "And you're just
holding him so I can get ready, right?"



	Giving her his best look of innocence, Clark nodded.  "Of course."



	"Yeah right..."



	Lois and Clark had made their way down to the kitchen by the time
Martha and Ellen came in, inspecting a sheet of paper.  Looking over at
Lois, who was feeding the baby again, they moved in beside her.



	"Lois," Martha began, putting the list on the table, "there are enough
bottles in the fridge to last until we get back.  He'll probably need to
eat every two hours.  I showed Clark how to warm them, but you'll probably
want to check them too.  You might as well check his diaper after you feed
him.  And he'll most likely just sleep between feedings.  We've written all
of this down, but Ellen and I have our phones if you need us."  The baby
had drifted off to sleep, so Lois handed the bottle back to Clark.  Not
missing a beat, Martha continued.  "And we can change him for you before we
leave, if you like?"



	Getting up to head upstairs, Lois shook her head.  "That's okay,
Martha.  I watched Clark.  I can do this."



	"Okay, honey, we'll see you when we get back."



	Lois headed up the stairs, wishing she had Clark's photographic
memory.  She had listened to everything Martha had told Clark about
changing a diaper, but Lois had never done diapers.  She had gone out of
her way to avoid it when Lucy was a baby and didn't baby-sit infants for
that reason.  And now she had opened her big mouth again and would have to
wing it.  'Maybe it won't be so bad.  *Please* sleep through the whole
thing,' she thought, trying to will it so.



	Martha had left the diapers and changing supplies on the sofa next
to the bassinet.  Picking up a diaper, Lois mentally checked off everything
Martha had told Clark.  She opened the diaper, found the baby wipes and
looked for the baby powder.  Pleased with herself, she began to remove the
baby's diaper.



	Martha and Ellen were almost out the front door when it suddenly
hit her.  Turning to run upstairs, Martha quickly made her way to Lois and
Clark's bedroom.  "Lois," she called.  "I forgot to tell you..."



	Turning to see Martha in the doorway, Lois finished the sentence
for her.  "Not to leave him without a diaper..."



	Seeing a wet and somewhat discouraged Lois, Martha tried to
suppress a grin.  "Umm...yes.  Sorry.  I'll send Clark up so you can get
cleaned up."



	"Thanks, Martha.  Anything else I should know?"



	"No, honey," she grinned, unable to help herself.  "I think you've
been baptized now."



	"Thanks a lot, Martha," Lois grimaced, finally giving into laughter
herself.



	When the *grandparents* returned, you'd have thought that the
entire baby department of Bloomingdale's had been delivered to the Kent's
living room.  Obviously, the grandfathers had gotten caught up in the
shopping spree as well.

	Calling through the living room, in spite of a possible sleeping
baby, Ellen announced their return.  "Lois, Clark.  Where are you?"



	Clark rushed down the stairs to head off Ellen, who was now
approaching the steps.  "Shh.  Lois just put him down for a nap."  Seeing
the mass of boxes still being carried in by Jonathan and Sam, he shook his
head in disbelief.  "You guys do remember that there is just one *very
small* baby here, not an entire orphanage."



	Martha walked over to Clark and gave him a quick hug.  "Honey, even
a *very small* baby needs lots of things...even if it is for just a short
time."  Moving to the packages, she softly added, "And you'll need them all
someday, anyway."



	Clark heard Lois coming down the stairs and turned when he heard
her gasp.



	"Mother!  Martha!  What have you done?  Did you leave anything at
the store?"



	"Now Lois," Ellen interjected, "I know it may look like a lot, but
you'll see that you'll need every bit of it."  Motioning to Sam, who was
just helping Jonathan with the last of the packages, she included him in
their defense.  "Sam, tell her."



	"Uh...yes, princess.  You'll need all of it."



	Clark moved to Lois and took her hand.  "Well, lets see what
they've bought, honey."



	"Okay.  Okay," Lois conceded.  "So what is all this stuff?"





	With the rest of the *family* upstairs turning Lois and Clark's
bedroom into a temporary nursery, Lois and Martha withdrew to the kitchen
to prepare another bottle.  While showing her how to operate the bottle
warmer, Martha could see that Lois was a bit preoccupied.



	"Lois, what is it?  I can tell something's bothering you."



	"Oh Martha, I don't know.  I mean, I thought I was ready for this.  When
we talked about all this before, I really felt ready.  Now I just don't
know if I can do it."



	"Do what, honey?"



	"All of it.  I mean, today alone, I've been thrown up on twice
and...well...you saw the diaper incident.  I've changed three times and
it's not even 1:00.  I haven't been able to help Clark one bit on preparing
a story or figuring out how to return the baby to where he belongs."



	"Lois, taking care of a baby's not easy.  It's a 24 hour a day job."



	"That's what I mean.  Clark and I already have two 24 hour a day
jobs.  How are we going to take on a third?  Maybe Miss Bailey was right.
Maybe we shouldn't be responsible for a child."



	"Honey, what are you talking about?  Who's Miss Bailey?"



	"When Clark and I were talking about whether or not we could have a
child, we thought we'd explore all of the options.  So, we decided to get
some information about adoption.  Miss Bailey is from County Adoption and
she did a preliminary work up on us.  Out of a possible 100 points, she
gave Clark a 97 and me a 19.  Can you believe that?  She said that I was a
'thrill addict' and that I 'dangled above the jaws of death like an hors
d'oeuvre.'  And, she said she couldn't recommend placing a child with us."



	"What did Clark say?"



	"That any child would be lucky to have me as a mother."



	"And he's right.  Lois, being a parent is one of the most demanding
jobs you could ever take on.  And it's not something you do for just a few
years.  It's a lifetime commitment.  It takes all of the patience, courage
and love two people can muster.  If ever there were two people that possess
that strength, it's the two of you."



	"Martha, that sounds wonderful, but after today, I just don't know."



	"Lois, you've had a baby just dropped in your laps.  Of course
there will need to be adjustments.  We weren't exactly *expecting* Clark,
either.  For the first few weeks, I thought I must be the dumbest woman in
the world.  Everything was new to me.  I made every mistake possible."
Placing her hand on Lois' arms, she grinned.  "How do you think I knew to
warn you about the *diaper incident*.  Clark got Jonathan and I more than
once."



Lois looked up and laughed.  "Really?"



	"Really.  But, together, Jonathan and I found a way to make it all
work.  And so will you two.  Together."



	From behind the two women, another voice joined the conversation.
"She's right, Lois," Clark said, putting his arms around Lois.  "We will
make it work...together."  Lois fell back into Clark arms, comforted again
by the warmth of *family*.  Remembering her earlier comment, Clark turned
to Martha.  "Mom, do you have to tell everyone about the diaper thing?
Next thing you know, you'll be pulling out all of those old naked baby
photos to show Lois."



	Martha reached up and patted his flushed cheeks, "I'm sorry,
sweetie, I didn't mean to embarrass you.  And anyway, Lois saw those photos
a long time ago."



	"What?  When?  Where was I?"



	"When you two came to Smallville for the Corn Festival.  We looked
through some old photos when you were out helping Jonathan in the barn."



	Lois couldn't help but chime in.  "You sure did have a cute little
tushie, Clark."



   	"Mom, I can't believe you did that..."



	Lois and Martha couldn't contain themselves any longer.  Lois
looked up at him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.  "Gotcha."



	"Okay, that's it.  I'm going to have to separate you two..."
Giving in to laughter himself, he dropped his head on Lois' shoulder.
Suddenly unsure of *anything*, he looked back and forth between the two.
"You really didn't, did you Mom?"



	Lois and Clark had finally gotten the baby tucked safely in the
bassinet and both sets of parents off to the guest rooms.  They were just
about to head upstairs themselves when Clark heard a soft knock on the
door.  Opening it cautiously, he discovered a rather concerned HG Wells.



	"Oh, good.  I had rather hoped to find you two alone."



	Clark quickly ushered them into the vestibule so their voices wouldn't be
heard upstairs.



	From past experience in dealing with Lois, HG Wells thought it best
to offer a quick explanation.  "Clark, my boy, I'm afraid I need your help.
I was..."



	Before HG Wells could continue, Lois decided that she'd heard
enough.  "Wait a minute.  Wait just a minute.  First you leave a baby at
our house without any explanation and then you waltz back in here and want
to take my husband off...to God knows where...and just leave me here?"



	"Lois, my dear, I entrusted the baby to your care because I knew
that only the two of you could understand."



	"Mr. Wells," Clark asked, taking Lois' hand, trying to calm
everyone down.  "Who is this little boy and why did you want us to take
care of him?"



	"I was just about to explain.  I was traveling to the future and
found that Utopia had somehow been disrupted.  More to the point, it was
stopped before it could be created.  I traveled back in time to determine
the cause and discovered the most distressing situation.  Someone was
trying to harm your descendants to keep Utopia from being formed.  I did
the only thing I could think of under the circumstances.  I brought the
infant here until we could set things straight in the future.  Clark, we
really must hurry."



	Trying to take in all of the information, Lois had to clear
something up in her mind.  "Mr. Wells, you said that someone was trying to
harm our descendants.  What do you mean by *our descendants*.  Who is this
baby?"



	"Lois, think back to your first trip through time, when you went
back to save Clark as a baby.  There was one bit of information I didn't
restore to your memories.  If you both focus your minds, I think it will
come back to you."



	Lois and Clark looked at one another, trying to make sense of his
words.  Watching them, HG Wells continued.  "Lois, remember that this is
when you first found out that Clark was Superman.  You were quite upset
that Clark had not shared his secret with you.  Tempus even taunted you for
not seeing beyond Clark's glasses.  Do you remember what I told you?"



	Images began racing through Lois' mind.  She saw the time machine
and heard Tempus' ravings.  "I remember.  He said he wanted to meet the
woman who was *galatically stupid*.  You said that I was just blind to love
and that our story was one that parents would tell their kids time and
again."  His words finally sinking in, Lois turned to Clark as she repeated
them.  "And that our descendants were the ones that created Utopia."



	Afraid to believe what he was hearing, Clark turned to HG Wells.
"Are you saying that Lois and I are...we *are* able to have kids?  That
this is our...what...grandchild?"



	"Well, your great great grandson, to be exact."



	Lois and Clark looked at one another in disbelief.  They were both
overjoyed that they would be able to conceive a child, but both still
uncertain how to help the infant upstairs.  Emotions getting the better of
him, Clark pulled Lois to him for a kiss.  No words were needed.



	HG Wells found himself in a situation he seemed to find himself in
quite often with the Kents.  Clearing his throat, he tried to return them
to the task at hand.

	Looking up into Clark's eyes, Lois smiled one last time and turned
to HG Wells.  "Okay.  I understand why you brought
our...great...great...grandson..."  Pausing, she thought of another
question.  "By the way, what is his name."



	"Lois, the less you know about the future, the better.  I will,
however, tell you that they call him CJ.  I'd rather not tell you what that
stands for."



	"Fair enough.  Okay then, I understand why you brought CJ here.
What I don't understand is what it is you want Clark to do.  And why you
only want him to help."



	"Lois, whoever has disrupted Utopia must also have discovered your
great grandson's identity.  I need Clark's assistance in explaining the
danger he and his son are in.  He has no reason to believe me, but Clark's
abilities will be very difficult to refute."



	"But if someone has discovered our great grandson's identity, won't they
recognize Clark as well?"  Lois asked.



	"It's possible, but I'm afraid, my dear, that it's a risk we'll
have to take," HG Wells added, turning to Clark.  "Clark, there should be
very  little risk to you.  The work you started with Star Labs was
completed by your child.  Kryptonite does not exist in the future."



	"So," Lois wondered, still unconvinced, "what is the threat to the
future?  How exactly is this Utopia kept from being formed?"



	"I'm still not sure.  This is what I need Clark to help uncover."
HG Wells turned his attention to Lois, hoping to explain his actions.  "My
dear, however this appalling plan is to be accomplished, Clark's abilities
will be needed to stop it.  Even Clark may have a hard time convincing your
descendants of the danger.  I'm afraid it will take *Superman* to set
things straight again.  And time really is of the essence."



	Turning Lois to gather her in his arms again, Clark tried to
reassure her.  "Lois, honey, I've got to go with him...we've got to set
things right!"



	"I'm not arguing with you on that...of course you have to go."
Lois pushed back against Clark's arms to catch his attention, the
determination on her face matching his own.  "But I'm going with you."



	"No."



	"I can help you!"



	"Lois...no!"



	"I don't want to lose you..."  The sudden tremor in her voice
threatened to shake Clark's resolve, but he knew...somehow, he just
knew...that it was vitally important for her to stay behind this time.  He
drew her back into his arms, feeling her relax slightly against him,
wrapping her arms around his waist, although he knew better than to
interpret that as acquiescence.  Even as she rested her head on his
shoulder, he heard her mutter, "You've got to take me with you."



	Clark sighed, resting his head against hers.  He kissed her hair,
then tilted her chin up to look her in the eye.  "You're not going to lose
me," he assured her.  "But right now, this baby...our great great
grandson..." he grinned, still overwhelmed by that thought, then sobered
again, "this baby needs you here.  Mr Wells said his life was in danger in
the future...if that danger follows him here...  My parents are great, but
you're the one who knows tae kwon do."



	Lois still looked unconvinced.  She started to protest, "Clark..."
but his lips silenced her.



	"You said you wanted to help," he reminded her as he pulled back.
She nodded, the mutinous look in her eyes starting to fade.



	"This is the help I need.  I need to know that CJ and my parents
are safe."



	"But Clark, Martha and Jonathan can take care of him...obviously,
better than I can.  And who's going to come *here* looking for a child
from..."  Looking over at HG Wells, she silently asked him to complete her
sentence.



	"2079,"  HG Wells answered.



	"Wow."  Turning back to Clark, she continued her defense.  "Like I
said, who is going to come here looking for a child from 2079.  And what
was it you said about us getting through this together?"



	"We are.  Lois, if this were our child, what would you do?  You
would protect it like you do me...with your life.  Don't you remember?  I
fight the bad guy, you write the story.  Someone needs to stay here and
*write* the story."



	"But, Clark..."



	"Honey, do you think Mom and Dad can explain all of this to
Perry...or your parents...or even to County Adoption, if they find out."



	Sighing heavily, Lois agreed.  "No...but Clark..."



	"Lois, you know I don't want to leave you."  Leaning down, he
whispered in her ear.  "I can't stand the thought of not spending *every*
moment with you."  He pulled back to look deeply in her eyes.  "But we have
to save CJ's future...our future...this is how *we* get through things."



	For all her independence, Lois could never deny Clark anything when
he gave her *that* look.  The look that cut straight to her heart and sent
shivers up her spine.  And as much as she hated to admit it, she knew he
was right.  "Okay...you go fight the bad guy."  Reaching up to cup Clark's
face in her hands, she gazed at him silently, trying to quell her fear by
memorizing every detail of his beloved face.  Then she drew his head down
toward hers.  "Come back to me," she whispered an instant before their lips
met again.



	He held her tightly, kissing her hard.  "Always," he murmured
against her mouth.



	HG Wells, who was once again forgotten by the couple, quietly
cleared his throat.  "I'm afraid we must be going, my boy."



	Turning to HG Wells, Clark nodded.  Giving Lois one last kiss, he
whispered against her lips.  "I love you, Lois Lane."



	"I love you, Clark Kent."  Pushing him towards the door, she
sighed.  "Now go before I change my mind."



	Lois watched the two men disappear as they made their way down the
street towards the time machine.  Closing the door, she slowly walked up to
their room alone, trying to figure out what to do next.







Metropolis, April 6, 2079  7:30am



	Leaving CJ at day care the next morning wasn't any easier than the
first morning, although Lori had been pleased to hear that CJ was accepting
a bottle from the workers there.  Clark and Lori once again set him in the
crib, and watched him as he drifted back to sleep.  As soon as he was
settled, Clark ushered Lori out  before she could object.  It wasn't any
easier for him to leave CJ than it was for Lori, but the longer they would
dwell on it, the harder it would be to leave.



	The university provided a day care center for the faculty which
happened to be housed in the building next to Clark's.  Lori's concerns
with leaving the baby with strangers were alleviated somewhat, knowing that
Clark could *look* in on him at anytime, and be there in a matter of
seconds if he was needed.  Even though her mind understood all of this, she
still had a hard time explaining it to her heart.



	They walked in silence as they made the trek across campus to her
building.  This had become their daily routine, walking to campus together,
Clark kissing her goodbye when they reached her building.  He continued to
walk her across campus, even though he was at his building when they
dropped off CJ.

	"Honey, you do not have to baby-sit me.  I'm okay.  And it's silly
for you to walk all this way to turn around and walk right back."



	"I know you do not need baby-sitting.  I just love having these
last few moments alone with you."  Clark stopped and pulled her into the
gardens they were passing.  Pulling her to him, he kissed her deeply.  "And
you know I never like to waste time alone with you."



	Returning the kiss he started, they lost themselves in each other.
They were quickly brought back to the present when the sprinklers suddenly
turned on, showering both the spring flowers and the young lovers.
Giggling, they ran back to the pathway.



	"I can't wait to hear how you're going to explain this to your
students."



	"Well, heat vision does have it's advantages."



	"Yes it does.   Now dry me off before anyone comes along."



	"You know, we are married.  We're allowed to kiss.  And it is
spring...time for a young man's fancy to turn to love."



	"I know, but I already get teased around the office enough as it
is.  No sense giving them ammunition."



	"So, if I were to whisk you off to a deserted mountaintop for a
little more *spring fancy*, you would object?"



	"Well, I never said that...  But how would you explain being late
to your class?"



	"No problem.  Tim is always after me to let him take some of my
classes."



	"I see you've been putting some thought into this," she grinned,
turning to continue on their trip to her building.



	"Like you said, when you least expect it..."



	"I think the world be shocked to see this side of their superhero."



	"Oh, I think they would understand."



	"You think so?  Well, just the same, I don't want to read about it
in your grandfather's paper."



	"Where do you think I got the idea?"



	"Clark...  I knew the two of you shouldn't be left alone.  Your
mother warned me."



	"Well," he grinned, leaning down to whisper in her ear.  "He said
my grandmother considered it one of the perks of being married to Superman."



	Smiling, she couldn't suppress a giggle.  "And so do I.  But the
last time you did that was what...eleven months ago?  And look what
happened then."



	"Well, you said yourself you wanted more children."  Kissing her
softly on the cheek, he continued.  "So far, you've just supported my plan."



	"I do want more children, but I'd kind of like to have time to
enjoy CJ first."  Pausing to regain her train of thought, she pulled back
and smiled.  "And you are not making it any easier to remain sane here, Mr.
Kent."



	"I wasn't trying."



	"I noticed.  And don't think I don't appreciate your efforts, but I
do need to get to work.  I've already been gone eight weeks.  And my
excuses for you *making me late* are no better than yours."



	Holding up his hands in defeat, he relented.  "Okay...okay.  I know
when I'm beat.  But remember...when you least expect it..."



	"I'm going to hold you to that."



	"Don't think I won't make you."



	"So," trying to change the subject before she was late, again,
"what time should I tell Jeremiah to come for your big chess battle
tonight?"



	"Tell him to drop by around 7:00.  I'll have dinner ready by then
and hopefully CJ will be settled.  We can have dinner and then retire to
the chess board."



	"Okay.  He's such a nice man and he seemed to be really impressed
with you."



	"Well," he said, grinning wickedly, "You're the only one I try to
impress anymore, but it will be nice to have a good challenge at the chess
board.  I've kind of gotten tired of letting you win when we play."



	"Hey..."  Seeing the familiar look, she quickly kissed him goodbye.
"Go.  I'll call Tim and tell him he's on."



	"Thanks.  I love you, honey."



	"I love you, too," she whispered as he rushed off, knowing he could
hear her.





Metropolis, June 15, 1997  11:00pm



	Lois sat alone in their bedroom, looking down at the sleeping angel
in Clark's bassinet.  She would never have thought that having a child
around for such a short time would tear so at her heart.  Since Dr. Klein
had told them that they were unable to conceive, she couldn't shake the
feeling that they had somehow lost something.  Something she was unable to
describe, until now.



	In the four years she'd known Clark, they had lived through more
than most people would in a lifetime.  Even after wars in other galaxies,
amnesia, alternate universes, kryptonite, diabolical government agencies
and countless plots set on tearing them apart, they had just drawn closer
to one another.  Incredibly, nothing any psychopath could design had the
potential of tearing at their hearts as much as this.



	They had talked about having a family before they were married and
Lois knew how much it meant to him.  Before Clark, there was nothing that
could have made her want to share the misery of her childhood with another
generation.  But after becoming a part of Clark's family, she finally
realized what being part of a family was truly like.  She couldn't help but
be envious of his childhood.  And she had to admit, that even after being
married for only a few months, she was looking forward to starting a
family.  It didn't make it any less frightening, but for Lois, this was a
monumental leap.



	But now that she knew they *could* have a child, she couldn't
figure out how she felt.  She was relieved, overjoyed, overwhelmed...
'Face it, Lane...you're scared to death.'  Looking down at the infant's
tiny features, she couldn't help but wonder what their child would look
like.  Would he look like Clark?  Would it even be a he?  What did CJ stand
for anyway?  Could it just be coincidence that those were Clark's initials?
HG Wells didn't tell her what his last name was, so she didn't know if he
even was a Kent.



	With more questions than answers, she dropped back on the bed,
letting out a long breath.  "Ugh..."  Closing her eyes, she tried to settle
her mind.  She never realized how exhausting it was taking care of a child.
Before she knew it, she had drifted off to sleep.







Metropolis, April 6, 2079  7:00pm



	Jeremiah arrived at the Kent's apartment promptly at 7:00, a carefully
chosen bottle of wine tucked neatly under his arm.  He had been looking
forward to the evening all day, mentally playing out each move carefully.
He relished having such a formidable partner again.



	Lori and Clark treated him to a wonderful Italian dinner, the
recipe said to be passed down from Clark's great grandfather.  Try as he
might, Jeremiah could not get Clark to divulge the recipe, saying only that
he had been sworn to keep the family secret.



	"Well, I hope I'll have better luck at the chess board," Jeremiah
joked.

	"Why don't you two go play," Lori added, placing CJ in his
bassinet.  "CJ and I will take care of the dishes."



	"Okay, honey.  Just yell if you need anything."



	With the two men locked in battle at the chess board and CJ
sleeping soundly, Lori tried to get back to her thank you notes.  Every
time she thought she was through, another gift would appear.  She had a few
more to do since returning to work and she was determined to get them
finished.  With five more notes to write and only two cards left in the
box, she decided to drop down to the corner pharmacy and pick up some more
cards.



	She entered the living room to find her husband and Jeremiah
staring intently at the chess board.



	"So, who's winning the battle?"



	"Well," Jeremiah answered, "Clark had me running for a while there,
but I'm holding my own now."



	"Yes," Clark grinned, "I think he's on to me now."



	"Well, I'll leave you to it.  Clark, I'm going down to the store to
pick up some more thank you cards.  CJ's asleep in his room.  Can you watch
him until I get back?"



	"Sure, honey.  Be careful."



	"I will.  I'll be back in about half an hour.  Go get him, Jeremiah."



	"I intend to, Lori."



	"Hey," Clark protested.  "Whose side are you on, anyway?"



	"I like pulling for the underdog." Lori grinned, patting his
offended cheek.  "You always win."



	"Well I'll see if I can be the one to finally defeat him, Lori."



	"Good luck."



	Watching Lori gather her things and head out the door, Jeremiah
turned to Clark with a smile.  "You have quite a woman there, Clark.  She
reminds me of someone I knew long ago."



	Still watching her as Lori made her way down the street, Clark
turned back to Jeremiah, unable to wipe the silly grin from his face.  "I'm
the luckiest man on the planet."



	Jeremiah's comment finally sinking in, Clark was intrigued with his
new chess adversary.  "So, what about you?  Is your family here in
Metropolis?"



	"No, no family left.  I never married and my parents died many
years ago."



	"Sorry to hear that.  Well, this young lady obviously made a quite
an impression."



	"Yes, she did.  Just when I thought she was gone for good, she
would always show up again."



	"I know what you mean.  I was a goner from the moment I saw Lori.
She's had me just where she wanted me ever since."  Peering down at the
chess board, Clark made his next move.  "So what happened to this young
lady of yours...if you don't mind me asking."



	"Uh...no, of course not," Jeremiah answered, quickly countering
Clark's move.  "I don't mind.  I had to move on and never saw her again.
And as I said, it was a long time ago."  Anxious to move the topic away
from his past, Jeremiah glanced around the room.  Noticing a well used book
of baby names on the table next to him, he quickly picked it up.  Leafing
through the pages, he noticed names circled and crossed out throughout the
book.  Grinning, he turned it to  Clark.  "I see you did quite a lot of
research naming your son."



	Clark laughed, nodding his head.  "Well, you know Lori.  She had to
know all of the options before we decided.  I think I have that thing
memorized now."



	"Well, Clark is a very strong name.  What does it mean?  Is it a
family name?"



	"It's actually Old English for 'cleric.'  It's been in the family
as long as the recipe for tonight's dinner.  Now let me see if I can
remember...Jeremiah...doesn't that mean one who is pessimistic about the
future?"



	"Very good," Jeremiah grinned, putting the book down.  "You must have it
memorized."



	"Well, you certainly don't appear to have lived up to that moniker.
Guess Lori did all of that worrying over names for nothing."



	"Guess so."



	The two returned to their game, each impressed with the other's
skill and knowledge of strategy.  After weighing his options carefully,
Clark was about to make his next move when he was interrupted by the phone.
Excusing himself from the game momentarily, he made his way across the room
to answer it.



	"Kent residence."  Recognizing the familiar tenor of his
grandfather's voice, Clark was quick with a greeting.  "Pops, how are you?"



	"Well, I'm afraid I have a bit of bad news.  I looked into your
friend's disappearance and you were right.  There is something strange
going on.  I had one of our reporters check with some of her neighbors and
they say she never made it home that night.  I even had him check the Jane
Does down at the morgue, and I'm sorry to say that one of them matches her
description.  You might want to go take a look to be sure."



	"Thanks, Pops.  I will."

	"I hope it turns out to be a coincidence, but I thought you'd want
to know."

	"So do I.  And please don't say anything about this to Lori.  I
don't want to worry her if it doesn't end up being her."



	"Sure, son.  Now, you taking good care of my great grandson?"



	"Of course.  Spoiling him every chance I get."



	"Good.  Now say hello to Lori for me.  I've got to get home before
your grandmother comes here after me."



	"Now isn't that why you stay late?"



	"You're on to me.  Just don't tell her, okay?"



	"Mums the word.  Take care, Pops."



	Returning to the chess board, Clark couldn't seem to shake a
feeling of dread.  After a few minutes of watching Clark stare blankly at
the chess board, Jeremiah broke the silence.



"Everything okay?"



	Not wanting to mention his concerns about Eva until absolutely
necessary, Clark looked up and politely smiled.  "Yes, everything's fine."
Moving his queen to threaten Jeremiah's king, he announced, "Check."



	Jeremiah searched the board for his next move, intent on making the
proper defense.  Reaching into his pocket, he slowly pulled a small chess
piece from its case and placed it on the board.



	Immediately, Clark felt a piercing pain shoot through his body and
started to gasp for air, unable to discern the cause.  Looking at the
board, he saw the new chess piece's bright green glow.  As he slowly sank
from the chair onto the floor, he could hear Jeremiah's final words.



"No, Clark, checkmate."





(To be continued in Episode 2 - Time After Time)