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Post by ᵔᴥᵔWinter Bearᵔᴥᵔ on Jul 4, 2012 19:53:26 GMT -5
Chapter 5
Temporarily Finding Out Clark's Secret
It's been 5 months since Clark and Michaela started dating. As Clark exited the elevator, Jimmy falls in stride next to him, holding a wrapped gift.
JIMMY: You're cuttin' it close.
CLARK: (off her watch) Eight minutes. What'd I get him?
JIMMY: Checked suspenders. Did you remember the card?
Clark stopped, stricken.
CLARK: Oh, no...
JIMMY: (produces a card, in envelope) Who's your buddy? Who's your pal? I am, aren't I?
Clark gives Jimmy at pat on the back and took the card. They head
into the bullpen -- it's festooned with ribbons, balloons and a banner reading: "Happy Birthday, Chief!" Michaela appeared.
Clark pulled Michaela close and kissed her.
CLARK: Good morning, Michaela.
MICHAELA: 'Morning, Clark.' (removing a wrapped gift from bag) What'd you get him?
CLARK: Checked suspenders.
MICHAELA: Didn't you tell that you gave that to him last year.
CLARK: (realizes, covering) Well, he liked them, I think?
At that moment, an odd looking fellow (H.G. WELLS) steps off the elevator. He looks like a dapper, bespectacled turn-of-the-century English gentleman. He spotted Michaela and Clark and headed straight for them.
WELLS: Excuse me... I'm H.G. Wells.
Michaela and Clark shared a look.
WELLS: And I've run into a spot of trouble. I've been traveling with a companion in my time machine...
Now Michaela and Clark share a sigh. A nut job.
WELLS: ... and we've just come back from the future, I've left him in the park, actually but...
MICHAELA: (to Clark) If this is a gag, you're dead.
WELLS: ... we stopped here because --
CLARK: Sir, we're a little busy, so let's wrap this up -- time travel isn't possible, H.G. Wells wrote fiction... (trying to lead Wells away) ... and died in 1946.
WELLS: (sotto) I know you're Superman and I need your help.
Clark stares at him, stunned.
MICHAELA: What? What'd he say?
WELLS: (covering) I said, if I could just have a moment of Mr. Kent's time, all his doubts will be quelled. (to Clark) Perhaps by meeting my companion from the future?
CLARK: Look, Michaela, there's no reason for both of us to go.
MICHAELA: There's no reason for one of us to go.
CLARK: So --
MICHAELA: So what'd he really say to you, Clark? (to Wells) And if you really have some guy from the future with you, why'd you leave him in the park?
WELLS: I didn't want him to see the city You see, the twenty-second century is a peaceful, harmonious Utopia. No violence, no crime. Without preparation, poor Tempus would be horrified by the savagery of the
1990s...
~Meanwhile~
Dressed in sleek, futuristic clothes, Tempus wanders through the bustle of Metropolis, filled with childlike wonder at his surroundings. He stops, seeing a poster for a movie called The Penetrator. It's a photo of the hero -- muscular, in shades, holding a huge pistol, belts of ammo crisscrossing his chest, two buxom babes clutching him. The log line: "He came... He saw... He slaughtered!" Tempus seems startled by its graphic violence and sexuality. He moves on, past the mouth of an alley. In the alley, he hears --
MAN: No, no... help!
Tempus looks. A man is having his wallet taken at gunpoint by a mugger. The Mugger sees Tempus. Tempus moves into the alley, curious. The Mugger shoves past him and takes off. The Man gets to his feet, shaken.
TEMPUS: What just happened here... is called... a mugging?
MAN: No kidding. He got everything but my watch.
TEMPUS: Not a very successful mugging. Let's see if I can do better.
Tempus shoves the man into the wall, pins his throat with one hand and rips the watch off with the other.
TEMPUS: (a triumphant grin) Excellent! I just mugged you!
MAN: Are you outta your mind?
TEMPUS: No... my century.
Tempus threw the man across the alley, sending him crashing into trash cans.
TEMPUS: And I love it!
With an evil laugh, he puts on the watch and goes bounding into 1995.
As Michaela, Clark and Wells walk along the sidewalk.
MICHAELA: (heavy with skepticism) ... and why did this Tempus come back with you from the future?
WELLS: He volunteered, actually. You see, I have a sort of club of fellow inventors back in England. And I've never been quite able to convince them that my time machine was functional. So I wanted to bring Tempus back as proof.
MICHAELA: (to Clark) I think we should cut our losses.
CLARK: (quickly) Good idea. Why don't you go back to the office?
MICHAELA: Why do I have to go back?
CLARK: I made a promise to your father I would protect and her isn't keep that promise very well.
Clark made a move to follow Wells. Michaela stopped Clark.
MICHAELA: You don't actually believe this guy?
CLARK: No, I'm just...
MICHAELA: ... what?
CLARK: ... curious.
MICHAELA: So am I. How'd he get your interest all of a sudden? What'd he say?
WELLS: Miss Knight, something you might find interesting -- Utopia was founded by Superman's descendants.
MICHAELA: Descendants? So he... got married?
WELLS: Oh, yes. And they based their whole society on the values and principles he lived by.
MICHAELA: So who did he marry?
WELLS: Oh, now, that might be giving a bit too much away.
Wells leads them into the park. And in a grove, they immediately spot the time machine. It is state of the art 19th century.
WELLS: (proudly) There she is!
MICHAELA: Where's your man from the future?
WELLS: Oh, no. He must've wanted a look around. I hope he didn't go far.
MICHAELA: (to Clark) I smell a con job.
There's a journal on the seat, which Wells picked up off the seat.
WELLS: Let me show you my problem, so you can perhaps... (to Clark).. get word to Superman?
Wells unrolled the journal. It's an intricate design of the time machine.
WELLS: Now, to fully understand my predicament, you must first appreciate the intricacy of the flux facilitator...
~Meanwhile at Gun Shop~
Full of a startling display of weapons. The gold-chained Gun Shop Owner showing his wares to Tempus, the proverbial kid-in-the-candy-store.
GUN SHOP OWNER: Got your shotguns, your long guns, your semi-automatics..
TEMPUS: (fascinated) Semi-automatics?
GUN SHOP OWNER: (removing a gun from beneath the counter) My personal choice in self protection. Keep it down here next to the cash box. Gives the scum a real surprise, they try to rip me off. showing off the gun) Nine millimeter with a twenty-five shot stagger clip. Spits those puppies out fast as you can pull the trigger -- makes you someone to respect.
TEMPUS: How do you load it?
GUN SHOP OWNER: (demonstrating) Wham, bam -- (all done) -- thank you, ma'am.
TEMPUS: Tell me, those chains you're wearing, are they real gold?
GUN SHOP OWNER: Twenty-four karat.
TEMPUS: May I?
The owner passes the gun and clip to Tempus, who readily snaps them together.
TEMPUS: (still smiling) Give them to me.
GUN SHOP OWNER: What?
TEMPUS: (pointing the gun at the chains; flicking them) Give... them... to... me.
As the suddenly terrified shop owner hands over the chains and Tempus loops them over his head.
GUN SHOP OWNER: I don't believe this.
TEMPUS: And I'd like that ammunition belt, holster, extra clips, of course...
As the Owner puts all this on the counter, Tempus pulls a pair of shades off a rack and puts them on.
TEMPUS: Excellent. You are, you know, incredibly stupid. Bless you.
With that, Tempus opens fire, avoiding the owner, but blasting the place to smithereens just for the sheer pleasure of it.
~Meanwhile in the park~
Wells is going through a torturously detailed explanation of his time machine.
WELLS:.. as you then slip back out of what I call the inter-time continuum...
Clark's super-hearing picked up the sound of Tempus' gunfire, and people's screams.
CLARK: Michaela, I'm gonna call Jimmy and tell him we'll be a little longer.
MICHAELA: Clark.....
But he's gone before she can stop him.
MICHAELA: He always does that.
Wells gave her an understanding smile.
WELLS: Don't worry, my dear... someday you'll understand why. Now, where was I? Ah, yes, the continuum. Well, to use your nineties vernacular, it's _heck_ on the rods...
~Meanwhile at the Gun Shop~
Superman enters and sees the damage wrought by Tempus -- but no Tempus. The Owner is just getting up off the floor, dusting himself off.
SUPERMAN: Are you all right, sir?
GUN SHOP OWNER: Fine, fine...
SUPERMAN: Who did this?
GUN SHOP OWNER: Guy about six three, brown hair...currently wearing some big guns and a selection of very tasteful gold chains for men.
~Meanwhile back in the park~
Wells points from the diagram to the actual machine.
WELLS: ... at which point, you're in danger of a time flow ripple...
MICHAELA: Mr. Wells? What is it you're after? Exactly.
WELLS: Didn't I say? Fuel. Afraid I'm fresh out.
MICHAELA: What kind of fuel?
WELLS: Gold. Pure twenty-four karat gold.
MICHAELA: (laughs) Are you kidding me? That's the best you can do?
WELLS: Miss Knight....
MICHAELA: What do you think we're going to do, fork over some jewelry, or maybe get Superman to dig a mine? Do I have the word sucker stamped on my forehead -- ? (looks over shoulder) -- or no, wait, maybe I'm standing in front of the dumbest person on the planet and _that's_ who you've been talking to. Or --
WELLS: -- or I'm really H.G. Wells.
TEMPUS: He is.
Tempus steps onto the scene, resplendent in his shades, weaponry, crisscrossing ammo belts and gold chains -- looking a lot like that Penetrator poster he first saw.
WELLS: Tempus... ?
TEMPUS: Hello Herb.
WELLS: ... what are you doing with those horrible weapons?
TEMPUS: I'm taking a trip. And you're driving. Get in.
He gestures with his guns for Wells to get into the time machine.
MICHAELA: Mr. Wells, you'd better do what he says.
Wells does. But he pointedly drops the plans before doing so.
TEMPUS: (looks at her) Don't I know you?
MICHAELA: (studies the guns now aimed at her) Doubt it. I'm pro gun-control.
TEMPUS: Really? I'm anti-gun control myself. (it dawns) Wait. Michaela Knight. Yes. I've seen the holograms. (grins) Well, this is a special pleasure. I'm Tempus. I come from the future that you and Superman created.
MICHAELA: Me and Super -- ?
TEMPUS: A world of peace. A world without greed or crime. A world so boring you'd blow your brains out but there are no guns. You want to know the future, Miss Knight? No one works, no one argues, there are nine thousand channels and nothing on! Well, I'm going to do something about that.
Holding the gun on her, he gets in the time machine next to Wells.
TEMPUS: Herb, set the time machine for Smallville, 1966.
MICHAELA: Smallville?
WELLS: There's no fuel.
Tempus pulled his chains off and handed them to Wells. Wells just stared coldly.
TEMPUS: One of the many disadvantages of being from Utopia is we have a complete lack of technological understanding. I can't run this machine --
TEMPUS: -- but I can run _this_ one. Now, go.
Wells reluctantly took the chains, opened a compartment and slipped the inside. Adjusts dials and levers as.
TEMPUS: Miss Knight, you seem like an attractive and interesting woman. I'm almost sorry I'll be ruining your life.
MICHAELA: What are you talking about?
TEMPUS: I'm going to kill Superman, of course.
MICHAELA: No one can kill Superman.
TEMPUS: Unless you could get a hold of him when he was a helpless little baby. (playing it up) Gee, if only I had a time machine. Ready Herb?
We see the place: Smallville on the the time machine panel and the time: MAY 17, 1966. The machine kicks on. We hear a humming. Rippling colors appear in the air around the machine.Michaela looked on, in awe, a sudden believer.
TEMPUS: In a world without Superman, there'll be no Utopia in the future..... just a lot of sex and violence... and me!
Wells' hand moves up to the time side of.the panel and hits a button, _changing 1966 to 1866_. Superman flew in just in time to see the flashing colors engulfing-the machine. Through the haze of light, Tempus
seen Superman. They lock eyes. Then Tempus raises his hand and made a gun with his thumb and forefinger. 'Fires.' Grins. And in a blast of light... is gone.
MICHAELA: Superman, I... I don't even know where to start. I ...
Then Michaela seen it on the ground -- Wells' plans for the time machine. She reached down and picked them up.
MICHAELA: Wait. How fast could you build this?
Michaela handed Superman the design. Superman studied it.
SUPERMAN: It could take a few hours.
~Later~
Michaela watched as Superman put the finishing Super-Speed touches on a duplicate time machine. Superman and compared the journal to what he's made.
SUPERMAN: Now, the only thing we need is gold. I don't think we can afford to buy all we need at current market prices, so I'll be right back.
MICHAELA: Hurry. Please.
Superman nodded and took off. A dotted super line advanced from the northeast United States to Alaska, then back again. Michaela stared down at the journal, then at the time machine, then over her shoulder. Clark walked back into the park.
CLARK: Michaela....
MICHAELA: Clark, that really was H.G. Wells.
CLARK: I know.
MICHAELA: And he really had a man from the future.
CLARK: I know.
MICHAELA: And Superman flew off to --
CLARK: I know, he told me all about it when he gave me this.
Clark held up a sack. It's filled with raw chunks of glistening gold.
MICHAELA: Well, where is he?
CLARK: here's, uh... a volcano about to blow in China. (heading to the time machine) He wants us to stop Tempus.
MICHAELA: Us?
CLARK: He said time's of the essence.
They climb in. Michaela loaded the gold as she saw Wells do. As Clark slipped the key into place and switched the panel to and the place: Smallville, the date, MAY 17, 1966.
MICHAELA: I don't get it, why is everybody going to Smallville?
As Clark turns the key, there's a whirling blur of colors.
MICHAELA: That's _your_ home town.
Clark shrugged innocently, they're engulfed in bands of colors, there's a flash of light and they're gone.
~Smallville 1866~
A white church sits at the end of the dirt street. We move past it, glimpse two cowboys rambling by, some horses tied up, then move to a livery stable. Through the slatted doors and windows, we hear the HUM of the time machine, then see the colored lights flash through the cracks, then silence. The livery door is thrown open by Tempus, who takes a good long look at the Western town and its occupants and is not happy. He grabbed Wells, who tries to appear innocent.
TEMPUS: Smallville? 1966? I don't think so. (points to a shabby cowpoke) Unless that's Bob Dylan.
WELLS: It isn't my fault you used an inferior grade of gold. gestures at the machine in the barn behind them) It obviously affected the time flux facilitator. However..
TEMPUS: But a hundred years early and out of fuel. I'd almost say you did this on purpose, Herb... if I thought you had a spine. (hustled him out) Let's go.
WELLS: Where?
TEMPUS: (with a Western twang) To find out if they've got any gold in this here town.
~Red Eye Saloon~
A couple of cowboys at the bar, a Barkeep, an old timer noodling the piano and two young gunfighters sipping whiskey at a table with a clear view of the door and their backs to the wall. Miss Martha pushed through curtains at the back of the room. She's a dead ringer for Martha Kent, right down to the tool kit she carried. She glided over to the bar and rests her
tools on top of it, as the Barkeep sets her up with a beer.
Miss Martha: All right, Sam, show me the floorboard's been catching you by surprise. As she starts to go around the bar, her eyes suddenly go wide. The butterfly doors open as Tempus and Wells pushed through. All the action stops dead, as everyone turns to stared.
TEMPUS: Well, well. Yee-hah.
Miss Martha and the Barkeep exchange a very puzzled glance, as Tempus and Wells continue to the bar.
TEMPUS: Now I guess we belly up to the bar and order. Herb?
WELLS: I'd love a spot of tea, actually.
MISS MARTHA: (stepping in) This is the Red Eye, Mister. We serve whiskey. We serve beer.
The younger of the two Gunfighters eases out of his chair and to the bar.
GUNFIGHTER: Another bottle.
MISS MARTHA: That's Snakebite Rye. Dollar per.
He tosses a Double-Eagle gold piece on the bar. The coin rolled along the polished wood... until Tempus snapped it up. He looked at it, turning it over, holding it up to the light. The Gunfighter studied him coldly.
MISS MARTHA: We keep it in back, I won't be a sec.
TEMPUS: (flipping coin to Wells) How many would we need to get out of here?
WELLS: Two or three hundred.
Well handed it back to Tempus --
TEMPUS: (to Gunfighter) Where can we get more of these?
GUNFIGHTER: Well, I got that one at the bank. Whole shipment just came in. Go on. Take it.
TEMPUS: Really?
GUNFIGHTER: (nods, backs up, hand hovering over guns)'Course, you only have five seconds to spend it.
Tempus studied the Gunfighter.
TEMPUS: Wait. I know you. You're not ... ? Yes. Jesse James!
Tempus leaned in close for a good look. Jesse James-- for that's who this is -- just stared malevolently.
JESSE JAMES: You better back that face right up, Mister.
TEMPUS: I'm right, aren't I? (off the other gunfighter) And that's your brother, Frank.
Warily, Frank James got to his feet.
TEMPUS: You two are my inspiration, I've read everything about you. You must be here to rob the bank. I don't remember you ever robbing a bank in Smallville.
FRANK JAMES: (very edgy) How does he know about the bank, Jesse?
JESSE JAMES: (to Tempus) Lots of folks think they know me, but you're the first to tell me about things I ain't done yet. (beat) That bugs me.
Jesse got ready for some gun play. The Cowboys and the Old Timer scattered.
TEMPUS: Are you as good with a gun as they say?
Just as Miss Martha comes back with the bottle of rye, Jesse smiled and glances up at the balcony railing. There are six ornate, baseball-size brass balls running it's length.
MISS MARTHA: Now hold on a minute...
Jesse suddenly aims and fires, fanning six shots... knocking off all six balls. Tempus shook his head and let out a low whistle.
TEMPUS: (to Wells) Wasn't that something? (to Jesse) You're good, you really are, you've got a future... not a very long one, actually and here's why -- no matter how good you are, there's
always someone better.
Jesse's eyes go narrow, as Tempus pulls out the weapon he got from the gun store and let's fly twenty rounds in a heartbeat -- and when the smoke clears... the railing is in splinters, hanging down to the floor. Jesse is dumbstruck.
TEMPUS: (sotto, to Jesse) Now, as much as I like you, if you and Frank have any ideas about that
bank full of gold ... ? Get in line.
As Tempus laughs, the doors are suddenly thrown open and Marshal Kent walked in, gun drawn. He look curiously like Pa Kent. He took in the whole scene, surveying the damage,
then...
MARSHAL KENT: You boys have something personal against this place?
~Smallville, 1966~
A white church sits at the end of town square. We move past it, take in a cluster of KIDS running by, then from behind some big bushes we hear the familiar hum of the time machine, sees the lights and color sear through the leaves, then -- Michaela and Clark stepped out of the bushes, a little dazed.
MICHAELA: It's just... Smallville.
CLARK: Yeah, but the cars...
Michaela looked. All circa early-to-mid-sixties.
MICHAELA: And the clothes.
Woman and Men, all dressed and styled for a spring afternoon, 1966. Michaela pulled a discarded newspaper out of a trashcan and scans the date: May 17, 1966.
MICHAELA: Clark, it worked... We're here, we're really here. Do you know what this means? We can go anywhere.
MICHAELA: We can be there when Columbus landed, when Washington crossed the Delaware, we can cover the greatest stories in history, first hand... we can prove that Lee Harvey Oswald was just a pawn in a conspiracy.
CLARK: (innocently) What do you mean? He acted alone.
MICHAELA: Clark, I knew you were naive but please.
CLARK: All right, we'll settle this in Dealey Plaza, 1963, but right now -- (scanning the street) -- how do we find Tempus?
MICHAELA: Sorry. You're right. Okay, let's --
Gunshots Michaela and Clark whirl, see a crowd on thee sidewalk. Clark cut a little ahead of Michaela X-RAYS through the crowd to see --
A man dressed like Tempus and a man dress like Wells, running out of the bank, the Faux Tempus firing a s o gun a the westerns in the bank. Clark started after them, then --
MICHAELA: Wait!
Over the bank a banner reading: "Centennial Celebration of the Great Smallville Gold Robbery!"
And now the Crowd cheered and the Faux Tempus and the Faux Wells turn and took bows.
MICHAELA: It's not them, it's a re-enactment. They're just dressed like Tempus and Wells.
CLARK: But there was never any Great Smallville Gold Robbery...
MICHAELA: Unless...
CLARK: ... something went wrong, maybe
MICHAELA: ... they ended up back in 1866
CLARK: ... and needed gold.
They hurry back to the bushes next to the church.
MICHAELA: But I still don't understand. What are we doing in Smallville in the first place?
CLARK: I think there was a... an early Superman sighting here.
MICHAELA: I never heard about that.
CLARK: I think he was pretty young at the time but... yeah.
MICHAELA: Huh.
~RED EYE SALOON - SMALLVILLE, 1866~
The Old Timer's back at the piano, the cowboys are at their cards, Marshall Kent's leaning on the bar. The debris of the balcony railing has been gathered neatly to the side. Miss Martha is on the balcony, hammer in her hand, a carpenter's apron around her waist, hard at work installing a temporary guard rail.
MISS MARTHA: There.
MARSHAL KENT: Maybe I should've put everybody away, instead of just letting them pay damages.
MISS MARTHA: If you locked up everyone who shot up my place, I'd be out of business in a week.
Miss Martha shoot a wary look at Frank and Jesse, quietly at their table.
FRANK JAMES: Jesse, it happens to every man once in a while.
JESSE JAMES: (morose) Not to me.
FRANK JAMES: It's not your fault; his was just... plain bigger.
JESSE JAMES: Size never made no difference before.
FRANK JAMES: You gotta get your mind off this, Jesse, or it could affect your future performance.
Jesse just took a shot of whiskey, looking utterly depressed.The butterfly doors swing open and Michaela and Clark walked in. The music stops, the conversation stopped, everyone turns and
stared.
FRANK JAMES: Well now, here's something oughta perk a man's spirit right up.
MICHAELA: (oblivious; hot and thirsty; to Barkeep) Anything diet. (off the Barkeep's look; remembering) Oh, right... do you have regular cola, yet? (then) Just give me a sarsaparilla.
The Barkeep just kept staring at her.
MISS MARTHA: (walking over; giving Michaela the once over) If you're looking for _work_, that's not the kind of saloon I run.
Michaela turned and seen Miss Martha. Michaela's mouth dropped open.
MICHAELA: Clark...
CLARK: (equally agape) I know, I know...
MICHAELA: She looks just like your...
The word dies in her throat, as the Marshal joins Miss Martha.
MICHAELA: (staring at him) Oh, my God... I don't believe this, Clark, I think we're talking to...
CLARK: (swallowing hard).... my great-great-grandparents!
MISS MARTHA: (slow burn) Now, wait a minute...
CLARK: You're Miss Martha! And Marshal Kent!
MARSHAL KENT: (to Miss Martha) How many more weirdos are we gonna get in here today?
MICHAELA: Weirdos? So you've seen somebody else strange?
MARSHAL KENT: (pointing to the debris) The ones who did that.
Glancing at the wreckage, Clark spots something else on the floor and picked it up. It's a spent nine millimeter shell.
CLARK: They've been here.
MARSHAL KENT: (suspicious) So, they're friends of yours?
CLARK: Not exactly. Where are they?
MARSHAL KENT: Gone. Which is just where we'd like you and the naked lady to be.
MICHAELA: Naked? I am not --
But she takes in the lacivious stares of all the men In the bar for the first time and unconsciously tries to hide her bare legs behind a table.
MICHAELA: -- naked, this is a new fashion...from France.
CLARK: Do you know where they went?
JESSE JAMES: (butting in drunkenly) I think they had some banking business to do.
FRANK JAMES: Jesse, you're sounding bitter. We've got to do something about this...
Clark suddenly super-heared.
TEMPUS: ... keep those hands high and give me the gold!
Clark bolted out the door.
CLARK: I think I know where they are.
MICHAELA: Bye.
Michaela ran after Clark. With Michaela and Clark gone, Jesse impatiently leaps to his feet, his gun out.
JESSE JAMES: My brother's right. Time to get back in the saddle. Folks, this is a holdup!
~WESTERN STREET~
As Clark dashed across the street, he spotted Michaela following him.
CLARK: Go back inside, Michaela!
MICHAELA: I will not --
Firiing into the bank, Tempus and Wells run out of the bank with a heavy bag of gold and disappear around the corner, never seeing Michaela and Clark.
MICHAELA: Let's go!
But Clark heard a second barrage of gunfire behind him, turned and sees --
Jesse and Frank shooting it out with Marshal Kent in the saloon.
CLARK: Oh, no...
MICHAELA: Clark, those are your ancestors, if something happens to them --
CLARK: Stay here, I'll be right back.
MICHAELA: But Tempus --
He's gone before she can protest. Then she looked up the street where Tempus and Wells went. She bolted after them.
~RED EYE SALOON~
Marshal Kent is behind the bar with Sam and Miss Martha, firing at the James Brothers, who are behind a table, firing back. Now, Marshal Kent is out of bullets. He looked at his gun.
MARSHAL KENT: Oops.
Jesse shoots. Marshal Kent is hit in the shoulder. Then Clark, a super-blur of wind and speed, snatched their guns away so they're pulling air instead of triggers. Then he super-blurs back at them and in an instant their hands are tied behind their backs.
MISS MARTHA: Thank you, stranger.
CLARK: My pleasure, ma'am.
MISS MARTHA: The Marshal's been hit...
Clark moved to him, on the floor, holding his shoulder.
CLARK: Is there a doctor in town?
MISS MARTHA: Went back East. Nearest one's Kansas City, four days' ride.
Clark looped the Marshal's good arm around his shoulder and helped him up and to the door.
CLARK: Better call the deputy, have him get these two in jail...
MISS MARTHA: But what are you going to do?
CLARK: Get him to Kansas City.
Miss Martha hears a moan from the James Brothers, turns to them, then heard a familiar O.S. whoosh. Turns back to where Clark and the Marshal were and just sees the butterfly doors swinging --
-- and Sam the Barkeep staring at the doors, eyes wide, mouth agape. His head tipped up to the sky. He passed out and hit the floor with a thump.
~LIVERY STABLE~
Tempus stands over Wells, gun in hand, as Wells feeds the gold coins into the fuel receptacle.
TEMPUS: Hurry.
Michaela moved stealthily through the stacks of hay. She looked around for a weapon. See a shovel, picked it up and moved to the back of the time machine, about to heave it when -- Tempus suddenly heard a noise, turned and seen Michaela. Aims. She stopped.
TEMPUS: Miss Knight. What are you doing here?
MICHAELA: I, uhhh, I grabbed onto the machine just before... you know.
Tempus looked at Wells.
WELLS: If she did, she'd've been caught in the... ah... interdimensional vortex...
TEMPUS: And you came alone?
MICHAELA: Yes.
TEMPUS: Well, Michaela Knight, independent career woman of the nineties you're going to be stranded in 1866, without the right to vote, own property or write for a great metropolitan newspaper. _God_, I love irony.
WELLS: I'm so sorry, Miss Knight, I wish I'd never invented this contraption...
TEMPUS: Keep loading the gold.
Wells does as he's told.
MICHAELA: Look, I may not know the future but I know the past and you've got it wrong. You want to kill Superman, but he wasn't in Smallville in 1966.
Tempus just looked at her, then at Wells.
TEMPUS: That's right, she doesn't know yet... Oh, this is good, this is really good. (trying not to laugh) Uh, Michaela? Did you know that in the future you're revered on the same level as Superman? Books about you, statues, an interactive game? You're even a breakfast cereal.
MICHAELA: Really?
TEMPUS: Much as everybody loves you, though, the same question keeps coming up. _How_ dumb was she? Let me show you what I mean... (grabbing Wells' glasses and putting them on) Look, I'm Clark. (taking them off) No, I'm Superman. (on) Mild-mannered reporter... (off) Super hero... (off her puzzlement) Hel-lo! Duh! Clark Kent is Superman!
Michaela' singularly stunned expression tells us he's finally gotten through.
TEMPUS: Well, that was worth the whole trip-- to actually meet the most galactically _stupid_ woman who ever lived! Let's go, Herb. Clark...(glasses on)... and Superman ... (glasses off)... are dead. And the future... is mine!
He puts the glasses back on Wells just as the time machine hums to full power and disappears in a burst of light.
CLARK: (running in) Michaela! Michaela! You're okay? I was afraid you --
Michaela hauled off and slapped Clark. Clark putt his hand to his cheek in surprise.
MICHAELA: And don't pretend that hurt...Superman.
~MAIN STREET - SMALLVILLE, 1966~
Michaela and Clark walked out of a small car rental agency and
moved to their car. Clark looked at a furious Michaela who walked beside him.
CLARK: It started because I wanted a normal life... friends, a job.. (looking at her) a girl. I couldn't have that if people knew and mobbed me everywhere I went. Michaela come on. You haven't said a word since 1866.
MICHAELA: You are the lowest form of life imaginable.
CLARK: Not what I was hoping for... but it's a start.
MICHAELA: You're a liar. And there is nothing worse.
CLARK: I never lied to you, Michaela. (off her glare) I just made up certain facts to keep you from finding out about... other certain facts.
MICHAELA: You ought to run for President. Oh, but you can't. You weren't born here. Then again, you'd just lie about it. Look at you right now, renting a car, that's a big, fat lie. What do you need a car for? You're Superman!
Passersby glance. Clark tried to calm Michaela.
CLARK: Sshh. I think we should keep as low a profile as we can... anything we change in the past could be dangerous to our future.
MICHAELA: Always got an answer for everything. You're good, Clark, you really are.
CLARK: No, actually, I'm not... I hated not being able to tell you. I mean, you think it was easy watching you swoon over Superman while he were dating me?
MICHAELA: That doesn't make any sense -- you _are_ Superman.
CLARK: No -- Superman is what I can _do_,but Clark is who I _am_... and the closer we got, the more I wanted to explain but... it kept getting more and more complicated.
MICHAELA: Look, you've obviously had a lot more time to think about this than I have but just answer this -- how can I ever trust you again?
Michaela got into the car, stared straight ahead. He sighed and walked around the back of the car, muttering to himself:
CLARK: Glasses, secret identity... seemed like a good idea at the time...
~SHUSTER'S FIELD~
A deep furrow carved in the earth, leading to the half-buried, steaming, Kryptonian space craft. Tempus and Wells trudge up to it.
TEMPUS: Just like the history books said.
As he glanced around, some glowing shards of green catch his eye. He bends down and picks one up -- Kryptonite.
TEMPUS: Right down to the remnants of the exploding planet sucked along in the path of the ship.
TEMPUS: (picks one up; than looked at rocket and than at Wells) Open it.
Wells unlatches the hatch of the capsule, revealing the cooing super baby swathed in red, yellow and blue blankets, of which bears the Is, insignia.
TEMPUS: Hello, Junior.
~CLARK'S RENTAL CAR - ON A COUNTRY ROAD~
Clark glanced at Michaela, but she stared straight ahead.
CLARK: ... and it was partly for your protection.
MICHAELA: Don't patronize me.
CLARK: I'm not. If you knew and someone found out you knew, you'd be a target.
MICHAELA: What do you think I am...galactically stupid?
Clark abruptly pulled the car to the side of the road and slammed to a stop. Clark turned to Michaela.
CLARK: Michaela, I think you're the smartest woman I know... and I never wanted to hurt you. If I was wrong, I'm sorry but I can't change what I did. (distracted by the view out the surroundings)
Wait... we're here.
MICHAELA: Where?
CLARK: This is Shuster's Field, where the ship landed. (getting out) C'mon.
A four foot wire fence bounds the field. Michaela and Clark walked up.
CLARK: I think we're early. Mom and Dad used to tell me it was night when they were driving along and saw what they thought was a meteor...
Michaela started to duck under the fence. Clark took her gently by the hand.
CLARK: Here.
Clark floated them up and over the fence. Michaela glared.
CLARK: What?
MICHAELA: All those times you pretended you couldn't hit, couldn't jump, couldn't open the peanut butter jar yourself.
She stalked off ahead of him.
CLARK: Michaela, do the words, 'Let it go,' mean anything... to... (falters).. to... ?
He suddenly stopped, looking a little ill.
MICHAELA: What?
CLARK: I dunno. I feel kind of weak...like there's Kryptonite around. (puzzled) But that would mean the ship would already have to be...
MICHAELA: (cutting him off) Clark, look!
He followed her gaze, seeing the glowing rocks of Kryptonite, around the ship, open and empty.
CLARK: (backing up) It can't be..
MICHAELA: Tempus.
CLARK: Maybe... or maybe somehow my folks found me earlier.
He grabbed her hand and they move back to the fence. He stumbled and she helped him.
MICHAELA: Are you all right?
CLARK: Just gotta get out of here, I'll be fine.
~ROCKY COVE~
A cluster of rocks jutting up out of the woods. Wells carried the baby, swathed in red, yellow and blue blankets.Tempus is behind them, gun casually trained.
WELLS: Where are we going?
TEMPUS: Well, if I remember my Kent history from college, this is Rocky Cove. Should be a nice, safe place to spend some quality time with our child. He motioned for Wells to stop. Wells set the child down.
WELLS: You know I won't let you hurt him. I'll fight you with my last breath.
TEMPUS: Really?
WELLS: I swear it.
Tempus smacked him across the jaw. Wells dropped.
TEMPUS: Sorry, but I don't like you swearing in front of the baby.
~KENT HOUSE~
Shooting out the screen door, as Michaela and Clark walked up. He prepared to knock, hesitates.
CLARK: What are we going to say?
MICHAELA: You'll think of something. You always do.
CLARK: Yeah, right... 'Hi, you didn't happen to find a baby in a space ship, did you?'
Young Martha appeared from inside the house. She's thirtyish, bright-eyed and warm.
YOUNG MARTHA: Hello.
Clark opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Looking at her through the screen door, he can't get over how young she is. He looked like he's about to faint and Michaela reached her hand out to him.
YOUNG MARTHA: (concerned) Are you all right?
MICHAELA: He's just a little tired. We've been doing a lot of... travelling.
YOUNG MARTHA: I know just the thing to fix you up... a nice, cool glass of buttermilk. Come on in.
~MINUTES LATER~
Clark drained a glass of buttermilk. Michaela and Young Martha watch.
CLARK: Nothing like buttermilk for what ails you.
YOUNG MARTHA: But that's just what my husband, Jonathan, says!
Young Jonathan Kent appears through the window. He's mid-thirties as well, robust and cheerful.
YOUNG JONATHAN: What am I being accused of saying?
Clark took one look at his young father... and dropped the glass.
CLARK: Oh, geez, I'm sorry...(moving quickly to clean it up)...it's just, you both look so young. I mean...
YOUNG MARTHA: (perplexed, but polite) Please, don't worry about it.
CLARK: But, I know how clean you like things.
Young Martha looked at Clark, confused.
MICHAELA: (covering) Anyone can see you keep your house neat as a pin.
Young Martha smiled. He pleasure at the compliment overrides her puzzlement.
YOUNG JONATHAN: (moving inside) Martha, you hear anything about Shuster selling his field?
Clark payed attention.
YOUNG MARTHA: No.
YOUNG JONATHAN: I saw a couple of weird-lookingity fellas out at the place --
YOUNG MARTHA: Jonathan, no business talk, we've got company. (to Michaela and Clark) So, what brings you folks out this way?
CLARK: (floundering) Oh, well...
MICHAELA: (jumping in) We were... uh...
But she can't come up with anything.
CLARK: ... looking for something
YOUNG JONATHAN: Like what?
All eyes are on Clark. Finally...
MICHAELA: (blurts it out) You didn't happen to find a baby, did you?
Young Martha's eyes immediately well with tears.
YOUNG JONATHAN: Now, Martha...
CLARK: I'm sorry.
MICHAELA: He didn't mean...
YOUNG JONATHAN: No, no, it's okay.
YOUNG MARTHA: (nods) You see, it's just... I can't have children.
YOUNG JONATHAN: We can't.
YOUNG MARTHA: I think if I found a baby, I'd be the world's most grateful woman.
CLARK: And the world's best mom.
YOUNG MARTHA: (surprised, but touched) Thank you. (then, pulling herself together) More buttermilk?
MICHAELA: You're very kind, but we're kind of on a tight schedule.(to Clark; pointedly) Aren't we?
CLARK: Yeah. (suddenly hit him) Da -- uh, sir, you were saying something about Shuster's Field... ?
YOUNG MARTHA: Oh, you don't have to be polite...
MICHAELA: He's not. I mean, he is, but not now. You saw someone there?
YOUNG JONATHAN: Two city fellas. Thought they might be buyers. Strange looking. one of them in kind of a.. I don't know what you'd call it... funny suit. Why? They friends of yours?
CLARK: I really want to catch them. Where were they going?
YOUNG JONATHAN: Headed up to Rocky Cove on foot.
Clark looked at Young Martha for a moment, as though memorizing her features, then leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.
CLARK: Thank you.
Young Martha looked surprised and Young Jonathan instinctively bristles... but the sheer innocence of it washed over him. He relaxed and smiled.
YOUNG JONATHAN: Hope you find who you're looking for.
CLARK: You, too.
As they nodded their thanks and started out.
YOUNG MARTHA: (sotto; to Michaela) I don't know how I know this, but his color just doesn't seem right. He's getting sick.
Michaela stared at her a long beat, then gave her a hug.
MICHAELA: (following Clark) Don't worry, I'll take good care of him.
Michaela is behind the wheel. She glanced over at Clark. He's slumped in the passenger seat.
MICHAELA: Clark, are you okay?
CLARK: Just tried.
MICHAELA: I've never seen you so pale... even from Kryptonite.
CLARK: I'll be okay, just need to rest.
MICHAELA: Look, I'm sorry I was so hard on you before about... you know. (then) It must've been really difficult all those years, always having to pretend and hide, never being able to share. I'm sorry you had to go through it alone.
CLARK: I wasn't. I always had my folks and you. Maybe there were things I couldn't say but there was nothing I couldn't feel. (wearily) I've got to wake up here..
MICHAELA: I don't get it, we're miles from the Kryptonite, you shouldn't be --
Her eyes widen in alarm. His skin is becoming translucent.
MICHAELA: Clark!
He seen the way she's staring at him. He looked down at his hands and knows instantly what's happening.
CLARK: It's Tempus...
Michaela floors it.
~ROCKY COVE~
Tempus, Wells and the Baby are well concealed in this semi-circle of large boulders. Wells' hands are tightly secured. Unable to move, he watched the Baby playing with a glowing shard of Kryptonite. Tempus is cleaning his Kryptonite. Tempus is cleaning his weapon. He looks down at the Baby.
WELLS: Don't do this, Tempus...
TEMPUS: I'm not doing a thing, Herb. (to baby) Does baby like the nice shiny Kryptonite? Hm? Well, okay, you just play with it all you want...
~COUNTRY ROAD~
With Michaela at the wheel, the rental pulled to a stop at the
edge of the woods. Clark pointed in the direction of Rocky
Cove.
CLARK: Over there...
Michaela got out and hurried around to Clark's side. He tried
to get out, but he's far too weak. She reached for his hand. It's beginning to disappear.
MICHAELA: (horrified) Clark, what's happening?
CLARK: In a minute, I won't exist... You'll have to go without me. Hurry!
With a last worried glance, Lois plunged into the woods.
~WOODS~
Lois picked her way through the underbrush, stepping lightly, trying to be as silent as possible. As she pushed a branch out of her way, a glint from the bushes catched her eye. She peered in. Something's hidden there. It's the Time Machine.
TEMPUS: (singing, O.S., to the tune of 'Rock-A-Bye Baby') 'Oh, Super-baby, new to the Earth...'
Tempus crooned evilly to the weakened Infant, as the bound and gagged Wells watched.
TEMPUS: '...play with your rock and make pointless your birth.'
The Baby's eyes flutter.
TEMPUS: 'The world will spin on, sans Super-decree... and the future
belongs to... people... like...me.'
The Baby dropped off to sleep.
TEMPUS: Won't be long now...
WELLS: You really think you can destroy Utopia by killing a child?
TEMPUS: Well, as you can see, I'm giving it my best.
WELLS: You're a fool. Kill as many as you wish -- but a world of peace will always be man's ultimate goal.
TEMPUS: Herb... did your books actually _sell_? Because, you're kind of a bore. Which brings me to the question... (beat) What am I going to do with you? I could just leave you here to starve... but no, you might get away, build another time machine. Obviously, I have to kill you, but how? (then) Something suitable, something ironic... like what I did to Michaela, that was good. Wait, yes -- a Utopian execution. I know, I'll bore you to death!
Tempus laughed at his own joke, then stopped abruptly. He heard a noise. Someone moving nearby. He grabbed his gun and went to investigate. Tempus approached, carrying his gun. He moved cautiously, looking every which way, but Michaela is nowhere to be seen. He stopped. He was sure he heard something, but maybe not. He's about to give up, when -- Michaela swung down out of the tree and kicked his hand. The gun flew out. She scrambled to get it but he body-checks her off balance and scooped it up. She ended up on her back. Tempus aimed down at her.
TEMPUS: How did you get -- ? (realized) Another time machine. Where is it? (she said nothing) You _will_ tell me.
He aimed at her knee and is about to pulled the trigger. Clark mustered his strength and stumbled into the woods. An almost fully transparent Clark stumbled and can just glimpse what's happening between Tempus and Michaela. He's too weak to move, but summoned the very last drop of his strength and blew out a burst of Super Cold Breath. Tempus' gun freezes, turning white with frost. Tempus screamed and dropped it. Lying before him, Michaela hooked her right foot behind Tempus' right ankle, then kicked his shin with her left foot. He tumbled back. That final burst of energy has made Clark collapsed. He flickered into near-invisibility, fighting to hang on. Michaela rolled up, ready to do some damage. Tempus got o his feet. The gun is between them.
MICHAELA: Okay, you like violence so much... let's see what you've got.
They circle. He swung at her. She blocked, connected with an uppercut... and dropped him. Hard
MICHAELA: Hate to tell you, but... you hit like a girl.
She kicked the gun away, turned and ran into -- -- races up, grabbed the Kryptonite from the Baby and heaved it as far away as she possibly can. She untied Wells and picked up the still Infant.
WELLS: The baby... is he... ?
Michaela is not exactly an instinctive mom. She held the baby at arms length, then tentatively bring it in closer to a more nurturing, if still awkward, embrace. The Baby looked up at her... and begin to cry.
MICHAELA: I'm not very good with --
WELLS: Oh, you will be. (off her look) Here, you just have to hold his
head and keep him close.
He took the baby to show her. Clark is becoming solid again, full of color and life. He straightened up, his strength flowing back into him. He moved into --
Tempus still weak and tentative. Tempus comes to and struggled to his feet, seeing Clark moving toward him through the trees.
He made a mad dash for the time machine. Clark launched after him, leaped and bring him down in a flying tackle.
TEMPUS: Showoff.
Michaela and Wells -- holding the Baby -- come out of the cove.
MICHAELA: (relieved beyond words) Clark!
She nestled against Clark as he still held Tempus with one hand.
MICHAELA: You're all right?
CLARK: I'm fine.
MICHAELA: I was so afraid you were --
CLARK: It's all right, it's all right.
MICHAELA: I couldn't stand the idea I might lose you and I'd never get to tell you... to say that... I ..
TEMPUS: Please. I'll go to jail, I'll strap myself into the electric chair -- but don't make me listen to this!
They ignore him, about to kiss, when Clark's head suddenly snapped up and he looked at the sky.
CLARK: It's almost night. I've got to go.
He took his glasses off, handed them to Michaela, then ripped his
shirt open, revealing the 'S.'
CLARK: (heaving a liberated sigh) I've always wanted to do that in
front of you.
Then he spun and in a blur went from Clark to Superman. He
took the Baby from Wells.
MICHAELA: He looks like you.
SUPERMAN: (then) Hope so. (to Baby) Time to go, pal.
Superman took off with an O.S. WHOOSH.
~SHUSTER'S FIELD - DUSK~
superman deposit the Baby in the ship. He stepped back from
the Kryptonite still strewn, woozy, and took off. The Kents drive by in their truck. Superman flew up, up, and away from us, then turned and shooted back down to Earth, picking up speed, becoming a streak of color. The Kents hear a supersonic WHOOSH overhead. We stay on their faces as they looked out the windshield in amazement.
YOUNG JONATHAN: What was that?
YOUNG MARTHA: Looked like a meteor... over there in Shuster's Field.
YOUNG JONATHAN: Let's go have a look.
The Kents jumped out of their truck and ran over to the rocket.
YOUNG JONATHAN: My Lord...
And inside, of course, Baby Superman. Young Martha picked up the infant and we can feel her instantly bonding with it.
YOUNG MARTHA: Oh, Jonathan...
In the nearby trees, Superman watched.
~WOODS NEAR ROCKY COVE - NIGHT~
Wells has secured Tempus to the time machine. He moved to a
downcast Michaela.
WELLS: What's the matter, my dear?
MICHAELA: You've been to the future, Mr. Wells, is it true what Tempus said about me?
WELLS: Yes. You're as highly revered as any woman in history.
MICHAELA: No, about being... galactically stupid.
Wells smiled and looked at Michaela sympathetically.
WELLS: Not stupid, Miss Knight. Blind.
WELLS: It's one of the many things that makes your story so timeless: why children never tire of hearing it at bedtime, why parents never outgrow it, generation after generation. We're _all_ blind when it comes to love, especially that one great love that will change us forever.
TEMPUS: Excuse me? But I'm in danger of choking on my own vomit.
Superman landed.
SUPERMAN: Everything's fine, the Kents have the baby.
WELLS: Good. Then we can start to make things right. Superman, you and Michaela meet me at the second time machine.
He climbed into his time machine, started hitting switches.
MICHAELA: Where are you going?
WELLS: To see to it Mr. Tempus causes no more trouble.
The machine hummed and color flash appear.
TEMPUS: Superman, while I've got you here, just answer one thing for me...
Superman walked over. The two men are nose to nose.
TEMPUS: Why tights? Why a cape? You're a grown man, don't you feel_ridiculous_?
In a flash of light he and Wells and the machine are gone.
SUPERMAN: (to Michaela) Hey, my mom made it for me.
MICHAELA: Oh, look, you've got shmutz on your 'S'.
She picked at the lint. They kiss.
~SMALLVILLE - BUSHES NEXT TO CHURCH - NIGHT~
Michaela and Clark move up to the second time machine.
MICHAELA: Is this going to feel as weird to you as it does to me? Knowing you're Superman from now on?
WELLS: (stepping into sight) Oh, I'm afraid that can't be, Miss Knight. (smiled) Not just yet, anyway.
He climbed aboard the second machine and mans the controls.
WELLS: We've tampered with history enough.
CLARK: Well, it's a little late...
WELLS: Not at all. I'll simply drop each of you back before I ever showed up. You'll both remember nothing and none of this will have happened.
They climb on, each on either side of him as the machine begins to hum.
CLARK: Is that what you did to Tempus?
During the following, Michaela surreptitiously pulled out Perry's
birthday card and a pen, writes: "CLARK IS SUPERMAN."
WELLS: Oh, no. Mr. Tempus was such a lover of irony, I decided to give him a lifetime of it.
CLARK: How so?
Michaela stuffed the card back in her pocket.
WELLS: By granting him his wish to live in a violent, hellish dystopia.
In a flash of light and sound, the time machine disappeared
~SMALLVILLE, 1866~
Tempus, wearing chains and convict's stripes, is pleading through bars.
TEMPUS: You stupid, corn-sucking, hayseed cow-lovers! I don't belong here, I'm from the future! I've got to get out of here and build a time machine! Is anybody listening to me?
Pull back to reveal he's in a barred wagon that says: "KANSAS STATE ASYLUM." Off Tempus' ranting and chain-rattling and the wagon pulling away --
~DAILY PLANET, 1995 - DAY #1 - REPRISE~
It is the very morning our story began. As Clark exited the
elevator, Jimmy fell in stride next to him.
JIMMY: You're cuttin' it close.
CLARK: (off her watch) Eight minutes. What'd I get him? And don't tell me checked suspenders.
JIMMY: (handing him a wrapped gift) How'd you know?
He's momentarily puzzled. How did he know? They head into the bullpen, it's festooned with ribbons, balloons and a banner reading "Happy Birthday, Chief!"
Michaela appeared.
CLARK: Morning Michaela.
MICHAELA: You're late.
CLARK: 'Morning, Clark.'
MICHAELA: (stopping herself) I have the weirdest feeling of deja vu...
MICHAELA: (seen his gift box) Don't tell me you got him checked suspenders again.
CLARK: How'd you know?
MICHAELA: You got him that last year, didn't you?
CLARK: Yes it is.
MICHAELA: Clark, I'm serious!
That stopped him.
CLARK: Well, now that you mention it... it does feel like we've done all this before.
MICHAELA: (looks at her gift) , no, he forgot to get a card. Jimmy!
(then felt something in her pocket) Wait.
MICHAELA: How'd this get here?
She pulled out the sealed envelope in her pocket and looked at it.
Clark looked at it. on the back -- unseen by Michaela -- he
read the words: "CLARK IS SUPERMAN." She started to turn it over. He grabbed it before she does.
MICHAELA: Clark!
CLARK: This isn't a very good card.
MICHAELA: (impatient) There's nothing wrong with it.
CLARK: Come to think of it, I hate cards. (tears it up) Just slows down getting to the present.
She looked at him very closely, eyes narrowed.
CLARK: What?
MICHAELA: I was just thinking... (leaned in very close, her face almost touching his) Naahhhhh.
And with that, she turned away, he sighs and tossed the bits
of paper in the wastecan and we HEAR O.S. "SURPRISE, CHIEF!".
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