Resources for the Fortress; Warning Jonathan

I thought quickly, trying to come up with a solution before I said, "I think I know exactly where to get them."

I took off from the Fortress, heading to outer space. I flew to the asteroid belt and scanned asteroid after asteroid before finding one that contained precious metals in abundance. I flew to the opposite site of the asteroid facing away from Earth, then I pushed the asteroid towards Earth. It pushed free of the asteroid belt and it took a while to get the asteroid up to speed, but eventually it got close enough to Earth where I could begin slowing it down. If it impacted at this speed, it would be like the strike that killed the dinosaurs. When I got closer to Earth where their instruments would begin detecting the asteroid, I sent a command through my neural link with Kelex to begin cloaking the incoming asteroid and temporarily take control of satellites and other electronic detection to prevent them seeing the asteroid. I brought the asteroid to the proper positioning above the Arctic Circle, then brought it down into the atmosphere, using all of my strength to prevent it from crashing or breaking up into smaller chunks. I set it down not far from the Fortress, it's immense weight cracking the ice, slamming far into the earth. I commanded Kelex to use the construction and assembly droids to construct mining droids to mine the asteroid for precious metals and minerals and to divide them all into large storage containers that we can use for our construction projects for the Fortress.

In addition to construction, I could sell these resources when I get around to it.

After that little project was well underway, I returned to the inside of the Fortress to speak with Jor-El.

"Father. Climate change is a pressing concern for the humans. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities all around the world and will remove livable land and lead to massive upheaval in the future due to the migratory impact of all of the humans being forced to leave their homes. So many factors play into this, but a simple solution would be to re-freeze the polar ice caps. This is possible given the terraforming technology we have here in the Fortress. What do you think about me taking charge of this problem by solving it for them?"

"It warms my heart to think of you taking into consideration issues like this. I would suggest leading humanity rather than trying to solve the world's problems. They will benefit more from your guidance rather than you single-handedly doing everything yourself." Jor-El responded.

"But this is something far beyond their capacity to fix given their current technology. And I don't want to give them terraforming technology at this point. I'm fearful of the things they will do if I give them advanced technology before they get used to the fact that there are aliens out there. How do you suggest I 'guide' them around this issue?" I asked.

"Engage with their leaders. Discuss the issue. Inform them what you will be doing. I recommend revealing yourself to the world completely rather than these 'sightings' you've insisted on arranging. Being an urban legend or a myth is not conducive to your proper role as Earth's guardian." Jor-El chastised.

"Yes, I agree, father. Thank you for your guidance." I said.

"You're welcome, my son."

2006 - Smallville, Kansas - Convention Center

Jonathan Kent has just won his seat as State Senator for Kansas and is celebrating with his supporters and family.

As things are winding down and we're heading home, I remember a key change that I made: Jonathan Kent never received the power-up from Jor-El which was necessitated by Clark wearing red kryptonite and running away to Metropolis to commit a summer of crimes. Jonathan had to get a power-up to fight Clark and try to get the red kryptonite from him so he would return home. But this power-up resulted in too much stress for his middle-aged body and placed stress on his heart. In addition, thinking back, there were so many times Jonathan was knocked out, stressed about Clark's secret, and had arguments with Jor-El that raised his stress level. All this stress on his heart had to have shortened his lifespan. With all of this not happening, he's undoubtedly going to live longer. However, it's better to be safe than sorry.

"Dad, can you do me a favor?" I asked.

"What is it, son?" Jonathan asked.

"Sometime in the next week, can you please get bloodwork, CT scan, and all the diagnostic tests available? Oh, and make sure to get a heart stress test. Pay close attention to the heart. If we need to get you on blood pressure medication or scrape plaque from your heart or whatever, then we'll know from some tests." I said.

Jonathan was quiet for a moment, "What brought this on, Clark?"

"Well, you're getting older and this job is going to be very stressful. I don't want it to put you into an early grave. Do you want Mom and I to have to lose you? Just promise me you'll get all the tests done, please???" I asked.

Jonathan smiled, "Alright, Clark. Calm down. I'll try to get in to get the tests done in the next week. I'm sure they can fit me in at Smallville Medical."

"Thanks, Dad." I enthused.