Chapter Text
Something Jon learned about Military School was that it put each cadet on a schedule each student was required to follow from morning until bedtime. Captains and Generals were obligated to know where every cadet was to teach them about following a tight schedule. This made it so that Jon couldn't be Superboy for the time being, which was fine since there were no cries for help or signs of someone in distress for the time being. Everyone in this school was located in any and every place they were expected to be.
That didn't mean all the time , however. Nighttimes were often when Jon would hear a few students sneaking out for whatever reason. It didn't happen frequently, but they were for things a cadet could get away with while their superiors weren't paying attention. No doubt the place was filled with security, but that didn't mean there weren't any blind spots or ways for a cadet to sneak out to find any excuse to break the rules.
During times like these, Jon would check to make sure his bunkmate Cory was asleep before flying off to follow the students sneaking out.
The campus was huge, with plenty of activities students could do during the daytime. It was located right at the corner of Brinkton, which was more awake than the academy. Jon stayed hidden while the four students sneaking out made their way to a local bar, obviously faking their ages to have a drink. Sitting on the bar's roof, the cadets were inside, and Jon contemplated what to do. He didn't want to rat out his fellow students just because they wanted to go have a drink. Even his best friend would likely have joined them for the fun.
However, at this moment, Jon heard someone exiting the bar from the door leading to the roof. It seemed like this person was taking a break. Jon stayed hidden to not startle this person, who turned out to be one of the waitresses. She looked so young—teenager-young.
The young girl sat on the roof's edge, glancing at the city. Jon was in his jeans and zipped Superboy hoody without his cape, so his costume looked pretty ordinary, but still his costume. He could hear a hitch in the girl's breath. Was she crying?
"Are you alright?" Jon asked, startling the girl, who screamed before slipping and almost falling off the roof before feeling someone catch her hand. The girl's eyes widened, seeing Jon gripping hers, lifting her back on the roof with strength no preteen should have.
"You're... You're just a kid," the girl said, shaken by almost falling off the roof.
"And you're just a teenager," Jon replied, the wind blowing against his curls.
"I mean... how did you do that ? You should've fallen with me," the girl asked as Jon smiled, shrugging while his feet lifted off the ground.
"You can call me Superboy. Is everything alright? I heard you crying."
The girl snorted, shoving her hands in her pocket while skimming at the city. "Just some stupid drama with my boss," she said.
"Why work here?"
"Dad can't pay the bills. Spends all his shit on crack since Mom passed," the girl replied.
"I'm sorry," Jon replied as the girl snorted, sitting back on the roof before Jon sat down with her. "How long is your break?"
"An hour. Why?"
"I notice you like looking at the city. I can give you a better view, maybe some food?" Jon offered as the girl showed a slight smirk, got herself up, and wrapped her arms around his neck.
Jon could check up on the runaway students later. They usually always stay in this particular bar. He carried this waitress bridal style, flying off the roof and into the sky. From this angle, Jon could get a better view of this girl. She had dyed blond hair with a red streak on the left side, a nose piercing like a little white diamond, hazel eyes, a white midriff crop top and a pair of black slacks with nonslip shoes. Looking at the city lights and buildings below, the girl screamed in delight while laughing. The kid in her was clearly showing, putting a smile on Jon's face.
The two stopped to get some food, and Jon paid for everything. He got himself a hot dog while the girl ordered two hot dogs and fries. She was clearly hungry as if she hadn't eaten in days. She enjoyed every bit of the meal, darting out at the city from the roof of the city hall building.
"Jamie Taylor. I never gave you my name," Jamie replied.
"Nice to meet you. I'm still not familiar with this place... yet," Jon replied.
"Did you just come here? I thought someone like you would live in Metropolis," Jamie said, looking confused.
"Something like that. My dad lives there, but I'm staying her for a while. It seems pretty nice here."
"It is for the most part, but it gets lively at night. Crime especially happens here, because of the drugs and shit," Jamie said.
"That's sad."
"It's beautiful. I love Brickton, but when drugs are involved, people die. Then, people like me are left with the mess. I can never have a normal life. Things were so much better when Mom was alive," Jamie confessed, resting her head on her knee she propped up.
Jon glanced out at the city, hearing all the cars moving, the lively music from different places, the laughter and the police sirens going off. He smelled the gas, the city food and the whiff of drugs and cigarette smoke. Jamie asked, "You can hear it too, can't you? You can smell the drugs too."
"Yeah. I can hear the police are tailing some bad people."
"It's every night. I wish I could say how long it's been like that, but there's not a time I remember it not being like this."
"That's not right."
"That's how it is," Jamie said, then smiled just a little. "You think you can handle a city like this? We don't exactly have aliens or super-powered criminals here."
"That's fine. Every city and town is worth protecting," Jon said as Jamie smiled, nodding. Then, he heard something. "Oh no, something's going on at the bar."
"That's no surprise," Jamie stated, rolling her eyes, then gazing at Superboy. A smirk appeared on her lips. "I suppose it could use a Superboy."
Jon took Jamie and then hurried back to the bar named Island Bar. Gunshots were heard as everyone inside ducked under the tables in fear. The Host was shaking in his shoes, trying to calm the Gunman down.
"I'm sorry, but you need to leave right now. You're not- aah!" The Host choked as the Gunman, who was clearly not thinking straight, took him by the neck with the gun to his head.
"You don't get to tell me to leave. I'll pump your guts full of lead!" The Gunman threatened.
"It's okay. It's okay. Just tell us what you want," A Waitress said calmly, though fear was in her eyes.
"I want a vodka, dry," the Gunman ordered, the gun still pointing at the Host's head.
As the Waitress made her way to get the drink, someone was hiding under the booth table behind the Gunman. This person hiding crawled on the floor as the Waitress filled a glass of vodka. Then, this person quickly pulled a maneuver in an attempt to knock the gun out of the man's hand.
"You fucking-!" The Gunman cried as the gun went off two times.
Just as the gun went off, Superboy appeared to block the bullet, saying, "I think that will be enough." He took the weapon and then squished it like a bug. The Gunman madly punched Superboy, only for his hand to break.
"SHIIIIIIIIIIIIT! FUCKING SHIT!" The Gunman cried in pain before Superboy put him down to the floor, keeping him still with one hand.
"My name is Superboy and as long as I'm here, no one's..." Superboy said, then his eyes widened as he witnessed blood from the gunshot he wasn't fast enough to block before blocking the second bullet. "I thought... I was..."
"It's okay, you did good, Superboy," The manager said, who arrived with the emergency first aid.
The person that was shot and bleeding, Jon recognized as one of the cadets that snuck out with his friends, Cadet Troy Ivy. Jon felt the gravity of the gunshot weighing. He failed to protect him. It's his duty to protect his fellow man and his people, and Superboy couldn't save one from a single gunshot. He felt someone shaking his shoulders, his face turning to Jamie, who seemed concerned.
"There's nothing you could've done," Jamie said calmly.
"There is. If I had been here faster, no one would've got hurt," Jon replied, his eyes watering.
"Don't blame yourself for something you didn't do," Jamie pleaded as Superboy shook his head.
"You said it. This city has problems with crime. Illegal activity is rapid every night.... this city needs a Superboy."
Jamie remained there to help Jon take down the Gunman until the police arrived. Afterward, Jon returned home, knowing the cadets would be returned to the academy safely. However, just as he was about to head back to the academy, he began hearing voices from the city.
"Please, don't hurt me! I don't got any drugs I swear!"
Jon was expected to be up by 5, but it was midnight. Perhaps, Damian was right about crime never sleeping. He sighed, making his way to the location of the cry for help.
The next day, General Sam Lane heard the News of a cadet who had been shot at a bar. Students sneaking out sometimes happened, especially those who could fake their ages. It was unfortunate that these kids would be expelled, but what he didn't expect was seeing the headlines of the local Newspaper, "Superman's Son Brinkton's New Hero." That meant Jon was there last night. The cadets were currently doing drills at this time.
Sam went to his office to find Jon's schedule so he could plan a time to speak with him privately. Thankfully, he didn't have to, as his grandson was sitting in his office chair, hugging his legs.
"... is everything alright, Son?" Sam asked as Jon shook his head.
"I was there and I couldn't save him," Jon confessed, his eyes glassy and red from restlessness.
"You were out last night."
Jon nodded, sniffing, "not with the others."
"I figured. Son, a gunshot doesn't equate to breaking the rules here. You know that," Sam said with a commanding tone, his hand on the boy's shoulder, who looked away.
"Brickton needs a Superboy. I was hearing crimes happening at night. Screams for help. I had to be there for them. Crime never sleeps," Jon sobbed, his eyes watering.
"Then, we'll figure something out, but promise me not to sneak out at night again and let me know if you hear students sneaking out at night next time. Do I make myself clear?"
Jon nodded, still shedding tears. Sam had never dealt with such an emotional child before. Sighing, he held Jon and allowed him to rest his head on his shoulder. Sam suspected something like this would happen soon, but he didn't know how soon . He was stuck between banning his grandson from saving people or allowing him to break school rules. Brinkton was a city with the lowest amount of crimes, but that didn't ensure there were none. It was times like these when the general knew he would have to find a compromise to this.
"You go rest, and I'll mark you sick. You already look the part," Sam said just before Jon yawned.
"Couldn't rest... until..." Jon moaned, feeling his grandpa patting his back.
"I know. I know. I'll.... figure something out," Sam promised as Jon nodded, then wearily returned to his room to sleep. As soon as he left the office, the general pinched the bridge of his nose. "Damnit, Clark. I hope you know a solution to this."
Sam knew any meeting with his son-in-law was limited. Even so, he was determined to find a way to resolve this issue. Sam knew Jon had that Lane stubbornness in him and his father's heart. It didn't take a Rocket Scientist to see that keeping Jon from being Superboy wouldn't resolve anything so long as he could hear cries for help in ways Sam couldn't. Definitely an advantage out on the field, but not helpful in the academy. Sam already had to bend over backward just for Jon to use his Kryptonian abilities at a particular hour. It was using it at any convenient moment, which would be an issue.
Superman found time to speak with his father-in-law privately, having been told of the situation.
"I will be lying to say I didn't expect this to happen. Even back in Hamilton, Jon was insistent on being Superboy. Ever since he and Damian bonded, I noticed a change in his attitude about being Superboy as being a part of his responsibilities. He even insisted on calling his costume his 'uniform.' I'm very proud of him, but I am his father," Superman confessed.
"Unfortunately, this isn't Smallville, Hamilton or Metropolis, and I'm not Superman. I can't hear his heartbeat or know where he's at if he leaves the campus grounds," Sam stated factually.
"Yes, that would cause a problem," Superman agreed. Unlike him, he knew Sam was human and limited to where he could track Jon. Even his parents at least knew everyone in Smallville, so he couldn't just skip school by flying off into the woods. Eyes were everywhere in that town. "I'm sure Jon will understand your concern, but it won't keep him from wanting to protect Brinkton when there's trouble. How many eyes do you have around here?"
"I'm sure you can take a guess. There's a reason we keep the students inside campus except on weekends. Even then, we have direct contact with the police. I need more than that if Jon ever gets himself in trouble. You know how everyone here feels about Super's."
"Right... though not completely your fault, Dad. People often become scared of what they don't know. Rest assured, I'm sure the town will greatly accept Superboy. Jon has several advantages I never had or can't have anymore, such as his youth. People are more accepting and protective of children, especially at his age. He's also had training by me and has you," Superman assured, hopefully smiling. "Something my parents often did was be the ones to tell me if anyone needed help. As Superboy, I often helped the neighbors. High school was when I really started using my powers to save people. It's when I learned the importance of a secret identity."
"I'm surprised there's not a single one in Smallville that knows your secret identity," Sam said with raised eyebrows.
"Actually, they did once," Superman confessed, which made Sam blink. "At the time, I was with the Legion of Superheros in the 31st century. I mostly saved people from that area while helping my neighbors around town. However, one of my friends... erm... former friends was experimenting on Kryptonite and had shared his discoveries globally. My parents were hiding, and I didn't know where they were. I was late in High School, and before I knew it, I found myself in prison after the FBI arrested me. I didn't understand why, and by the time I did, I realized my once close friend stabbed me in the back."
Sam stood there, stillshocked as Superman continued, "Had it not been for my friends from the Legion, who knows what would've happened to Ma and Pa. Nobody, except for my parents, Pete and Lana, remember that incident."
"Who was that former friend of yours?" Sam asked quietly.
"Lex Luthor."
"Damnit. I can see now why you hate the man," Sam replied. He remembered joining forces with him when hunting down Superman. He had no idea this man had significantly broken his friend's trust.
"I don't hate him. I just... it's complicated. He was like family to me and... it hurts when someone you consider family wants you dead. Perhaps, I should've helped him escape from his abuse, but I didn't realize how bad it was or that it'd lead him to..."
"That is not your fault, Clark. I've had plenty of cadets under me from abusive homes. In fact, wasn't my grandson's best friend raised by assassins and killers, yet here he is, leading a group of teenagers to protect San Francisco! It's a hard pill to swallow, but some people will claim to be your friend but aren't. I'm sorry you had to find out like that at such a young age," Sam said bluntly as Superman smiled a bit. "So, do you have any ideas about Jon?"
"... Jon isn't allowed to leave campus at night, but what about you?" Superman asked.
"Of course nobody gives a damn if I go to Brinkton late at night, since I'm responsible to wake up at 4 the next morning."
"You also have contact with the police in Brinkton."
"Yes. What are you getting at?"
"You can go to Brinkton nightly to keep a lookout for any students committing treason, and Jon can come along for the ride."
"That could be a problem. It would be easy for me to be allowed to patrol outside campus to look out for any treason, but bringing Jon along is something entirely different."
"But?" Superman asked, already knowing his father-in-law's facial expressions well enough to know there was a 'but' to his comment.
"I might be able to work with Superboy if given the right paperwork. My biggest problem with you was that we didn't know anything about you . There was no paperwork or proof of your citizenship. I understand now why you had to keep it confidential, as your proof of citizenship was obtained through your parents; however, the same does not apply to Jon. You've had Batman dox his birth certificate since he was born in your Fortress. Am I to guess it has documentation of the day, time, blood type, fingerprints, and identification of Jon's birth?" Sam asked.
"I-It does, but it's through the crystals. All I can provide are holographic images and pictures Lois took," Superman stated.
"That is all I need. Superboy isn't as widely known as you. Still, suppose he is a natural-born citizen with proof provided, regardless of the absent birth certificate, he will be provided protection you don't have as Superman. His documentation will be kept under legal confidentiality in order to protect him as a minor. However, once he turns 18, you will no longer have authority over Jon's confidentiality being exposed to the public or kept private. He will be allowed to reveal his identity or volunteer for any future studies," Sam stated.
"You say Jon will be protected if I provide proof of his birth here?" Superman asked with hopeful and blinking eyes.
"Yes. He is still a minor, even if he can lift a locomotive," Sam replied factually, then furrowed his eyebrows.
"That's great! That's more than I could ask for!"
"But as I said, once Jon turns 18, he can decide if he wants his identity revealed or volunteer for studies. He's working to become a military sol dier, which requires him to provide all his medical records and perhaps participate in studies for us to understand how his body functions to provide him with the necessary protection and missions his body is capable of performing. It stands to reason that experimentation is a fear you have as a father, but that's the sacrifice you will have to allow Jon to make. Is that what you want?"
Superman began to understand what Sam meant. That means that Jon will no longer be protected by Superman if he ever decides to volunteer for any scientific studies on himself and his half-Kryptonian body. While it certainly would help for any of the times he may be attacked with Kryptonite or radiation, it could also go as badly if used in the wrong hands. Sam understood the fear of a father.
"I would be lying to say I don't have those fears, but I also stand for truth, justice and the American way. Jon is going to stand for those same principles as a natural-born citizen. This means allowing him the liberty to make choices I may disagree with. If Jon is 18, he'll be old enough to make his own decisions, and I will support his decisions. I know he will not make any decision that could risk my life any more than I would make any decision to risk Ma and Pa."
Sam smiled, saying, "I envy you sometimes. Despite not being born from this world, you are a braver man than I."
"I'm just a man and a father wanting what is best for my son. I know he'd want this."
Superman provided the crystal that showed the entire birthing process of Jon-El or Superboy. This included the identity and facial identification of the parents, handprints, footprints, date, time, blood type, the location of the birth, the coordinates and any additional important information. Sam held the crystal in his hand, knowing that this would provide Jon with what he'd need if he was allowed to be Superboy of Brinkton. However, Sam knew he would have to be careful how he'd use this crystal. For this reason, he only reported this to the Dean of the Academy before anyone else could obtain this information.
The Dean of the Corps Academy was Brigadier General Thomas Yane. He and Sam had known each other since their days in Vietnam. He was a great friend and a damn good general that helped Sam get his position as one of the heads of the school and his grandson into the academy. However, Sam has not told him about Jon's abilities for good reason. How would Sam explain to his comrades that his hunt for Superman was him trying to kill his son-in-law? If they still believed they were right to hunt down Superman, this could ruin his family's life.
Sam knew Thomas would never think to make any decision involving him without thinking it through or his knowledge. Soldiers valued trust in each other to survive another day on the field. The moment you go out of line or leave your comrades, it could mean both your deaths. In this case, Sam knew he'd have to trust one of his comrades running this school to give his grandson the protection he needed as a Kryptoian-American citizen.
"General Sam, you said you have something for me?" Thomas asked, knowing that whatever Sam asked of him was solemn.
"I'm sure you've heard the News of Superboy," Sam said as Thomas nodded.
"Did you receive any information on that? I'm to assume it involves us?"
"Very. What I'm about to show you needs to remain classified, especially since this involves one of our students... my grandson," Sam finally said, which made Thomas raise his eyebrows.
"Show me what you've got," Thomas asked, his voice lacing with promise that he would see through this information.
Sam revealed the crystal from his pocket that Thomas had never seen. Sam said, "This was given to me by Superman." Placing the crystal down on the desk, it shows a hologram of what looked to be Superman next to a dark brown-haired woman with a great belly. Thomas could already see what this was. "This is the information of Superboy's birth. His name is Jon-El, born from within the Fortress next to Metropolis."
"Superman gave this to you?" Thomas asked with widened eyes, then saw the facial imprint of the impregnated woman. "That's..."
"Wait..." Sam said, then the voices appeared.
"Clark, he's coming," Lois cried in the hologram, and Thomas found himself speechless. It was as if all the pieces were forming together.
"Sir... this man is the one you..." Thomas said.
"I know that! I found out on the way of bringing my grandson over here. A rock slide was about to hit the car; before I knew it, the car itself was flying in the air," Sam said, the hologram turning off. "Last night, Jon heard our students sneaking out at night and became an eyewitness to the bar shooting. He blames himself for not being there to stop the bullet from hitting Cadet Troy Ivy. I was hoping keeping this hidden would be fine so long as he didn't go around playing Mini Superman, but... he's like his father. Despite my past distrust, I've come to learn my son-in-law is no more than a good-hearted small town Kansas farmer."
"I can't say that I'd ever expect Superman to be some clumsy Journalist from Metropolis."
"Me neither, but then again, I didn't expect Lois to have a son by the time she freed me from my prison. Now, I'm having to face the fact I almost killed my son-in-law, and my grandson will likely find himself in harm's way unless I find some form of protection for him as Superboy."
"I see what you mean. What does he possess?" Thomas asked.
"Super strength, he can see through objects, he can hear things from afar and behind walls, he has great eyesight, his glasses are only to help him control his heat vision and he can fly... that's about all I know."
"... he will be treated no different than any minor metahuman, but it is possible to grant him protection. If he's intending on joining the ranks, he could gain many benefits by the time he's in."
"That's what I'm hoping for. This is his only birth record in the States. We could use someone to help decrease our students' treason and avoid more crimes in Brinkton."
Thomas took the crystal, then said, "I'll enter this on record as proof of Jon-El's natural-born citizenship to create documentation. He's still a minor, so he shall be treated as one if we ever find him in Brinkton. I'll be sure to inform the Brinkton Police Department. Considering he is a Cadet here, he will be under our protection at all times."
"Thank you, Thomas," Sam said, gratefully smiling before both saluted.
After some rest, Jon checked his mail locker, as required for every student. Most only checked their lockers if it was stated in their emails. Not even the teachers did. If anything was crucial, most cadets, commanders and generals expected it to be stated in an email. However, Jon also had X-ray vision, which was very helpful if he needed to see if anything was delivered to his mail locker. He found a document waiting for him, so Jon retrieved it before reading it in his room. Cody was off doing activities at the moment.
Jon raised his eyebrows as he saw all of these were documents under classified. His grandpa placed a letter in front of the documents, informing him what to expect. Because of the events from last night, Superman and Sam found it would help Jon as a Superboy if he signed up for the patrol squad. These were specialized forces from Corps Academy with the mission to protect the school from any crimes at night, round up any criminals that participated in illegal activity in Brinkton and protect the fellow citizens of Brinkton. As Superboy, he was to follow any and every direct order from the head of these Special Forces, General Sam Lane. Superboy would be treated as a cadet to the special forces and trained to use his abilities to help protect the United States of America. Jon-El will be treated and recognized as a US Kryptonian-American citizen, naturally born in the United States of America.
Jon knew that the information in these documents was classified, so he signed his signature with a bright smile on his face. Of course, his signature was above his grandpa's, who was his legal guardian at the moment. He signed himself under Jon-El, then kept the documents to hand to Brigadier General Thomas Yane that evening. Thankfully, everyone was out doing activities at this time. Handing the signed documentation, Jon placed his hands behind his back and stood at attention.
"General Lane and I have been discussing about the incident last night. I'm sure you've read the letter," Thomas said.
"Yes sir. This is a real honor, sir," Jon stated.
"I'm grateful. I must say this is surly a surprise, but I can also understand the secrecy. Rest assure, all information will be kept confidential and only disclosed under your and General Lane's consent. The record of your birth, while placed under government protection, shall be used as Jon-El. From here on out, when you wear your uniform, you will be called Cadet Jon-El of the Corps Academy Special Forces Night Patrol or Superboy if you wish to remain as such."
"My cousin is also Superboy and has had that name much longer than I have. I would like to now be known as Cadet Superboy until I rank up," Jon requested.
"Very well, do you swear to withhold to the Constitution of the United States of America?" Thomas asked, holding his right hand up as Jon did the same.
"I do."
"Do you solemnly swear to follow all orders by your General or Commanding Officer at all times?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to serve the United States of America and give your life for her?"
"I do."
"Welcome aboard, Cadet Superboy," Thomas replied, smiling before shaking Jon's hand. "It's an honor to have you here."
"It's a pleasure. Thank you."
Jon could not wait to tell Damian about this. He was now the first Kryptonian military officer with the duty to protect his country, even if it was local for now. Brinkton needed a Superboy, and while they may not be the same type of missions as his dad and cousins, it would perhaps be the start. After all, Jonathan Samuel Kent or Jon-El was just as much part of the American way as his father.