Chapter 2: A Hero in the Making (Continued)
The Trevor family's departure from Smallville seemed like any other farewell to the Kents. Jonathan and Martha waved as the car disappeared into the distance, unaware of the monumental impact their brief visitors would have on the future. Clark, however, couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He had done what he believed was right—he had saved the Trevor family from a plane crash, protecting them from a tragedy that could have cost them their lives. But as he watched them leave, a gnawing doubt began to take root in his mind.
Days turned into weeks, and Clark continued his routine of chores, self-study, and secret training. Yet, the memory of the Trevor family's visit lingered, haunting him at the edges of his thoughts. The SS system had been silent on the matter, and for the most part, Clark was reassured that he had done the right thing. But then, one day, as he doing his daily routines, the SS system unexpectedly chimed in with an alert.
[Clark, I have completed the analysis of the timeline alterations resulting from your intervention.]
The SS system began, its voice devoid of the usual neutrality.
[The effects are significant.]
Clark looked up, his heart pounding. He knew that his actions would have consequences, but hearing the SS system confirm it brought the reality crashing down on him.
[As a result of your decision to save Steve Trevor's parents, the timeline has diverged from its original path,] the SS system continued. [In the original timeline, Steve Trevor's parents perishing in the plane crash would have led him to wash ashore on Themyscira and meet Diana of Themyscira—Wonder Woman. It was this meeting that would set in motion a series of events that shaped not only Steve's life but also Diana's role in the world of men]
But now, that meeting had been prevented.
Clark's breath caught in his throat. He knew what was coming next, but hearing it still sent a chill down his spine.
[In the altered timeline, Steve Trevor grows up with both parents alive, providing him with a stable and loving home environment. Without the tragedy that originally shaped his life, Steve does not feel the same compulsion to serve in the military. Instead, he pursues a career in civil service, focusing on domestic issues rather than international conflicts.]
The SS system paused, allowing Clark to absorb the weight of this revelation. Clark's heart sank as he realized the full extent of what he had done.
[Without his military service, Steve Trevor would never have embarked on the mission that would lead him to Themyscira. As a result, he never meets Diana, and their relationship—both personal and professional—never comes to pass. The alliance between Steve Trevor and Wonder Woman, which played a critical role in numerous events, including the formation of the Justice League, will no longer exist.]
Clark felt a deep sense of regret begin to settle in his chest. The partnership between Steve and Diana was legendary, a cornerstone of the hero community's history. Without it, the world would be missing one of its greatest alliances, one that had saved countless lives and helped shape the future.
[The long-term implications of this altered timeline are difficult to predict with complete accuracy,] the SS system continued, its tone somber.
[However, it is likely that Diana's path as Wonder Woman will be affected. Without Steve Trevor's influence, her integration into the world of mortals may be delayed, or her motivations may shift, leading to unforeseen consequences in global events.]
Clark paused, his heart heavy with the burden of his choice. He had saved lives today—lives that deserved to be saved—but in doing so, he had inadvertently altered the course of history in ways that could ripple out and affect the entire world. The thought of Diana never meeting Steve, of their partnership never forming, filled him with a deep sense of sorrow.
"Is there anything I can do?" Clark asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The SS system was silent for a moment before responding.
[The timeline has already been altered, and the effects are in motion. Attempting to reverse these changes could cause further instability, with potentially even greater consequences. The best course of action is to monitor the situation closely and prepare to mitigate any negative outcomes that may arise.]
Clark nodded slowly, accepting the reality of what had happened. He had made a choice, one that came from a place of compassion and a desire to do good, but the consequences of that choice were now out of his hands. All he could do was move forward, to continue doing what he believed was right, even as the world around him changed in ways he couldn't fully control.
As Clark resumed his daily routines, the sun now dipping below the horizon, he couldn't help but let his mind wander to the idea of Diana—the warrior princess of Themyscira, the future Wonder Woman. The thought of her never meeting Steve Trevor, of their legendary partnership never forming, tugged at his heart. But then, a playful idea popped into his head, lightening the heaviness he'd been feeling.
"Well, if Steve isn't going to meet her, maybe I could fly over to Themyscira myself one day," Clark mused, a small grin spreading across his face. "I mean, someone's got to make sure she knows what's going on in the world, right?"
The thought of soaring across the ocean, flying to the hidden island of the Amazons, and introducing himself to Diana brought a sense of adventure back to his young heart. He could imagine the look on her face when he landed, all cool and confident, maybe even saying something like, "Hey, Diana, how about a flight through the sky to see the world beyond?"
"Of course, I need to figure out this whole flying thing first," Clark thought with a chuckle. But the idea of someday meeting Diana on his own terms, of being the one to forge that connection, filled him with renewed determination. Maybe the timeline had changed, but that didn't mean he couldn't still make a difference. Maybe, just maybe, he'd find a way to bring all the heroes together, even if it was in a slightly different way than the original plan.
With that playful thought keeping his spirits high, Clark quickened his pace toward the farmhouse. The future was still unwritten, and while he had altered one part of it, there were endless possibilities ahead. And who knew? Maybe one day, he'd get to meet Diana of Themyscira after all—on his own terms.
For now, though, there was a lot more to learn and plenty of adventures ahead.