DC Universe Earth-2609th
1997, Kent's Farm
The Kent Farm had always been a symbol of hard work and humility, where the values of family and perseverance were cultivated alongside the crops. But by 1997, it had become something much more—thanks to the quiet, yet transformative efforts of Clark Kent. With the creation of Homelander, an AI built in 1996, the farm underwent changes that no one outside the family could ever imagine.
On the surface, the Kent Farm looked the same: quaint, with its red barn, wooden fences, and sprawling fields. But beneath this familiar exterior, a revolution was taking place.
Guided by SS and his rapidly developing intellect, Clark began replacing the farm's electrical appliances with advanced Kryptonian technology. These gadgets, controlled by Homelander, were disguised to look like ordinary Earth appliances, ensuring no one suspected the true nature of the farm's operations.
One morning, Martha brewed coffee in what seemed like an ordinary machine, smiling as it hummed softly, perfectly adjusting the strength of the brew to her liking. She poured a cup for Jonathan, who sat at the kitchen table, reviewing projected crop yields on what looked like a simple tablet but was, in fact, an advanced Kryptonian device.
"Looks like another good day," Jonathan remarked, satisfied. "The corn's looking great, and the wheat's shaping up to be our best crop yet."
Martha nodded, sipping her coffee. "It's incredible how far we've come, Jon. I never thought we'd see yields like this."
Even the family vehicles, though outwardly simple, were retrofitted with far superior technology. Jonathan's old pickup truck still looked like the reliable vehicle it had always been. However, under the hood, Clark had replaced the conventional engine with a silent, efficient Kryptonian power source, allowing it to run indefinitely without fuel. Its enhanced suspension made it a smooth ride, even on rough terrain.
One afternoon, as Jonathan loaded hay into the truck, he noted how effortlessly it handled the weight. "Clark, this truck feels brand new. Did you do something to it?" he asked, only half-joking.
Clark grinned, leaning against the truck. "Just a few tweaks, Dad. Figured it deserved an upgrade after all these years."
The Kents' tractor had also undergone a transformation. Though it still looked like a standard farm vehicle, it now featured automated steering, soil sensors, and precision tools, all designed by Clark to meet the farm's exact needs. Every inch of the land was cultivated with near-perfect efficiency.
Clark had always been fascinated by transforming vehicles, inspired by the Transformers movies he'd watched as a child. The idea of turning their trucks and tractors into advanced, adaptable machines that could change shape was exhilarating. But the materials and technology he had on hand weren't advanced enough for such a project—yet. For now, the vehicles would remain subtly enhanced, but his vision for the future lingered in the back of his mind.
Later that day, Jonathan and Clark walked the fields, discussing the newly installed irrigation systems. Clark pointed out the nearly invisible sensors in the soil that monitored moisture levels and adjusted water flow automatically.
"It's all about balance," Clark explained thoughtfully. "We give the crops exactly what they need—no more, no less. It's the most efficient way to farm and ensures we don't waste a drop of water."
Jonathan nodded, impressed by his son's insight.
The farm's entire system had evolved under Clark's guidance. Applying advanced knowledge from SS and countless simulations, he optimized every aspect of production. Automated irrigation, enhanced soil treatment, and precision farming were all in place, turning the Kent Farm into a model of innovation. Crop yields soared, catching the attention of neighboring farmers who marveled at the Kent's success.
Despite the technology driving the farm's prosperity, the Kents stayed true to their roots. Martha still insisted on preparing meals from scratch, using produce they harvested from their now-thriving garden. One evening, as she prepared dinner with fresh vegetables, she reflected on how much easier life had become.
"Remember when we used to struggle just to make it through the season?" she asked Jonathan, slicing tomatoes.
Jonathan chuckled, placing a hand on her shoulder. "We've come a long way, but some things never change. This farm is still our home, no matter how much it's grown."
The changes weren't limited to the farm's operations. Clark took meticulous care of his parents' health, using Kryptonian medical technology to monitor and enhance their well-being. Martha's pregnancy, a source of joy and concern, was closely watched. Clark ensured every precaution was taken, supporting her at every stage. Jonathan, too, benefited, his vitality renewed as he continued working the land he loved.
One evening, after a long day in the fields, Clark checked on his parents' health using the discreet medical scanner he had integrated into the farmhouse. Martha sat on the couch, smiling as the device confirmed her pregnancy was progressing perfectly.
"Everything looks great, Mom," Clark said, relief evident in his voice.
Martha reached for his hand, her eyes full of gratitude. "I couldn't do this without you, Clark. You've given us so much."
Beyond their physical well-being, Clark guided his parents through an accelerated education in business and farm management. Using the simulation room, he provided them with experiences that would have taken years to acquire in real life. Martha and Jonathan learned to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, finance, and commerce, preparing them to manage their increasingly prosperous farm.
During one session, Martha and Jonathan found themselves in a simulated boardroom, negotiating with a major agricultural supplier. The simulation was so lifelike they almost forgot it wasn't real. The skills they gained through these exercises gave them the confidence to handle any real-world situation.
When the simulation ended, Jonathan turned to Clark with a grin. "If we'd had this kind of training twenty years ago, we'd be running the whole county by now!"
The transformation of the Kent Farm was a testament to Clark's abilities and his deep love for his family. While the outside world remained unaware of the extraordinary changes taking place in this quiet corner of Kansas, the Kents were rising—quietly, steadily, and with purpose.
That evening, as the family sat down for dinner, Martha served plates of fresh, vibrant produce—the fruits of their labor, literally and figuratively. They laughed and talked about the day's events, the warmth of their home surrounding them. For the Kents, life had never been better.
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In the past, the Ross family farm, like many others in Smallville, faced its share of hardships. Pete Ross's parents worked tirelessly, but the yields were often disappointing. Unpredictable weather, pests, and outdated farming techniques left them constantly on the brink of financial ruin. It was a familiar story in the town—families working from dawn to dusk, only to see their efforts barely meet their needs.
Clark remembered visiting Pete's farm as a child, seeing the worry etched on Mr. and Mrs. Ross's faces. They often spoke of the challenges in keeping the farm afloat—constant repairs and the fear that one bad season could cost them everything. Many of Clark's classmates from farming families shared similar stories. Exhausted children would arrive at school after early mornings spent working the fields, their futures uncertain as their families struggled to make ends meet.
Another example was Lana Lang's aunt, Nell Potter, who ran a small flower shop in town. The shop had been a source of pride for Nell, but the past few years had been tough. The flowers often struggled against the harsh Kansas climate, and despite her best efforts, the business barely broke even. Lana would sometimes help out after school, watching her aunt fight to keep the shop afloat, worried they might have to close for good.
But now, in 1997, a transformation was sweeping through Smallville's farms and businesses. With the Kents' guidance and the advanced agricultural techniques Clark had developed, once-struggling farms were beginning to thrive. The Ross family farm was unrecognizable from its former state. Where fields had once struggled to produce, now lush, green expanses flourished with abundant crops.
Clark discreetly shared his knowledge, helping farmers improve soil quality, implement efficient irrigation systems, and adopt crop rotation strategies that maximized yields. He introduced them to techniques combining the best of Earth's agricultural practices with his unique insights, all while keeping Kryptonian technology hidden. The changes were subtle but effective—advanced fertilizers, natural pest control, and innovative planting techniques revitalized the land.
Mr. Ross marveled at the transformation. "It's like the land's been given a new life," he remarked, standing with Clark and Jonathan in the middle of a thriving cornfield. "We've never seen yields like this before. And it's not just our farm—everyone's seeing the same results. Smallville's becoming a model of what farming can be."
Clark smiled, pleased to see the results of his efforts. "It's all about working with the land, not against it," he explained. "We've found ways to make the most of what we have, and it's paying off."
Nell Potter's flower shop also experienced a revival. With Clark's help, Nell adopted new techniques for growing her flowers, ensuring they thrived despite Kansas's challenging climate. Clark suggested new methods for cultivating the soil and managing the greenhouse temperature, dramatically improving the flowers' quality and quantity. Soon, Nell's shop became the go-to place for fresh, vibrant flowers, attracting customers from neighboring towns and boosting her business beyond what she had imagined.
Lana noticed the change too. "Aunt Nell, the shop looks amazing! The flowers are so beautiful," Lana said one day while helping her arrange a delivery of roses.
Nell beamed with pride. "It's all thanks to the new techniques we've been using. I don't know what we would've done without them. The business is finally turning a profit, Lana, and I think we're going to be just fine."
The impact of these changes rippled through the community. Families like the Rosses and Lana's found themselves in positions of prosperity. Farms that had been on the brink of collapse were now thriving, and the mood in the town shifted from one of worry to cautious optimism.
As the success of these farms and businesses grew, so did the Kents' vision for the future. Clark, Jonathan, and Martha had always believed in the power of community, and now, it was clear that the time had come to take the next step in building something even greater.
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Kent's Living Room
One afternoon, Martha set out coffee while Jonathan brought extra chairs into the living room, preparing for their guests. The atmosphere buzzed with quiet anticipation as their friends began to arrive—Pete Ross's parents, the Langs, Nell Potter, and a few other key families from Smallville. Everyone sensed something important was about to happen, though the details had been kept under wraps.
Clark, now 11 years old, sat quietly in the corner of the room, his eyes wide with a mix of excitement and curiosity. Though he had the mind of an adult, Clark preferred to act childish in front of everyone except his parents. Today, he was content to let them take the lead, offering help where needed, and watching intently.
Once everyone settled, Jonathan stood up, clearing his throat. "First off, I want to thank you all for coming today," he began, his voice warm and sincere, qualities everyone in the room respected.
"We've all been through a lot together," he continued. "We've seen how strong this community is when we come together to help each other out. That's what makes Smallville special—it's the people."
Martha smiled warmly at their gathered friends. "We've been working on something that we believe can take that spirit of cooperation and turn it into something even bigger—something that will benefit all of us, not just today, but for generations to come."
Clark glanced up from the papers he was organizing, giving his parents a small, encouraging smile. He was proud of the work they'd done and ready to help in any way they needed.
Jonathan continued, addressing the question on everyone's mind. "Now, to be clear—Martha, Clark, and I will be maintaining the majority of the shares. We believe that's important to ensure the company stays true to its original mission and values. But we also want to make sure that everyone here has a stake in what we're building. This isn't just about making money; it's about ensuring Smallville continues to thrive long into the future."
Pete Ross's father raised his hand. "What exactly would being a shareholder involve? We've never done anything like this before."
Martha leaned forward, her tone reassuring. "Being a shareholder means you'd have a financial stake in the company's success. We'll be using the initial investment to expand operations, bring in new technologies, and help other farms and businesses improve productivity. As the company grows, so does your investment. But beyond that, it also means having a say in how the company is run. We want this to be a partnership, with input from everyone involved."
Nell Potter, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. "And what about the risk? Starting a new company is always risky, especially in a small town like Smallville."
Jonathan nodded, acknowledging her concern. "You're right, Nell, there's always some risk involved. But we've spent a lot of time planning, considering every possible scenario. We've also put safety measures in place to protect everyone's investment. The way we see it, this is an opportunity for all of us to come together and create something that benefits the entire community."
Lana's aunt, Nell, nodded thoughtfully before speaking again. "If this helps keep our businesses running and our farms producing, then I think it's worth the risk."
One by one, the others began to nod in agreement. The initial hesitation was replaced by growing enthusiasm. The idea of uniting to achieve more than any one farm or business could accomplish on its own was captivating. The Kents' vision was inspiring, sparking hope in the room.
Clark stood and handed out documents outlining the proposal, including details of the share distribution and how the company would be managed.
"Take your time to look this over," Martha said. "We want you to feel comfortable with the decision. This is about more than just business—it's about our future, and we want you all to be part of it."
As their friends began to read through the documents, the Kents exchanged satisfied glances. The establishment of Smallville Agriculture was more than a business venture—it was the realization of a shared dream.
The Kents had laid the groundwork for something extraordinary. Now, with the support of their friends and neighbors, they were ready to take the next step.
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