Sentinel - 2

Clark redressed in his discarded clothes as he sped back to the bus. The Teen Team had followed him close behind. He ignored the comments from Roxie and Callie as he got dressed. The driver was leaning against the bus smoking a cigarette with the suitcase by his side. Clark nodded in thanks to the man before he grabbed his luggage. The driver didn't say anything, he simply snubbed out his cigarette and went into the bus depot.

"You weren't kidding about your first time," Roxie said.

Eve groaned.

"I'm sorry about her," Eve sighed. "She doesn't have a brain-to-mouth filter."

"I've heard worse," Clark laughed.

"Don't encourage her," Eve muttered.

"Do you have a place to stay?" Robot asked.

"Not yet," Clark replied. "I'm going to get an apartment."

"We have a dorm in our headquarters," Robot offered.

"Uh," Clark turned slowly to face them. "You just met me. How do you know I'm not some sort of psycho?"

"I reviewed the security footage in the area," Robot replied. "Your first approach to the Mauler Twins was to deescalate the situation through dialogue."

"And…we'd be your roommates," Callie said, she split into four copies, each of them looked at him like a piece of meat.

Live alone in an overpriced apartment or a free room with a couple of horny superheroines. Not to mention one of which can multiply herself.

"I have many drones around the base as well," Robot added.

Clark scanned over the rest of the ream. Mark would or should meet the Teen Team shortly after getting his powers. That would give him an easy way to keep an eye on the timeline and get some experience along the way.

"I'd appreciate that, thank you," Clark said with a nod at Robot. "I doubt my savings would stretch as far as I expect."

"You can ride behind me," Roxie patted the back of the flying motorcycle she was sitting on.

He thought about it for a moment. Changing into his suit in Classic Superman mode wasn't a good way to keep his identity secret. Flying while in his street clothes wouldn't expose him more than he had already.

"No need," Clark said lifting into the air. "Lead the way."

"We will discuss your abilities once we are secure at the base," Robot said.

Clark followed the Teen Team to their Bridge Headquarters. The place was rather spacious.

"I'll give you the tour," Roxie volunteered.

"One hot guy and suddenly she's helpful," Kate rolled her eyes.

"I'm always helpful," Roxie yelled back.

"You haven't done any of your chores," Kate-2 yelled.

She had split at some point. The numbers on her suit were the best way to keep track of her. It did make him wonder about how her powers worked. Those were thoughts for another day.

"What chores?" Roxie asked as she pulled off her helmet.

She had shoulder length, dark red hair, green eyes, and olive skin. Clark had to admit that she was attractive. Roxie met his eyes as she stripped off her jacket. She wore a tight yellow tank-top underneath without a bra. It wasn't transparent, but it didn't leave much to the imagination. Eve and Kate shook their heads at the display.

"Oops," Roxie said in a faux-innocent tone. "I forgot I wasn't wearing a bra."

"Doubtful," Robot chimed in.

Clark chuckled.

"Now that we are secure," Robot stepped between him and the others. "Are you comfortable to discuss your abilities."

"Sure," Clark shrugged. "Enhanced strength, speed, and flight."

He would keep the x-ray and heat vision to myself for now. The freezing breath and the fact that he didn't need to eat, sleep, or breath as well.

"Are you Omni-Man's son?" Roxie asked.

"Not that I know of," Clark laughed.

"Homelander?" Roxie asked again.

"No," Clark shuddered.

"You're not a fan?" Kate asked.

"Something is off about him," he shook his head. "Most of the Seven actually."

Clark had kept an eye on the news just in case his knowledge of the timeline wasn't as solid as he had thought. The Seven made an appearance almost every week. Their smiles were always picture-perfect with Homelander in the front. Starlight hadn't joined the team yet. Compound V in this world would mean more supers around the country and eventually the world. Omni-Man was going to have his work cut out for him taking down all of the heroes.

"Have you ever met them?" Kate asked.

Clark shook his head.

"I chose Chicago, not New York," he replied.

"We're glad you're here," Roxie winked at him. "Now, about that tour?"

"Lead the way," Clark motioned for her to do just that.

"This is the launch pad," Roxie waved at the area the team were currently standing. "Follow me to the real base."

Clark stayed a step behind her along the way.

"TV room, dining room, kitchen," Roxie said quickly as she led him through the open areas.

He wouldn't have had enough time to look around if not for his speed-enhanced cognitive abilities. The TV room had a large TV that looked like Robot made it, there were also a few different game systems connected to it and a big, comfy couch across from it was flanked by a couple of love-seats. There were also a couple of forgotten cups and plates scattered around. The dining room was nicely sized table that didn't look like it got used all that much. Unlike the other rooms, the kitchen was immaculate. It would have fit perfectly in a high-quality restaurant. These looked to be Robot-made just like the TV.

"These are the dorms," Roxie motioned to the cluster of rooms.

There were two rows of five rooms.

"We only have one bathroom," Roxie said as she continued to the end of the hall. "Nice big showers too."

She paused in front of a door and stepped inside. Clark followed without thinking to find they were in a messy bedroom. There street clothes scattered around the floor and another costume hanging on the wall.

"This," Roxie stretched out on her bed, arching her back to show off. "Is my room."

She kicked off her boots and unbuttoned her pants all the while maintaining eye-contact.

"I'm not that easy," Clark shook his head.

"Why not?" She snapped. "I'm hot."

"Yeah, you are," he agreed. "But if we're going to be living in the same place and working together we need to see if we can stand each other."

"I'm not asking you to marry me," she scoffed. "Just getting busy."

"Give it a few days," Clark said. "Then we can see if we're friends with benefits, or if we're working out frustrations."

"Three days," Roxie asked. "I call dibs."

"Dibs?" He cocked his head to the side.

"Yeah, I call dibs," she hopped off her bed and shimmied out of her pants. "We fuck before you go for any of those bitches out there."

Clark took a moment to appreciate her bare legs. Fighting crime kept her in good shape. Her legs were amazing. The small panties she wore barely covered the curve of her ass.

"You're fine if I sleep with other women?" Clark asked.

"I'm not asking you to go steady," Roxie laughed. "Go pick a room. I need a shower." She paused. "Unless you want to join me?"

He shook his head.

"I called dibs!" Roxie yelled as she stepped out into the hall.

"You can't call dibs on a person!" Callie yelled back.

"I just did!" Roxie didn't bother to stop walking.

The bathroom door slammed shut behind her, ending the conversation. Clark stepped into the hallway after her. A quick flick of X-Ray vision told him that the rooms on either side of Roxie's were empty. The two directly across were taken. Considering her name was Boomer, it was easy to see why she didn't have neighbors.

The other three rooms were empty. It didn't look like Robot had one.

"Do you have rooms?" Clark asked from down the hall.

"I live with my parents," Eve replied.

"Callie and I are in the rooms across the hall," Kate answered.

"I do not require sleep," Robot said once the others spoke.

Clark shrugged. He'd rather not share a wall with someone who had the power to make things explode whenever they wanted.

"I'll take this one," Clark motioned to the open room on the same side as the twins.

The room was right at the entry to the hall. That way he didn't have to listen to the sounds of the bathroom all day. He opened the door to find a bed that looked like it belonged in an asylum and nothing else. There was a closet, which unpacked his couple of outfits and then put his suitcase at the bottom. He'd find somewhere to put his money later.

"Apologies for the furnishings," Robot said once he had rejoined the others. "The drones will construct new items at your request."

"Drones?" Clark asked.

A cluster of blocky drones flew out from a few different angles. What he had thought were vents were in fact little charging cubbies.

"Nice," he said with an appreciative nod.

"The drones will show you the catalogue of available furnishings," Robot explained. "They may require some resources depending on your requests."

"I can give you cash to buy some," Clark said. "Or gather whatever if it's easier."

"They will inform you if it is required," Robot answered.

"I've got to get going," Eve said with a sigh. "Call me if you need me."

~

Clark decided to sleep in his new room. The bed probably wasn't the most comfortable, but he didn't really feel it. He could probably sleep on a slap of lava and get as much rest. Being a Kryptonian was a great boon. Though getting as much sun as possible was still a good idea. Training as well. He needed to get as much power as he could before Omni-Man decided to go all Homicidal Alien Conqueror on the world and report to the other Viltrumites.

He made his way to the shower. It was separated into stalls similar to a gym, but it belonged in a high-quality establishment. Technically, he didn't sweat, but a shower was always a good way to start the day. The sensations of heat, cold, comfort, and all that were certainly interesting as a Kryptonian. Up to a point, everything felt normal, but then it just mellowed out when things became too uncomfortable the sensations would just mellow out. Except for getting hit, those were simply muted. A punch from the Mauler Twins felt like getting hit with a firm pillow.

It was tempting to laze in the shower until one of the ladies came in, but he didn't want to do that just yet. He had turned down Roxie, it wouldn't do to immediately bang Kate or Callie the next day. That would hurt anyone.

Clark slipped out of the base dressed only in a pair of boxers. The sun dried him off as well helped add to his energy reserves. Thankfully, he didn't lose power during the night. It wasn't like charging a battery like it felt in Arizona. He returned to the base once he was dried off.

"Sentinel," Robot greeted him. "There are towels available."

"Thanks, but I enjoy the sun," Clark replied. "And you can call me Clark when I'm not wearing my suit."

"I prefer to keep to codenames to avoid a mistake in the heat of battle," Robot replied.

"I didn't think you made mistakes," he teased.

"Contrary to appearances, I am human," Robot said.

"I'm sorry," Clark inclined his head. "That was rude of me. Is that a suit of armor then?"

"No," Robot answered but offered no further information.

"A drone?" Clark guessed.

"Correct," Robot answered.

In the comics and show, Robot was actually a deformed human with super-intelligence and was currently living in a vat of fluid. Clark wasn't sure how close that was to the truth now. Robot used Rex Splode as a DNA template for a cloned body. That probably wouldn't happen unless this Robot wanted to be a female.

Clark found himself studying the drone. He could see the genius in the construction, but also little pieces that could be improved. Not only that, he could easily come up with a variety of methods to apply these upgrades. Maybe his brain came with a Kryptonian database? That technology was leagues ahead of Earth.

It was tempting to suggest the upgrade, but in the original storyline Robot wasn't exactly as heroic as they projected. Clark would keep those weaknesses to himself in case he needed them at a later date. Stopping Omni-Man from reporting to the Viltrumite Empire would change the timeline even more than it already had been.

"Do you have a training room?" Clark asked.

"Yes," Robot replied.

A piece of the wall nearby slid open to reveal a standard looking work-out room.

"The equipment is adjusted for superhuman use," Robot read the skepticism in his posture.

Clark took another look at the place. The weight machines didn't have plates, instead it looked like the bars were attached to a hydraulic press.

"Currently," Robot continued. "The team did not have a member with enhanced strength until you joined. I have been using the machines to stress test my drones. Eve has also uses them to train her constructs. The pressure can be set to increase steadily until you find your target for optimal growth."

"Nice," he nodded. "I'll check it out later. I'm going to explore the city a bit."

"I constructed a communication device for your use," Robot motioned to a little ear-bud on the console next to him.

"Thanks," Clark picked up the little nugget and popped it in his ear.

He felt it wiggle a little before settling into place. Clark hopped into the air and spun around just to check the fit. He gave Robot a thumbs-up once he stopped.

"Where are you going?" Kate asked as she stepped out into the living area. "Whoa."

It was easier than expected to tell the two apart. Kate and Callie were twins, but they had different hairstyles. Callie also had a little freckle above her left eyebrow. Kate kept her hair in a bob while Callie had shoulder-length with an undercut.

Kate wore simple street clothes. It made him realize he was still in his boxers. His eyes went wide, then ran to his room. He returned a moment later properly dressed in a pair of gray slacks and a white button-up shirt. His glasses and an adjustment to his posture completed the look.

"What's with the business casual?" Kate asked.

"Secret identity," Clark replied with a small shrug and a blush.

"Why would you need one?" Callie asked as she joined them.

"Privacy," Clark replied. "I'm going out."

"I'll join you," Kate said. "Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Nope," he shook his head. "You said something about a chore chart yesterday. I didn't want to make a mess for someone."

"I will add you to the rotation," Robot said.

Getting out of the headquarters and onto the street was easier than expected. It made sense considering most of the team couldn't fly. Kate led him outside and along the bridge. No one seemed to notice then enter.

"No one cares," Kate chuckled at his confusion.

"I guess," Clark muttered. "Do you know somewhere to get food?"

"Yeah," she nodded. "There's a couple of good places nearby."

"My treat," Clark said.

"For all of us?" Kate smiled at him as she split into a few copies.

"Uh," Clark did some mental math with the rest of the cash he had left. "I guess."

"I'm just kidding," Kate laughed as the group joined back into one person.

"Thanks," he sighed. "I don't think I have enough for all of you."

"No, you don't," she chuckled.

"How many 'you' can you make?" He asked.

"Comfortably, about sixty," she said. "If I push it, a hundred, but it gets confusing. I'm all of them, they are all me, but we're also each ourselves. Around ninety everything starts to overlap. Too many eyes, too many ears, and all that."

Clark nodded. He didn't know what else to say.

"So, did you have sex with Roxie?" Kate asked.

"What?" Clark almost tripped. "No."

"My sister?" She asked.

"No!" Clark repeated.

"Oh, you've got a thing for redheads?" Kate said.

"Huh?" He thought for a moment. "Oh, Eve. No, not her either."

"You're gay?" Kate asked.

"No," he sighed. "We just met. This is the first conversation we've had."

"You're not one of those 'save it to marriage' types, are you?" Kate chuckled.

"No," he laughed. "I want to know I can stand a person before I have sex with them. Not like we'd have to date, but a friends-with-benefits situation is what I'm aiming for. Friend being the key word."

"I guess that makes sense," Kate shrugged.