"Don't not understand? Krypton's core is collapsing!", an angry Jor-El proclaimed to the Kandorian High Council, "We may only have a matter of weeks. I warned you all, that harvesting the core was suicide. It's accelerated the process of implosion!" The council members muttered among themselves, before Thara Ak-Var spoke, "What would you have us do, Jor-El? " Jor-El shook his head and replied, "Look to the stars, as our ancestors did. There's an entire galaxy out there with habitable worlds. We can begin by using the old outposts; contact the Republic for assistance if we have to." Jul-Us scoffed and said, "Krypton has not had social relations with the Galactic Republic for years, Jor-El. They may have even forgotten our existence, for all we know." Jor-El thought for a moment and then asked, "But were there not treaties and amendments made when Krypton chose to become part of the Republic?", then looking to see his brother, Zor-El, who was seated among the council, continued, "Zor-El, you served as senator for Krypton, for Rao's sake!"
Zor-El shook his head and answered, "Brother, those amendments were abolished when Chancellor Valorum took power. We're all we have in this crisis." Jor-El sighed in frustration, but pressed on, "I'm begging all of you. Let me give control of the Codex over to Brainiac. He and I will ensure the survival of our race. There is still hope." The council once again deliberated among themselves before Zor-El delivered the final verdict of, "I'm sorry, Jor-El. But we will not grant you, or the Brain InterActive Construct, the Codex. There is simply not enough evidence to support your claims. This meeting is adjourned." As the Kandorian High Council stood to take their leave, Jor-El huffed and stomped out of the council chambers. Zor-El chased after his brother and calling his name; not expecting Jor-El to whirl around angrily and snarl, "What do you want, brother? Have you come to gloat?" Zor-El was taken aback by this, but nonetheless stated, "Of course not, Jor. I'm on your side in this." Jor-El was surprised by this and asked, "You are?" "Yes.", replied Zor-El, "Just because I delivered the final verdict, doesn't mean I disagree with you. Krypton is in danger and we must act now."
Before Jor-El could respond, a buzzing noise could be heard from the device attached to his belt; it was Brainiac, alerting Jor-El to his desire to communicate. Jor-El turned on the communicator and it hummed to life, revealing the three-circled, line-connected symbol of Brainiac. "Greetings, Jor-El", came Brainiac's monotone, robotic voice, "I trust all is well? How was the meeting with the Kandorian High Council? Productive?" Jor-El rolled his eyes and said, "Stop stalling, Brainiac. You contacted me. Now, is there something you wanted to tell me?" Brainiac responded with, "Yes, actually there is. Your wife, Lara Lor-Van, has gone into labor. She is well underway and, by my calculations, your boy-child is to be expected in approximately one hour. I would advise you and Counciler Zor-El make your time useful by finding the most punctual route to Argo Medical Facilities as soon as possible."
Without further delay, the two patriarchs of the House of El called to their H'Raka mounts, Dax and Ur, who flew with four wings to the Kandorian High Council Building's landing strip. Jor-El and Zor-El climbed aboard and ordered Dax and Ur to kick off from the ground and fly them to Argo Medical Facilities, where they would hopefully see the long-awaited arrival of Jor-El's heir.
Lara Lor-Van, wife of Jor-El, was in agony; delivering a child was more painful than she could have predicted. Kelex and Kelor, the robotic cephalopod-like aides to her and her husband, had volunteered to be the overseers of the delivery. "JOR!", screamed Lara Lor-Van, "YOU DID THIS TO ME! GET IN HERE NOW!" Well, Jor-El and Zor-El had arrived right on time, as they both burst through the doors to the birthing room. "I'm here, Lara! I'm he-", but he had no time to finish his exclamation as Lara had grabbed him by his collar and said, "HOLD MY HAND, YOU KLORBAG VARBLERNELK!" Zor-El chuckled from behind his brother and said, "Cursing in Tamaranian, Lara? How classy." Jor-El grimaced through the death grip that his wife had on his hand and said, "Not now, Zor!"
Kelor emerged from underneath Lara Lor-Van's spread legs and said, "One more push, Lady Lara. You can do it." Lara Lor-Van gave one last grunt of effort and, a moment later, a healthy newborn infant's cries could be heard. "Lara, my beloved.", said Jor-El, "You've done it. Our son is here." Zor-El looked on proudly from where he stood and asked, "Have the two of you chosen a name for him yet?" Lara, with tears running down, spoke out, "Kal. His name is Kal." Jor-El nodded and added, "Kal-El. Our little Kal-El." Zor-El nodded and replied, "Krypton's first natural birth in centuries. He is a special one indeed." Jor-El spoke, with passion in his voice, "Yes, brother. He is special. He is the future. The hope of all our futures. That Krypton will see another tomorrow. Lara and I hope that someday, he will have the courage to be the man of tomorrow."
Next Time: Imminent Disaster