Chapter 1

Escape from Krypton

Off in the distant cosmos was a green light. This place was the most scientifically and politically advanced in the galaxy.

The place's name was Krypton.

Over a course of centuries, this planet became one of the most influential civilizations in the galaxy. Not only did it have superior technological and social achievements, it also had a beautiful landscape that you wouldn't find on any other planet. The red sun burned bright, and the land was inhabited by the most interesting wildlife in the universe. It was the place to be.

If only anyone knew the planet would be so short lived.

It was mid-morning when the last Kryptonian birth happened. He was born to the only two people on Krypton who knew the planet's fate, scientists Jor-El and Lara Lor Van.

This child's name was Kal-El.

Kal-El started to cry along with his parents when he was born. He had black hair like his mother and blue eyes and facial features like his father.

"Kal-El," Jor-El said with pride and sadness.

"It's interesting, knowing we would get to see him grow up if anyone would just listen to us," Lara said as she cradled Kal-El.

"I know," Jor said. "I can remember it as if it were yesterday..."

Eight months ago, Jor-El was standing at the Kryptonian Council, as they waited to hear what he had to say.

"Over the course of billions of years, our planet's core has grown unstable from the buildup of pressure," he started.

"Go on," said the Head of the Council of Krypton rather boringly. He was an older man with grey hair and a black suit.

"What I am saying, is that we only have a few months until this planet ceases to exist, unless we do something about it right now," said Jor-El.

"Most of our experts say we have centuries before we have to worry about that," the Council Head said.

"My readings at first had a hard time picking the exact pressure up," Jor-El said. "And I'm sure that's what's going on with everyone else's devices."

"I see." He gave a slight smirk. "Jor-El, son of one of the greatest scientists ever to live on this planet, and redeemer of the House of El, is making a fool of himself just to get attention-"

"I am not trying to get attention! I'm trying to save Krypton!" Jor-El exclaimed. "And we're all doomed if we don't do something about it right now!"

"We are in the middle of a war between New Genesis and Apokolips. We have to house refugees, not to mention help the Corps," the Council Head continued. "I'm afraid we don't have time for this nonsense."

This is when Jor lost all faith in his planet's leaders. "You'll be sorry you didn't listen to me," he stated. And with that, he left the Kryptonian council, all the way to his home where his wife had just gotten back from an expedition in space. It was then when she said some odd news.

Lara was sitting there, in a white gown, with mixed expressions on her face. Jor noticed.

"Lara, what is wrong?"

"How do I say this?" She started.

"Please, tell me."

She then let out a phrase that no woman on Krypton would think they would have to say. "I'm pregnant."

Jor was confused about this. That word is practically dead. There hasn't been any

recorded "natural" birth on Krypton in years. The law had forbid it, with the purpose being to insure a child's "perfection." The couple had never quite agreed with it before, and they surely didn't right now, either.

He was just silent. She was, as well. What would happen if the Council found out? Well, they knew exactly what would happen. It has happened many times before, which is taking the life of a potential person for no reason other than the possibility of birth defects. That thought didn't please them. Yes, they had wanted to have children since they married, however they weren't quite ready yet. But they weren't prepared to have it ripped out without their consent, either.

"What are we going to do?" Jor asked. Then he remembered something.

"Lara, I'm sorry, but I have some worse news."

She appeared shocked.

"Listen, you know that Krypton, according to my readings, has only about a year left?"

"Yes. How did the meeting at the council go?"

"They didn't listen. I tried, and I will keep trying. But it might be too late."

Time after time Jor-El would go back to the Kryptonian Council, only to get the same answer. It was becoming more and more concerning over time that no one was doing anything about it. Eventually, there came to be one conclusion. He and Lara knew that they would only have a few months left, and with Lara expecting a baby in coming months, they agreed on one thing: they were going to get their son off this planet.

They had spent the previous weeks constructing a space pod about six feet long and four feet wide. This was not easy, as not only did Lara have to stay in their home at all times, they had to be smart as to getting the materials. It was made of some of the strongest metal on Krypton and was soft and cozy on the inside with a feeding tube.

They also decided a planet, the closest one to Krypton with a suitable environment, roughly 150 light years away. They were aware of the risks of sending him to Earth. It was forbidden by galactic law for Kryptonians to live anywhere near a yellow star. But they didn't care. Luckily, Jor-El and Lara were both very educated on warping. There was also a breech not too far away from their planet.

"Will it last until Earth?" Lara asked.

"Yes. It is designed to last for months, but we only need a few weeks," Jor-El replied.

"How long do we have to see him?" asked Lara, still holding Kal-El in her arms as tightly as she could.

"A few hours," he answered. "And we have to hurry." He was about to ask her to help him, but remembered her condition. Exhausted was not a strong enough word.

It was difficult. They didn't have the advanced tools to mount a pod, as they were technically acting outside of Kryptonian law. They only wished they could go with their son.

Hours passed, and the time was near. They were kneeling beside Kal-El, teary-eyed. This was it. This was the last time they would see their son or each other.

"It's funny, isn't it," Lara began. "That one of the top civilizations can crumble so easily? Over one little thing?"

"I know," Jor-El said. Anger was in his next words. "If only they would have listened to me!"

"You can't do anything now."

"We both know that, but-," Jor-El broke off. "But think what would have happened if we could get to know our son…"

They were both nearly crying now. They were running out of time, they needed to say their goodbyes.

"Goodbye my son," Jor-El coughed out. "Our hopes and dreams lie with you."

Lara was now sobbing. She managed to let out "do you think he'll be an outcast on Earth? A freak? They might hurt him."

"How would they? He'll be a god to them."

And with one last glance at their son, they put him in the pod, and pushed the launch button.

The pod had just got past the stratosphere when the ground started to shake.

And so came the end to the planet once known as Krypton.